2020 Women in Construction: Delphine Quilgars, Finance Manager at Starlite Building Services

What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months? Building a team! When I first joined Starlite, there were only seven of us and we were all figuring out systems, procedures, etc. Our company has really grown over the past few years, and all the work we did laying a strong foundation has let the pieces (and people) fall into place. It’s been incredibly rewarding putting together a group of people who are all working towards the same goal.

When I’m not working I am…Spending time with my wife as we chase around our two-year-old daughter. I should also mention our goldendoodle, Toby—he’ll know if I don’t. 

What are you doing differently in 2020 that has had a positive impact on your career? Fewer gut reactions, more collaboration. There is always time to take a step back and assess the problem with your team. In fact, doing so often leads to much better end results. 

What trends are you seeing in your field this year? I’m definitely seeing more women in the industry. I’ve been in construction for 12 years, and in the last few have seen a much stronger presence of women in all roles—ranging from the field to the office. The additional perspectives are a huge asset to the industry—it’s helping to diversify the way we do business. 

Who or what inspired you to join the construction industry? Frankly, I fell into it—it was 2008 and I needed a job. That said, construction has always been in my family, so it’s a field I always found myself gravitating towards in one way or another. So when this position opened with Starlite, it felt like the right fit. It is tremendously rewarding to be part of an industry that will literally shape the landscape for generations to come.