Empowering Perspectives: Championing Women in Construction

As part of our Women in Construction Week celebration, we asked a few of the many women at Shawmut the challenges they’ve faced, the lessons they’ve learned, their advice for other women entering the field, what they enjoy the most about their work, and more. Read what they had to say below.

What personal qualities help you succeed in your job?

“Construction requires balancing technical knowledge with collaboration, so listening well, staying organized, and adjusting quickly have been essential to my growth. A construction career offers many unique opportunities, encourages innovation, and continually challenges you to develop new skills.”

What was the most challenging part of your job when you first started? What did this challenge teach you?

“Construction can be intimidating at first, especially as a woman in the field, and I had to work through moments of self-doubt and build confidence in my knowledge and skills over time. That experience taught me the importance of speaking up, asking questions, and trusting that learning is part of the process.”

What led you to pursue a career in the construction industry?

“My career in mechanical engineering began not in a lecture hall, but at a drafting table in vocational high school. At the time, entering the trades was a starkly nontraditional path for a young woman, but I followed a persistent curiosity about how the world is built. I have always loved puzzles and I quickly realized that the construction industry is the ultimate mental puzzle.”

What advice would you give to someone entering a career in construction?

“Create space for yourself, speak up, and trust that your perspective brings value. It’s important to show up as yourself rather than trying to fit into someone else’s mold. Most importantly, remember that you belong in the room just as much as anyone else.”

What advice would you give to someone entering a career in construction?

“Don’t be afraid to use your voice—especially as a woman in the industry. You’re nothing without your voice, particularly when you’re just starting out. You are just as important and valuable as anyone else. Confidence is key.”

What can each of us do to work toward creating a more inclusive construction industry?

“Withhold judgment, let go of preconceived notions, ask questions, and value different perspectives and experiences. To me, inclusivity is largely about creating comprehensive and ongoing opportunities. Individuals bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and creativity that deserves to be heard. The workplace—and the built environment—should be accessible for all.”

What makes you proud about the work you do? What are you most proud of in your career?

“It’s really rewarding to see something that started as a set of drawings become a finished building and to know I played a part in bringing it to life. There’s a lot of coordination and pressure behind the scenes, and I’m proud of being someone others can rely on to get it done.”