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?
Ever since I was a little kid I loved Legos and designing! Thankfully I had a great Vocational program at my middle school and high school levels that let me explore the different realms of design and construction.

What is your education/training background?
I earned my Master’s degree in Architecture in 2009 from Wentworth. I am also a FLIC NH grad from 2018.

How did you find yourself working in the construction industry?
During college, Wentworth required a co-op program and I started out loving my different experiences with local architectural design firms. I explored different paths associated with design and construction as the economy ebbed and flowed but have always been drawn to the opportunities where I was able to learn more about construction and architectural design.

What do you enjoy most about your career?
I love that every project is unique. Every person that we work with has their own design ideas and experiences and those both influence the projects we work on. I am always learning from those around me and that helps my knowledge grow each day.

What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on?
The most interesting project I have worked on is probably the 875 Elm Street apartments we did in downtown Manchester. We converted the existing historic Citizens Bank headquarters into 91 unique apartments. I enjoyed spearheading the design of the apartment styles with the client and working on such a historic building structure.

What advice do you have for women who want to work in the construction industry?
Do it! I have really enjoyed the path it took to get here and I have learned so much in this industry. The challenges are unique daily and the peers I work with are so knowledgeable and hardworking. I think the construction industry is really growing for women and the opportunities in many areas are exciting.

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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.