2021 Women in Construction: Jhenifer Mendes, Project Manager, E.M. Duggan, Inc.

What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months? In the last year, I’ve experienced the transition from being a mechanical engineering student at Wentworth to becoming a full-time project manager at E.M Duggan. As a young professional, I’m looking forward to continuing to learn and build more relationships. Currently, I am working on a residential building in the heart of Boston. I am not only tasked with managing the project but I also have the responsibility of ensuring our systems will keep the building and public safe after construction is over.

Why should women consider a career in construction? There’s often a misconception that construction is a man’s job but in reality, the opportunities for women are endless. My one piece of advice for women starting out in construction is to find a mentor and to get involved in groups and organizations that promote and support women in construction that can help build their career.

Starting out in the construction business, who or what empowered you? The Fire Protection team I have working with me at E.M Duggan has empowered me to take on new challenges and expand my knowledge. But I have always been empowered by being able to see a project go from drawings to reality and knowing I had some part in it. It’s a very rewarding feeling.