2018 Women in Construction: Latoya Baskin, Shawmut Design and Construction

Name: Latoya Baskin

Postion: Assistant Superintendent

Company: Shawmut Design and Construction

Years in the A/E/C Industry: 15 years

Why the A/E/C Industry? I have always had a passion for construction and being on a jobsite. I started doing small projects with my dad as a little girl. Any chance I had to pick up a hammer or drill to build a fence, a wood deck, or remodel a kitchen on my free time I did. Being able to build something out of nothing fascinated me!

Advice/Keys to Success: My definition of success is a quote by Maya Angelou “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”  My advice is once you find your passion, take a proactive interest in your own progress and own it. You might have to work harder than your male counterparts but just remember, you are an essential part to the team—a diverse team is a successful team.

If you had to choose one word to explain why you do what you do, which one most suits you? And why? One word to explain why you do what you do; that word has changed throughout my career. Earlier in my career I was doing it for the love of construction, once I experience some adversity it became a challenge and now I hope to inspire. If I had to choose one word to explain why I do what I do at this point in my career it would be inspire. I hope to inspire young leaders and encourage them to not put themselves in a box created by what society says you should be.

Are you aware of the film Hard Hatted woman? If so, what does a film like this mean to you? I am aware of the film. This is a must-see film by not just women in construction but for all people in construction. It is an encouraging film for women facing challenges, giving them the courage to keep going and an eye opener for all others.