WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION WEEK 2024

WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION WEEK 2024

Women in Construction Week was founded by The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) in 1998 to celebrate and promote the role of women in the construction industry across the country. This year, Women in Construction week was celebrated March 4-10, and GBCA spotlighted women working in safety.

MARY PATRICIA GEPPERT

President, Geppert Bros., Inc.

What advice would you give to a young woman entering the industry?

Women need other like-minded women to learn, grow, and hold one another accountable – especially within the construction industry. Instead of caving to societal pressures that seek to compare your life, success, or anything else about you to others, find yourself a group of like-minded women within the industry and spur each other on in all things in life. Celebrate each other’s successes and rely on one another in trying moments.

What makes you proud of working in the construction industry?

One of the things that makes me proud to work in the demolition industry is to see the expeditious results and solutions coming from all of our team members. I love seeing everyone from different trades or companies working together to solve problems for a mutual project milestone. A sense of community amongst a project’s team makes all the struggles of a project that may arise along the way totally worth it.

Additionally, a moment that brought me some personal pride was from a letter I received from a young woman working in the construction industry. She worked alongside me during the COVID-19 shutdown on one of the most difficult projects I’ve ever worked on. “During this project, I have learned so much from you. Although you may not know it, I have watched how you’ve conducted yourself as a lady. It has given me great joy to watch and learn from you. Although our time together was not very long, you have made me feel a part of the professional family that you have so carefully created. That, to me, is priceless.”

Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.

What has been the most memorable moment in your career?

The Naval Hospital Implosion, Byberry State Hospital, Spectrum Stadium, Convention Center Expansion, and the Chestnut Street Parking Garage projects are just a few of the memorable moments in my career.

What do you think is the most important safety change happening in the construction industry?

Presently, it’s the evolution of hard hat technology from traditional hard hats to safety helmets. Hard hats are the symbol of our industry, and they went unchanged for decades despite their shortcomings. Hard hats work well against a single direct impact but don’t account for the rotational impact suffered in most accidents. Safety helmets have advancements in design, materials, and other features that help protect workers’ entire head better.

JENN HALL

Safety Director, P. Agnes, Inc.

What advice would you give to a young woman entering the industry?

Don’t be afraid to ask all the questions. There are a lot more people rooting for you than you think, and they will be happy to help you learn.

What makes you proud of working in the construction industry?

I’m proud to work in the construction industry because in our business your work is much more permanent. You get to drive by a project that was once just a construction site and see a beautiful building and get to say, “Hey I helped make that!”

What has been the most memorable moment in your career?

The most memorable moment in my career was when I vocalized wanting to pursue the safety side of the industry. Having already had a background in project operations, safety on a jobsite was a new way of looking at how construction is accomplished. It was a breath of fresh air to have a new perspective and purpose in my career.

What do you think is the most important safety change happening in the construction industry?

The transparency between contractors and employees on safety issues is remarkable. We’re working together to create safer jobsites for all – not just for our own benefit.

BONNIE HILL

EHS Coordinator, Skanska USA Building Inc

What advice would you give to a young woman entering the industry?

Don’t be afraid to let your presence be known, but in a positive way. You can make yourself known without being bossy, aggressive or knowing it all right away. The position of a safety professional is important and necessary and with the right attitude and level of assertiveness, you can gain the respect of many in this male dominated field.

What makes you proud of working in the construction industry?

I believe construction changes lives. I’m proud to have been a part of building hospitals, schools, pharmaceutical facilities, housing developments, daycare facilities, and other projects that are important to day-to-day life. Those projects go on to provide needed services and employment and enhance many people’s quality of life.

What has been the most memorable moment in your career?

There have been a few proud moments, but getting hired for my very first fulltime safety position is my proudest. After my internship, I became a full-on safety professional.

What do you think is the most important safety change happening in the construction industry?

Recently I’ve witnessed the industry moving away from what I call “fire and brimstone” safety to behavioral safety. As an industry we are moving beyond the “do it or else mentality.” Instead, the focus has shifted to putting the lives and well-being of workers in the industry first and foremost. Workers know the right thing to do in terms of safety and I’m seeing more of an effort in getting them motivated to do it. If that could be achieved on every construction site, it would prove to be quite impactful.

KIM ESPOSITO

Director of Finance & Risk Management, HSC Builders & Construction Managers

What advice would you give to a young woman entering the industry?

