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?
I chose construction as my career because I find great satisfaction in being able to be part of a project from inception to completion. I enjoy working in a field that produces beautiful, custom, tangible results. I also enjoy building relationships with my clients based on communication and trust.

What is your education/training background?
My career in construction began in 2008, when I accepted a position as an administrative assistant with the only law firm in Boston dedicated solely to construction law. In 2011, I accepted a new position as an administrative assistant with a major construction management company in Boston. My work in Boston focused mainly on commercial building. I moved to Maine in 2015 and accepted a position with Cormack Construction Management, Inc. in Madison, NH as a project manager, focusing mainly on high-end, custom, residential buildings.

How did you find yourself working in the construction industry?
After I accepted my first position with the Boston based construction law firm, the head of HR informed me that there had been another, more qualified applicant who had also applied for the position. Although I did not have experience in construction at the time, she told me that she decided to give me a chance largely because of the excellent reviews and recommendations from my previous employers. I strongly believe that my positive attitude, work ethic, willingness to learn, and ability to work with people of all different backgrounds and abilities has opened doors for me in the construction industry and made it possible for me to hold the position that I do today.

What do you enjoy most about your career?
There are many things I enjoy about my career, but if I had to pick one thing, it would probably be at the end of the project when we can compare the design with the finished product. It is a chance to see the images that we have looked at on paper for so long finally come to life.

What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on?
My very first project with Cormack Construction Management, Inc. is the most interesting project I have worked on to date. It consisted of a major renovation to Cormack Construction's custom millwork shop "The Woodworks".

What advice do you have for women who want to work in the construction industry?
Work hard and show kindness and compassion as much as you can. Be confident in your abilities. Treat everyone with respect, you never know who will be the one to help you take the next step to success.

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About 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.

About 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.

About the 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.