This week we celebrate Women in Construction Week (WIC) and the many women who work in and make important contributions to our industry every day! We are pleased to share the stories from many of the women who work and live in NH and VT. The project was created in partnership with I Build NH and NAWIC Granite State Chapter.  

Why construction?
With degrees in English and Accounting I had many paths open to me. After 23 years in the construction industry I am so glad this is the path I chose. The complexities of construction accounting mean I never have a dull day. I love the down to earth atmosphere in the construction industry yet at the same time we are quickly embracing technology and clean processes and innovation. As a woman in construction I am still in the minority but I have watched more and more women take on leadership roles both out in the field and in the office in recent years. I am proud to work in an industry that helps build our future.

What is your education/training background?
I graduated with a BA in English Literature from the University of New Hampshire and a BS in Financial Accounting from McIntosh College. I am a member of the Construction Financial Management Association. I have 28 years experience in accounting positions.

How did you find yourself working in the construction industry?
My position with a small lead abatement company called Lead Source was supposed to be temporary. I was helping out my fiance at the time but had no plans to work there permanently. Flash forward 23 years and Lead Source became EnviroVantage. Four employees grew to over one hundred and I am still here.

What do you enjoy most about your career?
There is always a new challenge. The work that I do keeps our company financially strong through both growth and struggle. Every other department relies on the information and guidance of the accounting team to make decisions

What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on?
EnviroVantage recently expanded operations into Maryland with a three year contract at Aberdeen. This involved establishing a new base of operations, which included determining the most cost effective avenues for lodging, equipment, storage and labor. 

What advice do you have for women who want to work in the construction industry?
The construction industry is full of opportunities for women.

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ABC NH/VT
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national construction industry trade association representing nearly 21,000 chapter members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 70 chapters help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically, profitably and for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. ABC's membership represents all specialties within the U.S. construction industry and is comprised primarily of firms that perform work in the industrial and commercial sectors.

I Build New Hampshire
I Build NH represents the construction sector of the state through the Sector Partnerships Initiative (SPI). I Build NH represents companies involved in heavy construction like municipal water treatment systems and road building, electric and telecommunication infrastructure, civil engineering, heating/ventilation/air conditioning businesses and more.

National Association of Women in Construction
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) has over 115 chapters throughout the United States, including the NAWIC Granite State Chapter. NAWIC provides its members with opportunities for professional development, education, networking, leadership training, public service and more. NAWIC advocates for the value and impact of women builders, professionals and tradeswomen in all aspects of the construction industry.