2021 Women in Construction: Toni Papadopoulos, Project Manager, Shawmut Design and Construction

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What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months? For the past three years, I have worked at The First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston. It’s a gorgeous, historic restoration with an emphasis on long-term, high-quality results—including exterior masonry restoration and interior finish renovations. The continuity of this project as allowed me to focus on management-based skills and take on additional responsibilities related to this project and others.

What are you most looking forward to post-pandemic? I am most looking forward to traveling again. I love seeing new places and meeting people who think differently from me. It’s interesting to learn about different cultures’ lifestyles and points of view. I also have family in Greece and Australia, and I’d love to be able to visit them sometime soon.

Why should women consider a career in construction? The construction industry is extremely rewarding. Our work has a physical result that will be used for years to come. There is pride that comes with being able to drive by a building and tell a friend, “I helped build that.” It’s also a very fast-paced, motivating career where no two days or challenges are alike. Every project is different from the last. Additionally, you can take skills from other industries and apply them to construction. I’m currently pursuing a Master’s in Project Management at Northeastern University and am in classes with people from various industries. Stories from classmates who work in non-profits, or healthcare, can be related directly to what I do every day.