March is Women’s History Month, and we’re shining a light on the amazing women who play an important role in the masonry industry!

Here’s a look at a few of the women who belong to the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers and are making a big impact on the trowel trades.

Mya Bell, BAC Local 5 Pennsylvania

Mya Bell, 19, who is enrolled in PCC training at the John J. Flynn BAC/IMI International Training Center, got into the masonry field as a high school student, studying the craft at her local technical school.

She said she was drawn to the physical, hands-on work and knowing that the buildings she would help construct would stand for many years.

One of her teachers encouraged her and let her know that joining the union was the best path forward when it comes to expanding her skills and growing as a mason.

“I just want to be the best version of myself that I can be,” she said.

Confidence is key to thriving in a male-dominated field, Mya added.

“If you know you can do the work, don’t be afraid,” she said.

Michele Riley, BAC Local 2 Michigan

Journeyperson Michele Riley has worked as a bricklayer since 2000 after a previous stint as a UPS driver.

“I never thought I would be working as a bricklayer, but I love being outside and I love working with different people,” Riley said.

One of her favorite projects from over the years was Michigan Central Station, where she served as a foreman for about three years, working to repair a building she said she saw “crumbling in front of my eyes my entire life.”

“Now that I look back, it is very rewarding to see all the work that all of us have done inside and out. I feel very proud to say that I was part of that,” she said.

Her advice to women in the trowel trades is to be yourself and find your people.

“Don’t be afraid to connect with other women in the trades or even find a supportive male mentor to guide you through the challenges. I had a mostly male mentors,” Riley said. “Be true to yourself. You do not need to act like one of the guys to fit in. Being genuine earns respect.”

Kacey Brett Mertz, BAC Local 3 California

Third generation bricklayer Kacey Brett Mertz always knew she would one day take over her family business, SW Mertz Masonry Specialists.

She grew up going to the office with her dad, Stanley Mertz, who she calls "my best friend.” Everyone who worked there was like her extended family, and many of them were also third generation employees.

Stanley Mertz passed away late last year, and Kacey Mertz is currently in the process of following in his path to take over the business.

A BAC member since 2022, Mertz, 37, worked for the business in high school and during breaks from college. She also worked there off and on after college, both in the office and in the field. She’s been there full-time for the last 6 years as the office manager and safety officer, handling duties like employee hiring, payroll, billing, supply orders, and estimates. Field work is still what she loves most.

“It’s hard work, but I like working with my hands,” Mertz said. “I like being able to see the finished product.”

Her eventual goal is to get back out in the field and supervise, visiting job sites weekly.

She reminds women who work in the industry that every wall they face can ultimately become a foundation.

“Build with purpose, lead with heart, and never quit,” Mertz said.

Madelynn Bryant, BAC Local 4 Wisconsin

Madelynn Bryant, 19, is already taking the trowel trades by storm, coming in 2nd place in the restoration/PCC category last year at the BAC/IMI International Apprentice Contest (IAC).

“I was super nervous,” Bryant said with a laugh. “But if I could do it again, I would. I would just concentrate more on having fun!”

She said she got into masonry simply because she needed a job—but she stayed because she liked the variety of work.

“I like all the different things we do, and I like being outside,” she said.

She tells other women who are interested in the trowel trades as a career path to “just do it.”

“I’m always learning,” she said. “I work with people who have been doing this for 30 years and they are still finding new things to learn.”