How Kubota's female team members are paving the way for women in construction

Women are breaking down barriers in construction, transforming a historically male-dominated industry from the inside out. While gender equity in the field is still a work in progress, trailblazers like Liz Rodgers and rising voices like Anna Kitzerow, both with Kubota North America, are helping to challenge assumptions, open doors, and make space for new voices. These women prove that success in construction is not defined by gender but by skill, determination, and the willingness to embrace opportunity.

Rodgers, a senior product operations manager for construction equipment, and Kitzerow, a product marketing specialist for the construction group, have each carved unique paths in the construction sector. Their insights, experiences, and advice reveal the evolving landscape of gender diversity in the industry and their stories offer a view into the progress that's been made and the work still ahead.

Finding their way to construction

Both Rodgers and Kitzerow come from agricultural roots, an industry that, like construction, has historically been male-centric and slow to diversify. For both women, this background instilled a strong work ethic and hands-on approach that has translated well into their roles in construction.

Rodgers' path to construction was anything but linear. She began her career at Kubota in the finance department, where she spent a decade working in a field-facing role. Her adaptability and expertise led to a promotion as division finance manager at Kubota's northern division office, a position she held for three and a half years. From there, she stepped into a regional sales manager role, supporting dealers across multiple product categories — including tractors, turf, and construction equipment. Each move marked a significant step forward, reflecting her professional growth and the expanding opportunities available to women in the industry.

Kitzerow's journey represents a newer generation of professionals entering the field. With two agriculture-related degrees from Oklahoma State University, she joined Kubota shortly after graduation as a division service representative in the Midwest office, where she provided in-house support to the field team. Eager to transition to the product side of the business, she seized the opportunity when a role opened up in the construction group.

"I started with Kubota as a division service representative out of our Midwest office. Long-term, I knew I wanted to work on the new product side of the business, and when this opportunity opened up, it felt like a perfect fit," she says. Her entry into the construction space has been driven by curiosity, fresh perspective, and a desire to grow alongside the evolving industry.

A generational perspective on progress

As a woman with over two decades in the workforce, Rodgers acknowledges she has often been the only woman in the room — but that has changed. "It's been gratifying over the 20 years I've been with the company to see more and more women coming into the room, coming into the conversation."

Kitzerow, just two years into her career, brings a different kind of perspective: one that isn't weighed down by how things used to be. "I don't get stuck in the ‘this is how it's always been' mindset," she says. "Honestly, I have no clue how it's been. I'm just jumping in, getting my feet wet."

Both women agree that working in a supportive environment has helped shape their confidence and sense of belonging. Kitzerow adds that starting on the team at the same time as Rodgers helped her feel supported. "Not only do I have [Liz] in that mentor role, but we got to walk through the process of what it looked like to be a part of the team, getting to know everybody, sorting our way through projects together. She's also just got so much knowledge on the industry as a whole in terms of what Kubota is, what they've been about in the past, and the direction we are moving. It's kind of cool to have that insight from a female perspective."

The value of women's perspectives

Rodgers and Kitzerow believe women offer distinct strengths that contribute to the construction industry.

"When I was a regional sales manager, we had a lot of female dealer principals and salespeople," says Rodgers. "I do think being able to relate to them as a woman was beneficial."

Kitzerow adds that her role as a woman in the industry helps build connections. "When I'm at trade shows or training events, [I can see that] having a woman there makes someone more comfortable asking questions or admitting what they don't know. It eases those nerves."

Advice for women entering construction

Both women offer practical advice to young women considering a career in construction.

"Don't let the fact that it was once a male-dominated industry scare you away," Kitzerow encourages. "There's so much opportunity for growth."

Rodgers emphasizes the importance of gaining hands-on experience. "Be willing to get your hands dirty," she advises. "That applies to everyone, male or female. Learning how equipment works and understanding the day-to-day challenges of job sites builds credibility and confidence."

They highlight networking as another vital skill. "My parents always told me never to stop networking," Kitzerow says. "It's about getting to know as many people and stories as you can. Those connections open doors."

The future of women in construction

Both Rodgers and Kitzerow are optimistic about the future.

"I'm excited about the number of young women coming into the industry," Rodgers says. "There's so much opportunity for really successful careers."

Kitzerow emphasizes that visibility will continue to drive change. "The more women we have representing the industry, the more we encourage young women to see that this is a field they can pursue," she explains.

The construction industry is evolving, and as Rodgers and Kitzerow demonstrate, women are playing a pivotal role in shaping its future. Their experiences highlight the resilience, adaptability, and leadership that women bring to the field. By embracing inclusivity, fostering mentorship, and encouraging diverse voices, the construction sector can continue to grow and better reflect the communities it serves.