2021 Women in Construction: Sarah MacLean, Associate Principal | Senior Project Manager, WB Engineers+Consultants

How have you adapted and changed in the last 12 months? Managing remote work with my husband and our toddler out of daycare. What started as a two-week emergency plan quickly became the new-normal. Clear communication with my employer and my partner was key. Daily adaptations were needed to balance being a reliable employee, mother, and spouse. I am grateful to my husband and employer for being open and understanding in these new circumstances. Being flexible and creative with time management was only way to gain success this past year.

What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months? Project management and successful completion of a 15-site nationwide portfolio project for one of our national clients. The project involved UVGI technology retrofit installation for ~275 HVAC units across the 15 sites to meet the client’s back to office mobilization plans. WB was contracted to advise the client throughout the entire process of site/system evaluations, design, bid, construction, and commissioning to ensure a consistent deliverable across the various project locations. It was a great project to work on and really demonstrated the value in being able to meet the industry needs during the pandemic.

Starting out in the construction business, who or what empowered you? One of my first jobs out of school, my employer always strived to push me outside of my comfort zone. When I had doubts about my abilities, there was always support to remind me that I was capable of achieving more. If I stumbled and made mistakes along the way it was treated as a learning experience, and if I found success it was to be celebrated. This was vital in building up my confidence as a young woman in the industry and helping to grow my independence and skill sets – and invaluable now in my role leading projects and managing a team.