Why I chose a career in the construction industry:
I chose a career in the construction industry because I was ready for a change and it was a field I was familiar with having grown up in and around the industry with my father as a home builder. So in 2015 when the opportunity presented itself to move the NH Seacoast to work for the area's leading builder as an Assistant Project Manager, I jumped on it.  

What training or education did you need for your current role?
I graduated college with a Business Management degree which has proven to be quite useful in my current role. I also take continuing education classes in supervision, leadership and construction code review. I also tap into the invaluable source of information around me with many of my seasoned construction colleagues willing to teach at any moment.

What is a typical day like in your position?
As a Senior Project Manager, I get to mentor and assist other project managers along with managing my own projects and often acting as a liaison across the company. A typical day in my position can vary depending on the current status of projects and could include schedule and budget review, bidding on new projects, staff training sessions and resource management.

What do you enjoy most about your career?
The greatest enjoyment in my career comes from collaborating with my team and other industry leaders to create amazing places for people to live, work, and play. Knowing that I have improved my community by adding a new structure for housing or refurbished a historic landmark to bring new businesses to life keeps me going in this challenging career.

What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on?
The most interesting project I have worked on thus far was the restoration and renovation of the Frank Jones Brew Yard located in the West End of Portsmouth. As my first big project, I managed everything from structural repair to the high-end finishes in the 1884 House, turning it into a mixed use building of 14 residential apartments on the upper floors with a roof deck and commercial use on the first two levels, including: offices, a restaurant and cocktail bar and hair salon.

What advice do you have for women who want to work in the construction industry?
Go for it! For anyone joining a new industry my advice would be the same; pay attention to the leaders and learn how they do it, ask questions, research topics you're not yet familiar with and keep learning. For women in construction it's crucial to be assertive and confident even when it seems impossible to break through the stereotypes. I've seen a huge improvement over the past 5-7 years in the industry and more change is coming to open doors for women in construction.