What got you interested in this industry?

I earned good grades at school, especially in math and science. Thanks to my mom, who was the first person to see my potential, I applied to an engineering program. I chose civil engineering for the opportunity to participate in a project that you could see (a priority for the 17-year-old me), like a bridge or a building, and be part of it from its design to the final stages of construction.

Are there certain challenges you feel that you’ve faced being a minority in this industry?

To this day, I am sometimes the only woman at a meeting! Having studied among a majority of men, I got used to standing my ground, making my voice recognized, and demanding respect with my arguments. The best way to have everyone respect you in this field is if you speak with knowledge.

Was there anyone who mentored you at any point during your early days either in college or in the workforce? If so, can you tell us more about that?

I acknowledge my first boss with great affection and gratitude because he saw the future in project controls. Since the first day I worked with him, he guided me to cost controls. Working with him was a privilege. The second and especially important mentor was a woman who directed the project controls department for a big company and brought order, organization, and uniformity to it. Under her guidance, she provided me with opportunities to grow and develop in the cost and schedule branches of project controls. Thanks to her, I became a more well-rounded professional, which helped me in other endeavors.

Do you have any general advice you would give anyone trying to enter or grow in the industry?

My advice to anyone who wants to grow in this industry would be to study. Never stop learning. This can be done in a formal environment, but it could also be on the job, looking for opportunities outside your comfort zone. Find someone whom you admire and learn from them. There is something wonderful about looking at someone at work, you learn about their habits and work ethic.

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What got you interested in this industry?

I began my career doing office manager work with Frederick R Harris, which is now AECOM. The project manager for the Second Avenue Subway conceptual design asked me to come on to the project and mentioned that the design would take six years. And my question was: six years to draw a straight line?” But now, as a result of that experience, I look at the world in a whole new way. You know, there’s a tunnel that goes under a river. Where? How did it get there? The physics that goes into it. It’s pretty magical how it all comes together.

Fast forward 20 years later, when I was looking for a new position, the business development executive for Harris said. “Oh, you should reach out to my brother-in-law, Bruce [PMA Executive Director Bruce Stephan],” and the rest is history!

Are there certain challenges you feel that you’ve faced being a minority in this industry?

I grew up in a man’s world but the women who raised me had me well prepared for that world. I am confident that I really did not struggle because of my sex. If anything, it made me stronger because of the women who came before me, and I was able to slip in confidently. I feel like the women that came before me had broken down these walls and smashed some glass ceilings. They built the road, and we are paving it. We are making it an easier road for women to travel.

I do remember being 1 of 2 or 3 women around a table dominated by men 20+ years ago, and now today, I sit with more women than men most of the time. Back then, it was definitely a good old boys kind of club, and it was a lot more raucous and that never bothered me so much. And again, I think it’s just the way that I was raised so I was able to relate.

Was there anyone who mentored you at any point during your early days either in college or in the workforce? If so, can you tell us more about that?

It’s unfortunate that I didn’t have a really strong female mentor. I was set up with one, but in the end, she was too busy. But I had a lot of great men mentors than I am still in touch with to this day. I really was able to spread my wings in this industry thanks to my male colleagues who accepted and respected me because of my skills.

Did you act as a mentor (either formally or informally) for another woman during their early days in the industry? If so, can you tell us more about that?

I was never formally designated a mentor, but I had a lot of young women that worked under me and part of what I used to say is, “when you walk into a room, or into a manager’s office, speak in a professional manner, and have confidence.” Also, I advised them to be serious in their approach; to dress for the job you want, not for the job you have. Always network, and cultivate relationships. This is your foot in the door.

Do you have any general advice you would give anyone trying to enter or grow in the industry?

This is a big industry. There is almost nothing you can’t do. Find an interest. If you’re interested in the environment, in saving the world, this is the place to be. Join women in construction groups. Be engaged in the industry. There are so many facets to it.

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What got you interested in this industry?

