Empowering Perspectives: Women in Construction Week

Welcome to Owner Impacts, a series dedicated to showcasing innovations, solutions, and leadership driven by our employee-owners—and powered by our people-first culture.

In celebration of Women in Construction Week, we asked some of the many talented women at Shawmut about the challenges they’ve faced, their advice for other women, and what they enjoy most about their jobs.

What do you enjoy most about your career?

“The people. I’ve never worked with more talented, hardworking, and supportive individuals than here at Shawmut. Whether it’s my team, clients, or subcontractors, the bond I share with them often goes beyond day-to-day tasks. My team members are my source of inspiration and motivation, always pushing me to do my best. It’s the people you work with who can turn an ordinary day into an extraordinary experience.”

What was the most challenging part of your job when you first started?

“Construction is still a male-dominated industry, and I quickly realized that breaking through outdated mindsets and biases would be one of my biggest challenges. I’ve learned to never take it personally, stand up for myself when necessary, and stand my ground, letting my work prove my capability.”

What advice would you give to someone new to construction?

“My advice for young professionals is stay curious, trust your instincts, and find a mentor.”

What is a perk about working in the construction industry that people might not know about?

“There’s a unique sense of pride in driving through a city and knowing you played a role in shaping its skyline—whether by constructing a building, expanding a tenant space, or contributing to a major project. Even more special is the tradition of signing beams during a building’s topping off ceremony, leaving a lasting mark on structures that will stand for generations. It’s a rewarding feeling to see your work become a permanent part of the world around you.”

Before starting your construction career, did you have any misconceptions about working in the industry?

“I entered this industry open minded and have been fortunate not to encounter some of the preconceptions or misconceptions that others have. I was thrown into the deep end, working on compelling projects and with impressive clients, and was given many opportunities early in my career—contrary to the preconceptions about what younger women in the industry can or cannot do.”

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

“I take pride in being the backbone of complex projects, ensuring that every moving part is aligned for success. In construction, things rarely go exactly as planned, so having the ability to anticipate challenges, adapt, and keep everyone on track makes a tangible impact. I’m especially proud of the moments when my efforts have prevented costly setbacks or when I’ve helped create a more efficient, collaborative workflow. Seeing a project come to life—knowing that my leadership played a role in making it happen—is incredibly fulfilling.”

What was the most challenging part of your job when you first started?

“I began my career in construction over 30 years ago, and at the time, it was almost inconceivable for women to be in the industry. Every day was a challenge—I was ignored, overlooked, and dismissed. The challenges I faced taught me to be confident without being overassertive and to persevere. They drove me to become the best construction manager I could be, resulting in knowing my projects better than anyone else.”