In the housing and construction industry, women have long been pushed to the sidelines—but that reality is fortunately shifting. In fact, the percentage of women in construction has steadily increased in recent years, jumping from approximately 9% of the construction workforce in 2015 to nearly 12% in 2025, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Here in Minnesota, that number is even higher, with women currently representing more than 13% of the industry.
Across the Twin Cities and especially within Housing First Minnesota, women are leading at every level—from building and remodeling to specialty trades, marketing, and manufacturing. Here, we highlight just a few of the trailblazing women shaping today’s design-build community through their craft, leadership, and vision for the future.
Small, Yet Mighty
Sunny Bowman, President & CEO, Dakota County Lumber Company
President, Housing First Minnesota Foundation
A second-generation family business owner, Sunny Bowman never imagined her path would eventually lead her right back home. After college, she moved to Charleston, SC, where she founded a professional organizing company—an experience that shaped her as a leader and entrepreneur. But a shift in perspective brought her back to the family business. “I had a change of heart after running my own business for a few years and realizing the impact I could have on our employees and their families if I returned,” she explains. “I took over for my dad at age 25, and rather than look down on me because of my age or gender, [the team] welcomed me with support and enthusiasm for the fresh perspective I brought to the industry.”
As the CEO (aka “Chief Everything Officer”), Bowman sets the company’s vision, guides strategy, nurtures relationships, and carries the culture. Still, she’s quick to credit the team behind her. Their shared commitment, she says, is what makes the company strong. “What’s most rewarding to me about leading a business in a male-dominated industry is that I’m able to add visibility around what’s possible for women in housing and construction,” she says. “More diversity in this industry adds so much depth to our conversations and brings new energy and ideas that will continue to move us forward.”
Building a Brand
Malorie Drugg, Vice President of Marketing, Marvin
Member At-Large (Executive Board), Housing First Minnesota
Storytelling is the foundation of Malorie Drugg’s marketing career—and the driving force behind her growth within the building industry. She began her professional journey 20 years ago in the construction equipment sector, holding a variety of marketing roles that shaped her understanding of how people interact with the built environment. “I’ve always been curious,” she says, “and early on, I learned the power of listening—understanding what customers value and translating that into meaningful experiences.” That principle continues to guide her work today, where she connects homeowners, builders, and architects with solutions that enhance the way people live.
Marvin, a company known for its deep roots and forward-thinking mindset, shares that sense of purpose, which Drugg helps elevate every day. She says, “I spend time thinking about both the big picture—where the industry is headed and our long-range strategic planning—and the details that make our brand memorable.” As a woman leader in the field, Drugg hopes to leave a legacy defined by collaboration, creativity, and a commitment to innovation while honoring the history that makes the industry so special. “I’m motivated by the impact our work has on real lives,” she adds. “Windows and doors may be seen as just products to some, but they shape how people experience light, space, and connection.”
Behind the Curtain
Jennifer McAlpin, Founder & Lead Strategist, McAlpin Marketing
Member At-Large (Executive Board), Housing First Minnesota
For Jennifer McAlpin, founder of McAlpin Marketing, the love of home design started early. By the time she was 34, she had already built four homes of her own—a passion that naturally aligned with her transition into the design-build world in 2004 through a sales and marketing role at Midwest Home (now Midwest Design). “After years of serving clients through Midwest Home, several of them began asking for help beyond their marketing with the magazine,” McAlpin says. “It became clear there was a real need—and an opportunity—for a more hands-on, holistic marketing partner in the housing and construction space.”
That realization became the foundation of her firm, now a full-service operation serving both B2C and B2B audiences. “I approach storytelling with the understanding that today’s audiences—whether high-end consumers or industry professionals—expect authenticity, relevance, and high-quality content,” she explains. By staying closely connected to both emerging marketing trends and the evolving housing landscape, McAlpin brings a rare dual perspective that has solidified her firm as a go-to resource for builders, remodelers, designers, and other industry professionals. Even after two decades in the field, it’s the relationships she has formed—and the community surrounding them—that keep her inspired.
Breaking Barriers
Rebecca Remick, President & Owner, City Homes, LLC
Member At-Large (Executive Board), Housing First Minnesota
Rebecca Remick’s professional journey has been far from linear. In fact, it began in the world of health care, where she managed multiple clinics across Minneapolis—but her thirst for entrepreneurship was simply not being quenched. Fast forward to the early 2000s, when opportunities in land and labor were booming. It was then she discovered her fascination with how homes shape the way we live. “I decided to take the leap and remodel/build a spec home in Minneapolis’ Bryn Mawr neighborhood,” she recalls of her first foray in the industry. “The decision to found City Homes was born of my desire to run my own firm, combined with the timing of the recession when land and construction costs aligned.”
Since establishing City Homes in 2009, Remick has steadily grown the company’s reputation for sustainability, creativity, and process excellence. As a woman in a male-dominated space, the climb to prove her credibility wasn’t always easy, but as she says, “When people see you’re fair, capable, and committed to excellence, barriers begin to dissolve.” To this day, Remick is dedicated to building on that legacy—crafting homes that are beautiful, functional, and lasting. She adds, “I’m proud to lead a company that not only delivers beautiful homes but also empowers the people who build them.”
Driven by Vision
Jamie Tharp, Division President, Pulte Homes of Minnesota, LLC
Builder Vice President (Executive Board), Housing First Minnesota
Jamie Tharp’s story is one defined by growth, change, and determination. Growing up in the building materials industry, she developed an early fascination with the complexities of home construction—and a deep appreciation for the ways housing can shape people’s lives. With a desire to pursue a purposeful career, she joined Pulte Homes of Minnesota, LLC as a sales and marketing intern during her senior year of college. Today, she serves as division president—proof of the impact she has made within the company. “Pulte’s people-focused culture and commitment to teamwork and integrity resonated strongly with my personal values,” she says. “It was the perfect environment for me and was instrumental in shaping the trajectory of my career.”
In her current role, Tharp oversees everything from daily operations to long-term strategic planning. “Some days I’m in the office, other times I’m exploring land investment opportunities or walking product while touring new communities,” she explains. “New challenges arise constantly, so it’s never dull.” Those challenges—paired with Pulte’s talented, collaborative team—are exactly what keep Tharp inspired. And while no two days look exactly the same, one thing remains constant: Her work plays a direct role in shaping communities, opening opportunities, and offering families a place to call home.
