2022 Women in Construction: Astrid Alibrandi, Project Engineer at DPR Construction

Starting out in the construction business, who or what empowered you? I am empowered by the desire for success on each one of my projects. During the last year working in construction, my role evolved to fulfill whatever the projects’ needs were. I started by executing tasks commonly performed by a project engineer, and slowly but surely became the lead for cost management, fiercely protecting my project’s budget and spending. I also provided site supervision by actively engaging in trade partner coordination for multiple projects simultaneously. By being versatile and striving for self-sufficiency, I’ve continued to develop the growth mindset that is so crucial in this industry.

Within your firm, who has helped you succeed within the industry? How have they helped you? My project executive, Steve Sheahan, has been a great mentor and support throughout my career. He has advocated for my professional development by encouraging participation in BetterUp, a coaching program that helps members obtain their career goals. My participation in the program helped strengthen the capabilities needed to succeed in the construction industry. Examples of this include exerting influence and shifting my mindset to adapt to the demands of complex situations. Steve has been a role model by demonstrating the distinguished attributes of a leader and fostering a culture of discipline that is key to continued success.

What tips or advice would you offer to other women who are considering entering the construction industry? Don’t be afraid to share your opinion and be assertive. Be resilient, learn to weather storms, and handle spikes in demand, while continuously pushing to obtain results. Never lose sight of the big picture. Tackle issues as soon as they emerge and reinforce mutual purpose during moments of conflict. It’s also crucial to establish a great rapport with your trade partners by being objective and transparent in any situation. This builds trust and ensures you develop long-lasting relationships within the industry.