Alliant 2026 Women in Construction Honoree: Josephine Au
Josephine Au, Director of Construction Claims, Risk Management, Related, shares what keeps her learning, leading and solving problems in an industry that never stands still.
“From the first day, being boots on the ground, walking job sites and seeing how trade coordination brings a building to life…I realized that this is the industry I wanted to stay in for the rest of my career.”
Meet Josephine, "Josie"
Josie Au has spent more than a decade working in the construction insurance industry. She began her career as a workers’ compensation adjuster before moving in-house at a construction management firm, where she spent 10 years learning job site safety, contracts, claims and risk from the ground up.
Throughout her career, she has remained focused on learning, solving problems, and helping guide project teams through complex situations — work that continues to shape how she approaches construction risk and insurance today.
Josie's Path to Construction Risk
"Celebrate the successes along the way, not just what's next."
Modern Construction, Real Impact
“The goal is still the same: deliver a project on time, within budget and most importantly, safely.”
Construction today blends long-standing fundamentals with rapidly advancing technology. While the mission remains consistent—delivering projects on time, within budget and in compliance with all safety standards—the tools and resources available to construction businesses have become increasingly sophisticated, strengthening that mission.
Advances in scheduling analytics, safety technology and early risk identification now help teams anticipate challenges sooner and make more informed decisions, enhancing protection for everyone involved in a project. At the same time, the human element remains essential. Each project presents unique risks that require adaptability, critical thinking and collaboration.
Women in Construction: Perspective Drives Progress
“The path to resolution is not black and white. Part of being successful is being comfortable leaning into the gray…We always have Plan B, Plan C and Plan D - anticipating potential exposures and building multiple paths to resolution. If Plan A doesn’t work, we adapt until we resolve it.”
For Josephine, one of the most meaningful changes in the industry has been the continued growth of women entering construction and related fields. She believes diverse perspectives lead to stronger problem solving and better outcomes for complex challenges.
Throughout her career, Josephine’s mentors have been women whose leadership and guidance helped shape how she approaches collaboration, strategy and long-term thinking. That experience continues to influence how she mentors others and contributes to team success today.
Three Lessons from Josephine’s Construction Career
"Be proud of what you’ve done, and know that you also have so much more ahead of you."
Looking Ahead
Women in Construction Week recognizes leaders like Josephine Au who are shaping the future of the industry through expertise, mentorship and a commitment to progress.
Her journey reflects what makes construction meaningful: continuous learning, real-world impact and the opportunity to build something that lasts.
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