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?
You get to earn and learn – every day I use my hands and learn so much in one day just at work. It's not the same thing every day, and I'm not in debt from going to college. My work provides the opportunity for me to get my pipefitter license and send me to school. I love my job but it's not even a job, it's a career.

What is your education/training background?
I went to Monty Tech in Fitchburg, MA and studied welding and fabrication

How did you find yourself working in the construction industry?
I got out of high school and hated my co-op job that I had in high school. I worked there for about a year – it was at a truck building company. My best friend told me about DECCO and I applied that same day. Things have been looking up ever since I got hired. I love working out on the road, and I am always working on the road. I couldn't say I loved it any more! 

What do you enjoy most about your career?
Getting my hands dirty, being a girl in a male dominated workplace is awesome. Everyone is very respectful. DECCO has an awesome group of people to work with. 

Also welding – I love welding. It’s my passion to be a pipe welder.

What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on?
The Moderna build-out in Norwood, MA. We did the clean-room build out for them.

What advice do you have for women who want to work in the construction industry?
Do it for sure, don't let anyone tell you you shouldn't get into construction. It is awesome and I couldn’t recommend a better work field to be in. The benefits and money are great. The people are real. It’s definitely something I’d push anyone who said they wanted to get into construction to do.

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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.