2022 Women in Construction: Elizabeth Clark, Associate at Beals and Thomas, Inc.

What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months? I’ve been working on the Suffolk Downs redevelopment project since 2017, which entails the transformation of the former 161-acre thoroughbred horse racing facility located in East Boston and Revere into a new dynamic mixed-use development. Construction on the roadways and infrastructure needed to support the first phase kicked off in the summer of 2021. The first buildings are scheduled to break ground this spring. It’s rewarding to see a project going to construction after years of planning, permitting and design work.

What tips or advice would you offer to other women who are considering entering the construction industry? Show up, listen, take notes, and own your tasks. Don’t be afraid of the unknown–it can be an opportunity. Embrace new technology and keep learning. Moreover, maintain and develop friendships with women around you. I have and continue to lean on my ladies I went to engineering school with. Even though we’re in different sectors, we’ve dealt with similar challenges from new jobs, negotiating promotions, and transitioning into motherhood. We’ve listened to one another, coached each other, and of course celebrated each milestone.

Starting out in the construction business, who or what empowered you? I’ve always been grateful for the women that came before me – the trail blazers. My grandmother told me her career choices were limited to working for the telephone company, teaching, becoming a nurse, or marrying. I couldn’t image those limitations and I’m thankful for the women that have worked hard to expand our possibilities. I feel obligated to contribute and help keep a forward momentum.

When you’re not busy, what is your go to book or podcast to help you unwind? I love to read and do so every night. I enjoy a good story and read a lot of fiction and in particular historical fiction.

Within your firm, who has helped you succeed within the industry? How have they helped you? I feel fortunate to have worked with many talented engineers over the years, and at a firm were everyone is willing to help one another. Rich Kosian was a great mentor to me and taught me a lot, was patient when needed, and enabled me to gain experience on some really great projects.