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?
At the end of the day I can walk away and visually see the progress of work, well most days. 

What is your education/training background?
I have an associates degree and everything after that has been on the job training.

How did you find yourself working in the construction industry?
I realized at a young age that traditional school was not how I learned. I needed my studies to be tangible in order for it to make sense. I did construction trades at the vocational school within my high school and after a 5 year break decided to go to college for construction management.

What do you enjoy most about your career?
The different characters, relationships and working on problems.

What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on?
I've worked in Wastewater for 13 years and although the processes are similar, every project is different and I learn new processes every time. Keeps your brain sharp. 

What advice do you have for women who want to work in the construction industry?
Come on in! Please don't be intimidated, respect begets respect regardless of gender, race or sexual orientation and if all else fails – kill'em with kindness. I was recently promoted to Project Manager and I am the first female in the company's 60 years to be a Project Manager. With that being said I hope someday the descriptor of gender, race or sexual orientation will drop off of one's accomplishments, but until that day I'm happy to, hopefully, be a role model. 

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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.