I can tell you that the construction industry is a vital component of any economy. It plays a critical role in the development of infrastructure, buildings, and other structures that are necessary for modern society. Since the industry has an ability to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in all regions of the world it has allowed me to eventually move to the United States.

Are there certain challenges you feel that you’ve faced being a minority in this industry?

I do eventually want to get into business development. As a female minority, I feel there has been some limitation in my ability to network and make personal connections that would help with developing my business development skills and professional contacts.

Was there anyone who mentored you at any point during your early days either in college or in the workforce? If so, can you tell us more about that?

My first manager after college graduation was a great mentor. He helped me understand what I really liked and eventually through his mentorship I decided to change from engineering to project controls as it better fit my personality and interests. Most importantly he encouraged me to immigrate to Canada. In fact, he helped make legal connections for me so that I could eventually immigrate.

Did you act as a mentor (either formally or informally) for another woman during their early days in the industry? If so, can you tell us more about that?

In an informal role, I try to help other women by talking about my experience and challenges that I have faced and how I overcame them. I try to provide encouragement and support to boost their confidence and to help them set goals and create a roadmap for achieving such goals.

Do you have any general advice you would give anyone trying to enter or grow in the industry?

Some general pieces of advice that could be helpful: building knowledge with new technologies and regulations; getting hands-on experience; looking for internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level positions to get practical experience and to learn from more experienced professionals; building your network by attending industry events, joining professional associations, and connecting with other professionals on social media platforms like LinkedIn; finding a mentor; being adaptable and flexible; and being safety-conscious.

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In reflecting on being a woman in the construction industry, Shannon notes the challenges faced in the early days of her career. Even when she worked for a women-owned construction company, she was almost always the only woman in the field. Shannon felt she had to prove she knew what she was doing, while men in the same role were never questioned. She recalls that the “boys club” mentality was pervasive. Currently, Shannon feels that this mentality is slowly changing and improving and that women in the industry no longer have to fight as hard to be heard.

Shannon notes that she did have a mentor who gave her opportunities in the early days of her career, but that, for the most part, she had to learn and navigate many situations on her own. She recounts how significant those early opportunities were for gaining practical experience. While Shannon hasn’t formally acted as a mentor to other women in the industry, she has shared a sense of camaraderie among the few other women who have worked in site trailers, including administrative staff.
When it comes to advice for other women beginning their careers in the construction industry, Shannon stresses the importance of knowing your projects inside and out, including studying the plans, walking the site, and talking to the field crews. She believes that a significant key to success is being proactive, not always waiting to be told what to do, and listening closely when other people are speaking.

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Based on the projects she’s worked on and teammates she’s worked with at PMA, Wee has had only positive experiences being a woman in the construction industry. She notes that it can sometimes feel like people treat women in the industry with extra caution, but she has been lucky to be surrounded by great teammates and colleagues. However, Wee is aware that some women have different experiences working in the industry, depending on their working environments. She is thankful for the community that she’s found at PMA and the company’s respect for other minorities. She believes that the industry’s culture toward women and other minority groups is improving.

Wee credits Dennis Lucey, Managing Director, at PMA’s Braintree Office, as an effective mentor. During her work on the Siemens project, she absorbed much information from Dennis regarding both technical aspects and soft skills. Wee especially appreciated the informal lunchtime meetings with Dennis, which produced a very relaxed environment to discuss project progress, problems, or questions she encountered. She feels very thankful to have someone in her professional sphere to share, discuss, and learn from any obstacles.

While Wee hasn’t acted as a formal mentor for another woman in the industry, she acknowledges the benefit of sharing experiences from time to time in the workplace. She feels that it’s beneficial when colleagues can bond over challenging projects or real-life experiences. Wee also believes that mentoring and sharing with other women has helped her professional growth. It gives her an opportunity to analyze, summarize, and reflect on past experiences. Teaching others can often help one’s understanding of a specific topic, Wee notes.

