What recent project, transaction, or accomplishment are you most proud of? I was recently part of the winning pursuit team for a $625 million I-95 / Route 10 Corridor Design-Build Project, which will include construction and/or reconstruction of 18 bridges in the cities of Providence, Cranston and Warwick, RI. I also helped secure the $147 million contract awarded to Skanska by the U.S. Navy on behalf of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which will be relocating its Atlantic operations to Newport, RI. Skanska will construct NOAA’s new Marine Operations Center, consisting of a pier to accommodate four large vessels, a floating dock for smaller vessels, a supporting 22,000 s/f administration building with parking and exterior storage, and an adjacent loading and laydown area.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in commercial real estate? One of the reasons the industry is so exciting, but also challenging, is the fast pace and that no day looks the same as the one before. Before I embarked on my professional career, I had a teacher who suggested I not pursue advanced math in high school – she argued that girls are “less confident” in STEM-based subjects as they enter adolescence. Despite being underestimated by this teacher and others like her, I was determined to prove that I deserved to be where I was, and ultimately pursued a degree in Civil Engineering and a STEM-based career. 

What is your vision for the future of women in commercial real estate? I see a bright future for women already working or looking to pursue a career in male-dominated industries such as construction or commercial real estate. Having had the privilege to work at a firm that already puts an incredible amount of emphasis on fostering an inclusive culture, I’m hopeful that there will continue to be more opportunities for women to grow their careers in the construction industry. 

What advice do you have for young women aspiring to enter commercial real estate? I would encourage women looking to pursue a career in any industry to find a mentor that can provide support and guidance. I’ve seen firsthand the impact mentorship can have on young women starting their careers through my own experience as both a mentee and mentor. My mentors have advocated for my development and challenged me to take on new responsibilities, and I hope to do the same for others. I’m involved with Skanska’s Women’s Network (SWN), an employee resource group that promotes and supports a gender-inclusive culture by educating and engaging our employees to build gender-inclusive workplaces.