In industries historically dominated by men, breaking in requires more than just talent—it demands resilience, innovation, and a refusal to accept limitations.
While women make up 57.4% of the U.S. workforce, they remain underrepresented in several sectors, including construction (11%), mining (15.4%), and STEM fields (33%).
Yet, these three women have not only broken through but are paving the way for future generations. Her Agenda recently spoke to Robin Thorne, Ivy Sashe and Dr. Magreth Mushi. Below are their stories.
Robin Thorne: Pioneering Safety and Compliance in Construction
Robin Thorne, a chemical engineer, is the CEO of CTI Environmental, Inc., a firm specializing in regulatory compliance, hazardous material abatement, and construction management.
Despite the construction sector’s high fatality rate, Thorne’s company offers vital safety training to protect workers.
Her journey began in accounting, but her curiosity about problem-solving led her to engineering. However, being a woman in construction presented challenges.
“I’ve gone into rooms where I’ve been ignored because the assumption is that I wasn’t the person in charge,” she told Her Agenda. “But it was my project.”
Determined to support other women, Thorne founded DemoChicks, a nonprofit mentoring young women interested in STEM careers.
Dr. Magreth Mushi: A Leader in Digital Transformation
Dr. Magreth Mushi is a leader in digital transformation and high-impact project management.
With over a decade of experience in program direction and research, she has successfully led national and international initiatives across startups, large enterprises, and government sectors, ensuring strategic alignment and measurable outcomes.
She is the former Tanzania Education and Research Network (TERNET) CEO. She has managed a $25 million project portfolio, collaborating with inter-organizational teams and international partners to deliver results on time and within budget.
As an Executive Director of a startup, Dr. Mushi oversaw a $2.5 million portfolio, spearheading the development of three products that surpassed revenue targets by 15%.
Dr. Mushi has published extensively and mentored over 450 girls globally through GetMAGIC, a program encouraging women in STEM
Sashe Ivy: Building Success in Construction
Sashe Ivy, founder of Pink Hard Hatz Construction, leads the largest African-American woman-owned construction firm in Chicago.
Originally a realtor, Ivy’s exposure to construction sites and the presence of women electricians and plumbers inspired her to become a general contractor.
“When we went viral, we were attacked for being the largest African-American woman-owned construction firm,” she said. “People didn’t take us seriously.”
Despite online harassment, Ivy’s company thrives on its commitment to excellence. She encourages women to follow their passions fearlessly.
“If there is anything you really want to do, don’t let anyone or anything stop you,” says Ivy Sashe
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The section on Dr. Magreth Mushi was updated on March 15, 2025, to accurately reflect her current status and position.
