2018 Women in Construction: Melissa Sue Guertin, Shawmut Design and Construction

Name: Melissa Sue Guertin

Position: Project Manager

Company: Shawmut Design and Construction

Years in the A/E/C Industry: 6 years

What associations or organizations are you a member of? National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Boston Chapter treasurer.

Why the A/E/C Industry? It’s rewarding to see your project come to life and become a space that enriches the lives of others.  To know that months before that fully constructed building was just a design on paper is incredible.  For me, it’s fulfilling to resolve challenges with the project team and turnover a wonderful project that exceeds the client’s expectations.  I love what I do and I take pride in my work every day.    

Advice/Keys to Success: Challenging yourself will build confidence.  As a woman in this industry, being confident is just as important as being competent.  Push yourself towards challenging projects and use what you’ve learned from each project to make decisions confidently.  The knowledge you’ve gained through your experiences and from your peers will prepare you for the challenges that lie ahead.  Trust in yourself! 

What was your most notable project in 2017? I had the pleasure of building a high-end restaurant located in the Meatpacking District of NYC called L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon.  Joel Robuchon is the world’s most decorated chef with 32 Michelin stars to date.  He has restaurants all over the globe with this being his second location in the United States.  For a Project Manager working in the Hospitality sector, the opportunity to work on a project for a world-renowned chef was a truly rewarding experience.

If you had a mentor in your career, who was it and what did they teach you? Jim DiMarzio, Project Executive at Shawmut Design and Construction, has been both my mentor and sponsor.  Jim has taught me a great deal about construction, but also what it means to be a good manager. I know I have Jim’s support in all my decisions because he has confidence in my ability.  He pushes me to my fullest potential and has advocated for my success on many occasions.  It’s reassuring to find a mentor as supportive as Jim, who also sees the need to help grow more opportunities for women in this industry.  Thank you for your continued support.