Stacey Harris’ Post

Celebrating Women in Construction Week with Emily Wright, Field Safety & Health Coordinator! ⚡ How many years have you been in the construction industry? 8 ⚡ What is your favorite part of your job? That every day is different and getting to problem solve in challenging situations and environments. ⚡What is the biggest challenge that you face as a woman in the construction industry? Walking into a new worksite where you are the only woman can sometimes be intimidating, but I’ve found that once you get to know the crew members that really fades away! ⚡What is one thing you would tell all women about the trades? That the trades are still often overlooked by women when they are deciding on their career paths, but they shouldn’t be! There are so many rewarding and well-paying jobs in the trades where you can learn practical skills. There are so many opportunities for advancement! #WomenInConstruction #WICWeek #WomenInConstructionWeek #MJElectric #WeAreQuanta

We're kicking off #WomenInConstructionWeek by highlighting Alli Henry and her story! What role did you start in and what’s your current role? I started out as a Fireproofing Laborer and I’m currently a Project Manager for the Columbus region. What do you wish you would have known when starting out in construction? There isn’t a “correct” route to take in the industry. You’re capable of being successful no matter where , what trade or position you’re in. What do you like most about working in construction? I like the challenge and various parts that come with making the field’s job easier. What advice do you have for women interested in the construction field? If you’re thinking about construction—do it. You belong in this industry just as much as everyone else. Talent is everywhere.

Our first member of May's Meet the Team series is Penny B., Paving Crew Forewoman Q: How long have you been working Thompson Arthur, and how long have you worked in the construction field? 🦺 I worked as a sub for the company for 24 years prior to being hired on permanently approximately 8 years ago. I have been working in the construction field for a total of 33 years. Q: What is your history with the company? 🦺 I was hired on as a paver operator, after 3 years I moved to Quality Control and was there a year before I became a Paving Crew Foreman. Q: What do you feel is Thompson Arthur's priority in the workplace? 🦺 Diversity, working well with others and loyalty to their employees. I can’t picture working for any other paving company because this is my family. Q: What do you like most about working at Thompson Arthur? 🦺 The challenge!!! I enjoy learning something new everyday from my friends and coworkers. No two jobs are the same and you can always learn something. Q: What are some of the toughest challenges you've had at work? 🦺 As a woman there are certain challenges that you need to overcome, whether legitimate or perceived. I ENJOY overcoming them!! I ENJOY surprising those who make the mistake of underestimating me. I ENJOY proving that a woman can do it too!!! Q: Why do women need to be involved in construction? 🦺 Women fought hard to be given equality in the workplace. We should be able to choose ANY job we want to do if we can do it. And many women can do it just as good as a man, but bring a different perspective and talents to the job. Q: What advice would you give a woman contemplating coming to work for Thompson Arthur? 🦺 COME ON! If I can do it, you can too!!! Q: Describe yourself in 3 words. 🦺 Assertive, on time and funny! Q: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would that be? 🦺 Alaska Q: What is your favorite food? 🦺 Persimmon Pudding Q: Name something you've eaten that you will never eat again? 🦺 Asparagus (little trees) Q: Tell me something that most people don't know about you? 🦺 I play the violin! Q: What's the craziest thing you have done in your life? 🦺 Uhhhhmm…. most of that I cannot tell you. But I did take an Army Hop ride in a plane to Italy, and I have ridden camels near the pyramids in Egypt. True story! Q: What would you like to be remembered for after you die? 🦺 For being a kind and tenderhearted person. #ThompsonArthur #CRH #SafetyFirst #BuildAmerica #NorthCarolina #Construction #ConstructionLife #Jobs #NowHiring #Safety #Career #Employee #JobOpportunity #Career #DirtWork #Building #Bridge #Structure #Bridgework #BridgeConstruction #infrastructure #Roads #Paving #Striping #Equipment

NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION APPRECIATION WEEK National Construction Appreciation Week recognises the dedicated, hard-working men and women instrumental in developing infrastructure in America. This five-day tribute celebrates the sacrifice and tireless efforts. We would like to extend our appreciation and support to all construction workers around the world. From homes to highways to hospitals – the impact of the construction industry is everywhere you look. Without construction, there would be no transportation, manufacturing or commerce. The industry affects the lives of every person. Likewise, the positive impact of those who work in the industry extends far beyond the boundaries of the job site. HISTORY In 2018, I Build America founded National Construction Appreciation Week to honour the dedicated men and women in the construction industry building America. Recognising this foundational industry, the week seeks to open a dialogue concerning the communities they build. #ConstructionAppreciationWeek #ThanksForBuilding #ConstructionAppreciationWeek2023

Compliance Consultants, Inc. supports all the efforts and career paths of women who work in the construction industry. Women in the construction industry are making great strides but there is still a lot more work to be done. With labor shortages in the industry not expected to ease, women are an integral part of any staffing plan. As a women-owned business, Compliance Consultants, Inc. supports and encourages women to consider construction as a career path. Here is a great article and several interesting stories about how women got started in the industry. https://lnkd.in/e5UG3ePw

Why do we need more women on job sites? 👉🏼 Workers with at least one woman on their crew rated themselves higher in safety, attendance, quality and productivity than those with all-male crews. 👉🏼 Women are more focused on the success of their entire team rather than their own individual achievements than men. Not to mention women's focus on teamwork, attention to detail, organization, safety and ability to multitask! These aren't my opinions - check out the research from NCCER and Ambition Theory to learn more! . . . #BuildingBetter #WomenInTrades #WomenInCraft #CraftProfessionals #ConstructionIndustry