Wee’s general advice to other women beginning careers in the industry is to keep learning, ask questions, and seek opportunities to enhance their skills. She emphasizes the importance of embracing each opportunity, whether big or small, as you never can be sure where an opportunity might lead. She also believes that embracing every career opportunity has been a considerable part of “finding herself,” and this approach would benefit other women in the industry.

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Though acknowledging that women are a minority in construction and engineering, Mary sees improvement and hope for additional progress in the future. She believes that it’s essential for industry companies to promote a level-playing-field mentality. As a technical communicator and as a woman in construction for nearly two decades now, Mary feels that, in addition to the example of her own achievements, she has the opportunity to highlight the importance of women in the field of engineering and project and construction management.

Mary credits several mentors and influencers who helped nurture her love of writing and provided crucial guidance during her graduate and undergraduate studies in technical and professional communication. These mentors include Lisa Veasey of Washtenaw Community College and Dr. Nancy Allen and Dr. Ann Blakeslee at Eastern Michigan University. Never wavering in their devotion to their craft, these women were generous in sharing their time and support to all who were dedicated to their profession. By observing and working closely with them, Mary learned how skill, confidence, and ability can remove the male-versus-female competitive biases often found in the professional arena.

As a degreed technical writer and editor, Mary has had the privilege of teaching at the university level before coming to PMA. She met students who enrolled in her classes for various reasons during that time. One woman, in particular, felt that she would never make it as a writer and floundered until she came to Mary’s classroom. Over several semesters, Mary encouraged her to never stop pursuing her dream of becoming a writer. This student had to work harder than most, but today, she writes for a living and is exceedingly proud of her skill. Mary has also had the opportunity to mentor female interns within the company; she finds this experience exceptionally rewarding.

When it comes to offering advice to women entering this industry, Mary suggests taking advantage of scholarships and funding that provide a solid education in a chosen field. She also emphasizes the benefits of networking and the importance of continuous education to advance your skills. She notes that women in the construction and engineering industry are gaining a foothold and are now opening doors that were once closed to them. Mary also recommends attending seminars hosted by women-led companies and connecting with local professional organizations that promote women in underserved professions. She states, “When you join your voice with dozens of others, you’re more likely to be heard.”

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Dina noticed that as she started holding higher positions in the industry, women were not provided the same management opportunities offered to men. She felt that women had to prove themselves more before being given leadership positions. Dina also noticed that certain qualities she possesses and sees as “good,” such as assertiveness and candidness, were often frowned upon and were considered flaws that should be curbed. However, this was not the case for the men she worked with who held similar positions. While that has never stopped her from being herself professionally, she feels it has affected her career and may have been overlooked for promotions and opportunities because of it. She believes this issue impacts women across all industries and that the solution will come when society does not react to these qualities differently based on gender.

Dina’s parents were her most significant role models growing up, and they were immensely supportive of her decision to join the construction industry. Later in her career, she had various mentors of both genders who helped her grow professionally. She sought out mentors who were colleagues and possessed strengths that she admired and wanted to develop in herself.

Dina takes an active role in mentoring other women in the industry. She believes it is her duty to do so and often has to remind herself to be balanced and not to take on more than she is able. Dina feels she grew up in a world where women were not encouraged to speak up or to exhibit strength. Because of this, she now often encourages friends or anyone who seeks her advice or mentorship to ask for what they want if they believe they are not being treated fairly. She emphasizes that if you don’t speak up, you become part of the problem. Dina does note that it is important not to assume that being a woman negatively influenced the outcome of certain situations or that it was a main factor in a decision since this type of thinking can create an unhelpful and unproductive victim mentality.

Regarding advice Dina would offer to those beginning their career in the construction industry, she emphasizes the unique benefits and rewards that come with it. She notes that if you like seeing an idea on paper come to life, the construction industry might be an excellent choice. Dina finds it immensely rewarding to drive on a highway or by a structure or building and say, “I was part of the team that made that happen.” She notes that this is especially true when the projects you are involved in help create solutions to societal issues that improve people’s lives.

