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?
Constant evolution and no one day is the same! All sites change on a moment to moment basis, it's something new every time and new owners/buildings to work with. 

What is your education/training background?
I began in the construction industry in 1994 in a safety career. I became an OSHA Outreach Instructor for construction and general industry. I have an Associates in Risk Management (ARM) and I’m an American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor and maintain Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist designation (CRIS).

How did you find yourself working in the construction industry?
By chance! I couldn't find a job out of college during a recession. I was only going to be in construction "temporarily." 

What do you enjoy most about your career?
The people! I LOVE the people I work with and our team of subcontractors.

As the Director of Health, Safety and Risk Management, COVID-19 has been my responsibility. I took the position only three weeks before the stay at home orders in VT were issued. It has been the most rewarding, yet challenging aspect in my 25+ years in health and safety. I have learned to pivot in a way I never dreamed I would.

What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on?
I would say, a current project we are on, the Winooski Education Center, because of the multiple phases of the building and maintaining a safe and healthy environment during COVID.

What advice do you have for women who want to work in the construction industry?
Stick with it...if you find it "too hard" realize those moments that are like that are the ones that make you grow.

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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.