FORCE paves the way: A bold new movement empowering female leaders in pavement
The paving and pavement industry has long been built by strong leaders shaping the infrastructure of communities nationwide. Now, a new initiative is strengthening that leadership pipeline by investing in the women driving the industry forward.
FORCE: Female Leaders in Pavement officially launches as a female-forward leadership community uniting and elevating women across contracting, manufacturing, distribution, municipalities, and entrepreneurship. Born from the momentum of PAVE/X: The Pavement Experience, an industry-leading event that brings together paving and pavement maintenance professionals, FORCE is designed to foster mentorship, visibility, and real-world professional growth — not simply by networking, but meaningful advancement.
FORCE members gain exclusive access to high-impact industry opportunities, including entry to the FORCE Power Hour Networking Reception at PAVE/X, discounted education through PAVE/X and the MASTERS Program, $200 off registration to the IGNITE Construction Summit, bi-monthly virtual calls with industry leaders, a quarterly members-only newsletter, and complimentary participation in the FORCE Pavement Awards — including one free seat at the FORCE Awards Gala Dinner at IGNITE.
A Vision Shaped by Experience
The inspiration behind FORCE comes from firsthand industry journeys.
Amy Schwandt, Chief Revenue Officer of IRONMARKETS and Co-Founder of FORCE, entered the paving industry at just 21 years old without female peers or mentors.
“I didn’t have any female professional contemporaries. There wasn’t anyone in the space, and there definitely wasn’t anyone my age,” said Schwandt. “I had to learn the ropes as a woman in a man’s world. That was ok — I did it. But things can be better.”
Years later, when Jessica Lombardo, Event Director of Content and Programming for IRONMARKETS and Co-Founder of FORCE, joined the asphalt and pavement brands, she experienced the industry differently — in part because she had Schwandt as a mentor.
“You can read about it, and you can watch videos, but until someone takes the time to show you, you can’t really understand,” Lombardo said. “Having a female mentor showed me I didn’t have to be afraid of being a woman in rooms where I was the only one.”
Those contrasting experiences — one without representation and one strengthened by it — became the foundation for FORCE.
Purpose and Impact
FORCE addresses a common industry need: mentorship and connection. While many professionals seek guidance early in their careers, women often have fewer opportunities to find female mentors organically.
“FORCE isn’t about separating women from the industry,” Lombardo emphasized. “It’s about strengthening and elevating leaders in general.”
The initiative provides intentional space for women to connect, develop leadership skills, and navigate industry dynamics with confidence and support.
FORCE exists to elevate female leadership at every level; provide mentorship, education, and peer accountability; create connections that drive real business growth; and open doors for the next generation entering the industry.
At its core, FORCE is built on a simple belief: representation builds confidence — and confidence builds leaders.
The launch of FORCE signals a long-term commitment to ownership, opportunity, and visibility within the asphalt and pavement community. This is more than an initiative — it’s a commitment to elevating leadership and strengthening the future of pavement.
Join the movement, step into the room, help build what’s next and learn more at www.forcefemaleleaders.com.