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Deborah Palmer, Managing Director

New York, NY

Deborah Palmer, Assoc. AIA, CPM, is Managing Director of PMA’s Mid-Atlantic region. She has more than 30 years of experience in the on-site management of industrial and commercial construction projects along with capital programs, to date totaling over $4 billion.

How did you get started in the construction industry?

While attending the University of Pittsburgh, I worked every summer as a “gofer” for a mechanical contractor. I learned a lot about mechanical construction, and the seed was planted! I knew construction had to be my career path.

I came up through the ranks when I began my construction career, starting in the field on the ladder’s very bottom rung. I worked for and learned from some of the best in the business. It was a considerable challenge. I became very focused on learning everything I could from the project superintendents, reading current and back issues of ENR magazine and studying project submittals and technical books related to construction techniques and engineering. I learned the business on the job sites, absorbing as much knowledge as possible, occasionally being taught to use various tools of the trade.

My early projects were on a power plant and in the oil processing industry. One of my more memorable project assignments was located in an oil field above the Arctic Circle in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. We lived in a camp built on the tundra and received Arctic survival training. I began the project as a contract administrator and advanced to project engineer to install oil processing equipment for SOHIO at their gathering centers. It was a fantastic experience, working in one of “the last frontiers.”

What do you love about working in the construction industry?

I have accepted challenges offered to me during my career and have realized tremendous success in this business—more than I had ever dreamed. I have benefited from working on projects all over the country, meeting and working with dynamic people. My education continues as this is a constantly evolving industry with respect to construction tools and techniques. And who doesn’t want always to be learning?

To date, my career journey has been unique and incredibly rewarding, and my list of what I still want to do and accomplish in this industry is lengthy.

What tips or advice would you give to women considering a career in the construction industry?

Currently, women still only comprise about 10% of the workforce in the construction industry. When I began my career, it was about 1%.

My advice to women considering a career in construction is to learn everything they can, stay focused, and remain strong. Reach high and work hard because it is so worth it!

Amanda DavyRomano, Director

Chicago, IL

Amanda is a seasoned project management and scheduling expert. She has been engaged in various projects throughout her career with PMA, from schedule analysis in support of claims analysis to project management and controls on multi-million-dollar construction projects.

How did you get started in the construction industry?

Growing up, I was a girl who enjoyed building cities and towns out of Legos. With a little nudge from an engineer uncle, I was introduced to engineering early on in high school, and by the time I got to college, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in engineering.

What do you love about working in the construction industry?

You get to “build stuff.” While I may not physically be out there in the field with a hammer and some nails, I get to be part of teams that bring projects to life, building things that people rely on. Every project is something new, and every day brings different problems to solve and challenges to tackle.

What tips or advice would you give to women considering a career in the construction industry?

Don’t let the fact that this is a majority-male industry intimidate you─accept it, and know that you have just as much to offer as your male colleagues. Choose what you want to do, work hard, and do it well. If you are doing something you enjoy, it doesn’t always feel like “work.”

Karina Pena, Associate

Boston, MA

Karina has significant project management experience in industrial and commercial projects ranging from $200 thousand to $29 million in the public and private sectors. Her skills include project planning, project controls, quality control and assurance, and facilitating communication between the owner and the project team.

How did you get started in the construction industry?

I have been passionate about the construction field from a very young age. I migrated from the Dominican Republic in 1999 with the goal to one day build a skyscraper. I have been working to achieve that goal ever since. I began my career in the construction field in 2006, where I attended a technical high school with a focus on carpentry. After graduation in 2010, I went on to college, where I received a bachelor’s degree in civil/environmental engineering with a minor in business administration from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. Most recently, in 2020, I earned a master’s in management with a concentration in construction management.

What do you love about working in the construction industry?

There is so much to love about the construction industry, from the challenges that you have to overcome to ultimately seeing the results of your hard work.

What tips or advice would you give to women considering a career in the construction industry?

It will not be an easy journey, but it will be a rewarding one. Keep pushing forward. Take the turbulence as lessons for personal/career growth and the smooth sailing as a sign that you’re on the right path to achieve your definition of success

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