What was your first job and what did you learn from it? My first job out of high school was working for a utility contractor as an administrative assistant. The company was a small, family-run business at the time. I learned so many things – how bidding worked, estimating, construction terminology, software, basic project management and every day small business practices.
What inspires me: I am most inspired when I appreciate all of the interconnecting hard work my foremothers have contributed so that I could pursue the life I wanted, and how I can continue that work for future generations of young women.
What were your biggest fears when you started out in your profession? I wouldn’t say I had any really big fears. I worried about being taken seriously as a good looking smart female engineer. I know some women, not just engineers, who become a little edgy to create this tough image working in a predominantly male world.
In 2019 I am trying to balance my work/home life better. It’s easy to get caught up in the office, but I have realized it’s so important to make sure that you also have a personal life. Which project, deal or transaction was the “game changer” in the advancement of your career during the last 10 years? In 2015 I had the opportunity to design a new office building and warehouse for a nonprofit organization. I was involved with every aspect, from schematic design, to material selections, coordination with engineers, and construction site visits. What was your first job and what did you learn from it? During high school, I worked at our town’s public library. While it wasn’t quite as exciting as the construction industry, I did learn some critical skills, particularly the importance of being organized and having a system.BWiC was launched in the spring of 2016 in response to member requests to create a support network for all women working in the commercial construction industry. Through the efforts of more than 25 active membersWhich project, deal or transaction was the “game changer” in the advancement of your career during the last 10 years? I was initially hired as an administrative assistant over 3 years ago when Woodcraft was in a much smaller manufacturing facility. The “game changer” was the move to our new larger facility two years ago. What were your biggest fears when you started out in your profession? Honestly, I’m not sure I knew exactly what I was getting in to! There are so many facets of the interior design profession, there is no way for school to prepare you for all of them. So I suppose there was the general fear of the unknown, and making sure I was able to keep up with the learning curve!What are you doing differently in 2019 that has had a positive impact on your career? I like to stay focused and do the very best I can, always. Something I’ve changed recently is to not worry about what everyone else around me is doing or compare myself to others. This has allowed me to be more productive and prioritize what is important day to day to stay on top of my projects.
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