Morgan Dawson, ’20, 2023 Outstanding New Professional Award Recipient
“Kent State not only provided me with an excellent education in construction management, but also cultivated an environment where I was able to explore, innovate and grow. The connections I created during my time at Kent State with professors, peers and industry professionals have been invaluable pillars of support and collaboration in my journey to build Dawson Workwear.”
For decades, the construction industry has been dominated by men. In October 2022, however, the Bureau of Labor Statistics determined that 14 percent of those employed in the U.S. construction industry are women. As that percentage continues to grow, Morgan Dawson, ’20, has committed to bridging the gap between fashion, comfortability and women in the construction industry through her workwear line Dawson Workwear.
Since graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, Morgan has lived and worked in Washington, D.C., as a field engineer. She currently resides in Birmingham, Alabama, where she has worked on several revitalization projects in the downtown area.
“I was nervous about joining the construction industry as a 22-year-old woman, but I quickly found confidence and excelled in the field,” said Morgan.
She immediately noticed the lack of women’s workwear options upon entering the construction industry. After two years, at just 24 years old, she took the risk of starting her own company while balancing 12-hour work days as a lead field engineer.
“I wanted to create a workwear line designed specifically to meet the needs of women in construction and similar industries,” said Morgan. “I spent my evenings researching workwear and building Dawson Workwear.”
She became dedicated to helping boost the confidence of women in similar positions and helping them feel more comfortable in male-dominated industries by providing them with necessary and high-quality workwear.
Morgan’s dedication and passion for her business showcases her entrepreneurial spirit and drive. Designing workwear and personal protective equipment (PPE) for women in construction is her passion.
She acknowledges the experiences and connections she developed as an undergraduate at Kent State and how they greatly contributed to the success she’s had in her career.
“Kent State not only provided me with an excellent education in construction management, but also cultivated an environment where I was able to explore, innovate and grow. The connections I created during my time at Kent State with professors, peers and industry professionals have been invaluable pillars of support and collaboration in my journey to build Dawson Workwear.”
Between working full-time and running her own company, Morgan is involved with the National Association of Women in Construction's national chapter and the Birmingham chapter. She continues to stay in contact with faculty and support current students through Kent State’s Construction Management Student Organization and Women in Construction Week. She has also contributed to the Kent State Girls in Engineering Day.