I investigate the acronym JEDI. Justice, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, in hiring. The other day I briefly explored Justice. Continuing with 'JEDI for Dummies' lets cover E for equality, or is it equity? Great question!, lets address it with this straightforward analogy: 'A line of people of different heights are watching an event from behind a fence. Equality is giving each person a box to stand on to get a better view. Equity is giving each person a box of the right height for their stature, so they all get the same view. ' (Anon) Its like the Contrave® ad, Do you know about Equality? I do. Do you? Equality is essential to eliminate discrimination based on sex, race, disabilities, and visible minorities, ensuring equal treatment for all applicants. Intriguingly, research reveals that ageism is often overlooked as a form of discrimination, with employers potentially being 'unaware' of their bias against older candidates. This oversight may stem from the perception that older applicants could be uncoachable or resistant to embracing new technologies. Millennials make up half of current employees and are not overrepresented by most company standards. However there was a surprising poll result from 20% of companies that felt Baby Boomers were underrepresented! Some benefits of Boomers identified were, increased creativity, effective knowledge transfer and mentorship, surprisingly. Experience was shared, and in return they learnt new tricks! Inevitably most websites say a combination of an edited resume eliminating any evidence of age, and refraining from using outdated terminology, and of course 'believe in yourself'. will assist in getting hired. Ultimately it comes back to a companies hiring policy. It needs to be well written with no ambiguity. A leadership who are passionate about people and a company that sees the value in all applicants. We'll cover Equity later. 😊 ◻

Women in construction have faced challenges related to stereotypes, discrimination, and a lack of representation. However, advocacy groups, educational initiatives, and changing attitudes are helping to address these issues. Organizations like the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) provide a platform for networking, professional development, and support for women in the construction field. Due in part to their efforts, the number of women working in construction - along with women-owned construction businesses - have been on the rise. Women have been involved in construction for centuries, often in roles such as builders, craftswomen, and artisans. In World War II, for instance, women took on various construction jobs due to the labor shortage. Women have made significant contributions to the construction industry throughout history. For example, Emily Warren Roebling played a vital role in the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge. Increasing gender diversity in the construction industry has been shown to bring a variety of benefits, including improved teamwork, enhanced problem-solving, and fresh perspectives. As more women enter the construction field, they serve as role models for younger generations, encouraging them to consider careers in this dynamic and rewarding industry. At Being Humans we believe that true success can only be achieved by empowering women and we stand by our stance, having added some of the most exceptionally talented women to our team. - Aiman Ali, Being Humans

🏗 👷♀️ Are you working hard to increase female participation in construction? Is your company working with schools to encourage more kids to consider a career in a built environs industry? 🔨 If so, I'd love to hear from you! Send me a DM -- or raise your hands in the comments below. #ArticleCallout #WomenInConstruction

Women in Construction Week used to give me major imposter syndrome vibes.   I'm not a person who works on the job site. Never have been. I've always been an advocate and feel like an awestruck tourist when I'm on a job site. Honestly, I am insanely jealous of those of who possess the skills to be doing the physical work.   But I matter to construction, especially to women in construction. Using my voice to advocate for the ladies I meet, share their stories, validate their importance, and create traction for their continued success is where I find my stance as a woman for construction.   So I celebrate Women in Construction Week by being a woman for construction. The workforce story is starting to change, but there is still so much work to be done. Here are a few of my favorite follows for women making an impact on the construction industry. Please tag the women who are inspiring you in construction!   Kate Rieling: Project Manager at Catamount Constructors and President of Crew Collaborative.   Jennifer Todd M.L.S..: Owner at LMS General Contractors and A Greener Tomorrow. Abbie Raudabaugh: PM & Estimator at Flannery Construction and President of the Twin Cities National Association of Women in Construction chapter. Heather Williams: Project Manager in the HVAC sector and Industry Advocate/Mentor Amanda Kurt: Owner of Kurk, Inc. and Secretary of Crew Collaborative Alexandra Smith: Heavy Equipment Operator at Donald Herbert Septic and one of our Crew Collaborative Founding Members Heather Gay: Associate Dean at Dunwoody College of Technology and literally teaching the next generation of construction. Alicia Brentzel: President at Brex Enterprises and Treasurer for Crew Collaborative Janelle Miller: Contract Adminstrator at Peterson Companies, Inc. and WIC Week Direct for National Association of Women in Construction. Chelsy Snyder Anderson: Business Development at Dean Snyder Construction and founding board member of Crew Collaborative Wendy H.: Account Manager for Shell and Crew Collaborative Past President Erika Rothenberger, LEED AP, PMP: Director of Performance Systems at Henkels & McCoy, Inc. and badass advocate/podcaster/mom/speaker Tatiana Murphy: Project Manager at RJM Construction and up for an award at Saturday's Finance & Commerce Women in Construction Gala...I'm gonna cheer so loud for you! Lisa David: Estimator at JE Dunn Construction and DEI advocate. So proud to know you! Barb Lau: Executive Director of Association of Women Contractors and steadfast advocate for the fair treatment of women in our industry. Missy Guerrero Scherber: Owner of T. Scherber Demolition & Excavating WBE/MBE/DBE and tireless advocate for women in construction. I'm stopping there, but I know I've forgotten some more amazing women. I am so humbled to come alongside this group and create impact for our industry. #wicweek2024