2021 Women in Construction: Alicia Gould, Fire Protection Designer/Coordinator, E.M. Duggan, Inc.

What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months? In the beginning of 2020, I began working on the Boston College Institute for Integrated Science and Society where I designed and coordinated all of fire protection. That was a personal achievement for me because I learned a lot about water pressure and calculations which helps make the systems run safely and efficiently. I was exposed to new situations that allowed me to grow and become a better designer. 

What are you most looking forward to post-pandemic? Once we get through the pandemic, I am looking forward to working more freely with the men and women on job sites. I am also looking forward to being able to celebrate company events with my co-workers. But, most importantly my son was born during the pandemic and I am very excited for him to personally meet all of his family.

Starting out in the construction business, who or what empowered you? Prior to working at E.M. Duggan, I worked for another fire protection contractor and I had a mentor who believed in me and taught me everything I know. He encouraged and inspired me to work hard and always made me feel like I could do anything. Continuing to work in the industry is a way for me to honor and remember him.