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?
Growing up around the construction industry, I always found it really interesting at a young age. I like that each project you do has different challenges, and your days are not always the same. There are many moving parts to a project and I like being able to be involved in all of those different pieces coming together for the final product.

What is your education/training background?
I worked for 7 years at a lumber company, and during that time I completed my Bachelor’s Degree at SNHU in Operations and Project Management.

How did you find yourself working in the construction industry?
When I was young, my father owned his own company building custom homes, and my family has owned a lumber company since before I was even born. I grew up in the yard of the lumber mill, visiting my dad on his jobsites. I didn’t know that I wanted to be in the construction industry myself until I started working at the lumber yard. I would be looking at blueprints or helping clients with decisions for their homes, and I knew that I wanted to be involved in the whole project and not just one aspect. That is when I knew that I wanted to work in the construction industry.

What do you enjoy most about your career?
I really enjoy going out to the jobsite and seeing everything come together. It is a great way to learn new things, and to see how the project goes from the planning stage to the end result.

What advice do you have for women who want to work in the construction industry?
As someone who is just starting out in the industry as well, my advice to other women starting their career would be to always remember to be confident in yourself and know what you are capable of, but also be open to learning and never stop using tools to help you further your knowledge of the industry.

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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.