Dawn Lowers-Davis
Dawn Lowers-Davis is the President of Lowers Welding & Fabrication INC, a 100% woman-owned DBE/SBE-certified construction and fabrication company based in Santa Fe Springs, California. A graduate of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Dawn began her journey in the family business at an early age, learning the trade hands-on as a welder before steadily advancing into leadership. Since assuming the role of president in 2000, she has led the company with a commitment to technical excellence, safety, and reliability, building on a legacy that began in 1973.
Under Dawn’s leadership, Lowers Welding & Fabrication has grown into a highly respected, LA City–certified fabrication shop holding a C-60 welding contractor’s license. The company specializes in heavy civil and tunneling industry fabrication, including tunnel ties, MTBM cradles, pipe racks, slurry line racks, and custom temporary steel solutions. With AWS D1.1– and ASME-certified welders, a full manual machine shop, and capabilities ranging from shaft turning and align boring to heavy equipment repair and machine refurbishment, the firm is equipped to support complex infrastructure projects of any scale. Its three-acre facility, complete with overhead cranes and extensive fabrication equipment, enables the team to deliver high-quality results efficiently and safely.
Beyond her role as a business owner, Dawn is a recognized advocate and leader for women in construction. She has broken barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry while actively mentoring and empowering other women to pursue careers in nontraditional fields. Her company has partnered with some of the nation’s most prominent contractors, including J.F. Shea, Skanska, Kiewit, Walsh, and Traylor Bros, among many others. Through her professional leadership, industry involvement, and community engagement, Dawn Lowers-Davis continues to shape the future of heavy civil construction while championing diversity, inclusion, and excellence.
• Long Beach City College - A.S.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a strong desire to make my family—especially my father—proud, as well as the determination that grew from being told I could not succeed. Those doubts motivated me to push beyond limitations and prove to myself that perseverance and belief can overcome any obstacle.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering my industry—especially non-traditional fields—to take ownership of their learning. Educate yourself continuously and use modern platforms, such as TikTok and other digital resources, to stay informed about emerging trends, new technologies, and evolving construction methods like tunneling. Knowledge builds confidence, and confidence creates opportunity.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is the continued lack of female representation in traditionally male-dominated industries, particularly construction and engineering. However, this challenge also presents a significant opportunity—to drive meaningful change by increasing visibility, mentorship, and inclusion. As more women enter and advance in these fields, they bring diverse perspectives that strengthen innovation, leadership, and the future of the industry.