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?
The people. The legacy. There are a lot of self-made successful business people in the industry who inspire me. It's wonderful to drive by a completed building and know that your company had a part in that legacy. There is a lot of pride in the industry.

What is your education/training background?
I have a degree in business. However, my career did not start in construction. I was hired after college to develop software but I only stayed in that position for 5 years. After that I wandered into many different industries, such as fashion, wine, wellness, and workforce development. I've drawn on each of these experiences to help me in my current role as business development manager.

How did you find yourself working in the construction industry?
A few years back I was asked to run a grant funded position to target workforce development in the construction sector. I met a lot of really great champions in the industry. Once my time was up in the position, I decided to pursue a career in construction. I don't have a technical background. I couldn't tell you how to build anything. I do have strong communication skills, a sales background and networking capabilities which has helped me.

What do you enjoy most about your career?
I love making meaningful connections with people. I try to lead with an honest approach to things. I connect with people and those connections have proven to be the best part of my job.

What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on?
My level of participation in a job is before the contract is signed. I think all of our projects are interesting because I invest in the client and their needs.

What advice do you have for women who want to work in the construction industry?
Don't try to be someone you are not. Ask for help or an explanation on how things work. So many people enjoy talking about what they do and how they do it. Listen and take notes.

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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.