[Wo]manufacturing: Taking the “Man” Out of Manufacturing
For too long, “manufacturing” has been seen as a man’s world. When most people picture a factory floor, the image that comes to mind is still rooted in an outdated stereotype: hard hats, heavy machinery, and a workforce dominated by men. At Model/Z, we’re rewriting that story.
Our factory floor, and our leadership, reflect the reality that women are not only part of the manufacturing workforce, but they’re driving innovation at every level. The mural of Rosie the Riveter on our manufacturing building in South LA serves as a reminder that the fingerprints of women are everywhere. From retooling American factories during WWII to addressing California’s housing crisis with precision-built, modular homes, women have long been at the center of meeting urgent needs through manufacturing.
A Different Kind of Workforce
Across the U.S., women remain dramatically underrepresented in construction and manufacturing roles. According to the National Association of Home Builders, women make up only 10% of the total construction workforce, and that number includes administrative and office positions. When looking specifically at on-site roles such as construction and maintenance, women account for just 4% of the workforce.
The numbers are similar in manufacturing. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that women make up only 17% of the fabricated metal product manufacturing workforce.
At Model/Z, those numbers look different. Approximately 22% of our team are women, and that number is steadily increasing. From design and engineering to production and quality control, women are integral to every stage of how we build.
Women Leading the Way at Model/Z
At Model/Z, women shape every stage of our work. They lead software development, oversee production on the factory floor, and ensure every unit that leaves our facility meets the highest standards.
One of those leaders is Monica Gamboa, Model/Z’s Production Supervisor. A veteran of the manufacturing industry, Monica’s journey is rooted in resilience, purpose, and legacy.
“Coming from a long line of resilient women—my great-grandmother, grandmother, and mother—I feel a deep responsibility to honor their legacy,” Monica shares. “As a mother of young girls, it’s especially important to me to pave the way for future generations. My journey has been defined by hard work, perseverance, and continuous learning. More than anything, I want to make a positive impact on my teams and encourage young women to pursue their dreams, just as I have pursued mine.”
Monica leads by example on the factory floor, where she’s known for her precision, humor, and hands-on approach. “As a woman in manufacturing, I am proud to be part of a movement that challenges stereotypes and paves the way for future generations,” she adds. “Together, let us continue to support and inspire one another, fostering an environment where every woman can thrive and lead with confidence.”
She’s joined by a growing number of women who are redefining what modern manufacturing looks like:
Megan Sahai is reshaping how developers imagine housing, leading the development of Z/Suite, our proprietary software that turns complex planning into a streamlined, user-friendly process. Megan sees empowerment and equity as essential to the company’s mission”
“By empowering women to enter the manufacturing industry, Model/Z promotes diversity while giving women access to quality jobs in a field that traditionally excluded them,” Megan says. “It’s inspiring to work with women on such a critical mission—to build high-quality, affordable housing that will ultimately provide security and stability to hundreds of families in the Greater Los Angeles area.”
Women Building for Women
The impact of their work expands beyond the factory. Through SoLa’s Rebuild & Restore Fund, Model/Z is donating ADUs to families who lost their homes in California wildfires earlier this year. Among the first recipients are women in Altadena, rebuilding their lives with Model/Z units. For the women of Model/Z, the connection of their work to giving back to resilient women is deeply rewarding.
Together, these women, and so many others across Model/Z, are changing the story of manufacturing. The future of housing will be built by all of us, not just some of us.
