2026 Women in Construction: Meghan O’Brien, M.E. O’Brien and Sons

What current or recently completed project, accomplishment or initiative are you most excited about, and why does it matter for your team, clients or community? M.E. O’Brien and Sons proudly supplied the playground equipment, surfacing, shade structures, site furnishings, and splash pad for the new Tobin Montessori & Vassal Lane Upper Schools in Cambridge, Mass. This $321 million project features six unique play areas and is one of the largest projects we’ve ever completed. The result is an incredible, lasting space for the community, and our successful delivery highlights our scale, reliability, and commitment to quality.

What do you wish more women knew about the opportunities available in the construction industry today? Construction is tough. It is a fast-paced industry with a lot of variables that aren’t always solved easily and quickly. Sometimes it feels like three steps forward, one step back due to the innate complexity of construction. However, women bring great attributes to construction. We tend to be well organized and, because we also tend to run households, we know that we need to be proactive as possible during our day jobs to make sure that we are avoiding as many problems as possible. From estimating to project management, there are so many opportunities for women in construction.

What emerging challenge or opportunity do you see shaping the construction industry in the next few years, and how are you preparing for it? Liability and risk are getting trickier to negotiate. Finding the right partners is key.

What is one piece of advice or perspective you would share with women beginning their careers in the construction industry? At the start of any career, it’s important to stay humble and listen more than you speak – there’s so much to learn. Women are natural problem-solvers, and construction is full of complex challenges. Developing strong problem-solving skills, even when that means bringing the right people together to find solutions, is key to long-term success.

What habit or routine helps you stay focused or motivated during a busy week? There can be so much coming at you during a day. Solve and stay focused on one problem at a time.

What is something outside of work that brings you energy, balance or creativity? Yoga, tennis and my family help to bring me balance.