The perception of women in construction has evolved and will continue to evolve as more women enter the industry. It’s important to keep the momentum going and encourage women to participate. Some of the best advice that I’d give to young professionals is to be knowledgeable, be prepared, be fair, be consistent and walk with confidence in your abilities.

What makes you proud of working in the construction industry?

I first started working in the construction industry in 1996 and I’ve had the pleasure of watching people flourish in this industry and create long-standing careers. Since then, I’ve also had the privilege of working for a company that builds facilities in the healthcare and pharmaceutical arena. This niche creates challenging and complex work that requires adapting to new technologies, equipment, and regulations. We create structures that could house a company working to change people’s lives. That impact for me is the part of working at HSC and being in construction I’m proud of.

What has been the most memorable moment in your career?

I have been blessed with many memorable moments in my career, but leading the Mid-Atlantic Construction Safety Council for five years is my proudest. In my career, I’ve helped pave the way to make safety and risk management at the forefront of organizations and had the honor of seeing people and organizations succeed. There have been countless moments like helicopter lifts, safety catches and the completion of projects on our job site that have given me memorable moments.

What do you think is the most important safety change happening in the construction industry?

In today’s industry the lives of workers are at the forefront despite budgets and schedules. Companies are incorporating safety culture in their facilities as a priority and that is trickling down. Safety programs in companies are now the “norm” and organizations such as GBCA, Mid-Atlantic Construction Safety Council, and the ASSP are leading the way to create forums for all things relating to safety. It’s exciting to watch these organizations grow and impart safety knowledge, training, and networking.

CHRISTINA LEADER

Director of Risk Management, PDM Constructors, Inc.

What advice would you give to a young woman entering the industry?

Entering the construction industry as a young woman can be both exciting and daunting but remember that you are not alone. My advice is to seek out great mentors who can provide guidance, support, and valuable insights based on their experiences. It’s equally important to cultivate a support system that challenges you to grow. Surround yourself with individuals who encourage and empower you while also pushing you to reach new heights. As you progress in your career, consider paying it forward by becoming a mentor yourself. Sharing your knowledge not only strengthens our industry but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration.

What makes you proud of working in the construction industry?

Pride for me comes from the fact that this industry quite literally put a roof over my head as a child. My dad was a Philly Union electrician and was driven by his commitment to provide for his family, deliver quality work, and ensure safety for his crew. His dedication left a profound impact on me and instilled the importance of hard work, integrity, and looking out for the well-being of others.

I am fortunate enough now to be in a position where I can strive to do everything in my power to ensure the well-being of my employees, just as my dad did. It’s a responsibility I take to heart, knowing that the work we do not only builds structures but also safeguards lives.

What has been the most memorable moment in your career?

The most unforgettable moment in my “career” began with meeting my mentor, Regina McMichael, President of the Learning Factory, at the 2016 Future Safety Leaders Conference in Chicago, Illinois.

After our initial meeting, I was fortunate to secure my first college internship at Regina’s company. This experience, along with her guidance, was truly transformative. In addition to imparting technical knowledge, she became a role model for the qualities I aim to embody as a safety professional. Regina’s mentorship went beyond career advice, instilling in me a deep purpose and passion for safety.

Under her guidance, I learned the significance of empathy and advocacy when continuing to grow and learn in this field. Her unwavering belief in my abilities motivated me to strive for excellence in all endeavors. As I progress in my career, I hope to emulate the support Regina has provided me throughout my career by mentoring others and cultivating a supportive environment within the industry.

What do you think is the most important safety change happening in the construction industry?

I believe the construction industry is undergoing a crucial safety shift by recognizing mental health as a significant concern. While traditionally focused on physical hazards, it’s now evident that addressing workers’ mental well-being is essential for ensuring a safe work environment.

I’ve witnessed a rise in initiatives promoting mental health awareness and support within the industry such as implementing employee assistance programs, providing access to counseling services, and offering mental health training. These proactive measures signify a positive change and indicate mental health as a priority growing in the industry.

By prioritizing mental health and physical safety measures, we show our commitment to our employees’ well-being. Each proactive choice brings us closer to creating a supportive environment where employees feel valued and empowered. Ultimately, acknowledging mental health as a critical safety concern is key to keeping our employees safe at work.