2021 Women in Construction: Kara Champagne, Project Development Manager, Dellbrook | JKS

Starting out in the construction business, who or what empowered you? The people I’ve been surrounded by have empowered me for sure. Having a strong CEO who shows how he values the staff and supports their growth. Learning and Development and the people they choose to lead our training sessions. The women in the Boston Chapter of NAWIC welcomed any “newbie” to the group and forced me out of my comfort zone in all the best ways.Each person has their own experience and I feel empowered by listening to those who have already worked through something difficult and came out on top. This pandemic has opened up a number of virtual opportunities and the importance of networking amongst colleagues, and people who are experiencing the same issues and can help you execute a plan, those people empower me.

How have you adapted and changed in the last 12 months? Taking the time to speak with people individually and outside of meetings. Not being able to stop by someone’s office for those unplanned conversations has taken away some of our creativity and learning opportunity.Whether at the end of an extremely long day or in between meetings; taking that time to talk out strategy or to better understand direction shows initiative and drive. When that time is reciprocated you can appreciate that someone is going the extra mile to spend even just a few spare minutes with you on top of their already busy workload.It means a lot.