Polly Ayres, Publisher of Colorado Construction & Design Magazine, Honored with 2026 ASAC Women of Construction Legacy Award
American Subcontractors Association of Colorado has named Polly Ayres, President and Publisher of Colorado Construction & Design™ (CCD), as the recipient of the 2026 Women of Construction Legacy Award, recognizing her lasting contributions to Colorado’s A/E/C community and her commitment to elevating the people behind the projects.
As part of the selection process, both ASAC members and the broader A/E/C industry were invited to participate in voting, adding a meaningful layer of peer and community recognition to an award that honors long-term impact, leadership, and contribution.
A Platform Built on Visibility and Connection
Spanning more than two decades in the industry, Ayres has built her career across construction, engineering, marketing, and publishing. Through CCD, she has created a platform rooted in visibility and connection, consistently bringing forward the people, partnerships, and stories shaping Colorado’s built environment.
Under her leadership, CCD has grown into a trusted industry publication known for its relationship-driven approach and vast multi-channel reach. CCD focuses on sustained visibility, ensuring companies and individuals remain seen, recognized, and remembered across print, digital, and social platforms.
Expanding Recognition and Creating Space
Beginning in early 2023, Ayres introduced a dedicated Women in Construction Quarterly within CCD, created to provide consistent, year-round visibility for the women shaping the industry. The feature extends the conversation beyond a that of WIC Week, ensuring ongoing recognition, encouragement, and support for both current and future generations.
“A day, a week, a month, it’s always a perfect time to celebrate, encourage, and support women working in or considering a career in the construction industry,” said Polly Ayres, President CCD Magazine.
Ayres’ impact extends beyond publishing. In collaboration with Kick Ass Women's Leadership Group, she created the first annual Wise Warrior Awards, a recognition platform honoring women 40 and over in the construction industry. The initiative was built on a simple but often overlooked truth: impact has no age limit. While many industry awards highlight emerging talent and rising stars, the Wise Warrior Awards were created to recognize the women who have spent decades building the foundation that continues to support and shape the industry today.
“Receiving the ASAC Women of Construction Legacy Award is incredibly meaningful because it reflects the voices of the industry itself,” said Ayres. “Women remain underrepresented in construction, and that is something we all have a role in changing. It is an honor to help bring visibility to those who have paved the way. There is much more work to do. We all need to continue encouraging more women to consider careers in construction and support those who are already here.”
The award was presented during ASAC’s 2026 Awards Gala at the DaVita World Headquarters on April 23, 2026. Bringing together 100s of leaders from across the industry to recognize excellence, leadership, and celebrate long-term impact.