In celebrating the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) – Women in Construction Week theme, ‘Many Paths, One Mission,’ we are sharing the different journeys, and insights women at Cotter have taken toward the same goal: strengthening and amplifying the success of women in the construction industry..

Describe your inspiration or path for getting started in the AEC industry.
I have loved every minute of my 45-year career in the construction industry. I was born with construction in my DNA. My great grandfather was a bricklayer, my grandfather was a home builder, and my Dad was a civil engineer, a concrete contractor, and a real estate developer.

How have you curated a supportive environment for women in the AEC industry that also promotes professional development/growth?
I have supported women in the construction industry in formal and informal ways. I am always open to informal conversations with women looking for career advice, encouragement, or a shoulder to cry on. I share the story of my career to give them encouragement to hang in there in difficult times. Formally, Cotter has supported professional organizations that focus on supporting women, including Professional Women in Construction, Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS), Federation of Women Contractors, and ACE Mentoring.

What advice would you give to women just getting started or are interested in joining the AEC industry?
My advice to women considering this industry is to understand your strengths and weaknesses and what makes you happy. Look at the various roles in the industry and what traits are needed for each role. Find where you think you will fit in and jump right in!

Describe your inspiration or path for getting started in the AEC industry.
It started with architecture. As a kid I loved to look at buildings, usually residential, and I also doodled. That led me to participate in a few design and architecture programs and ultimately to a Bachelor of Architecture. From there I would have to say I obtained positions in architecture and project management based on relationships. I know it may sound cliché, but it is so true!

How do you feel Cotter supports your professional goals/endeavors? What are your next steps at Cotter/professionally?
Cotter has always encouraged me whether it’s something that I have identified as a goal or something that Cotter has presented to me. It is nice to know that you have people that support and value you and I hope that I can do that for others.

What advice would you give to women just getting started or are interested in joining the AEC industry?
Find mentors that will support you, teach you and be a guide through the ins and out as well as ups and downs of project management or whatever your career might be. Hopefully, they will be someone that encourages you to take that next big step. You can do it! Take a leap!

Describe your inspiration or path for getting started in the AEC industry.
I have many cousins that are engineers, so from a young age I had exposure to the STEM world. Once out of college, I made the official transition to the Construction industry after several years as a capital projects engineer.

How do you feel Cotter supports your professional goals/endeavors? What are your next steps at Cotter/professionally?
Cotter team members do a great job sharing their experiences on projects. I have had new experiences come up on projects and I’ve been able to lean on other Buildings group members or even personnel within different groups for support. As a goal for Cotter, I hope to continue helping new hires as a mentoring resource.

What advice would you give to women just getting started or are interested in joining the AEC industry?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Sometimes, as a woman and minority within the industry, it can be intimidating to ask questions. Take the time to partner with more experienced professionals and learn from them. It pays off in the end!

Describe your inspiration or path for getting started in the AEC industry.
A passion for math, science, and problem solving ultimately led me to the AEC industry. I studied engineering at Purdue University where I was exposed to all the engineering disciplines in my first year classes. I was fascinated with building and city infrastructure projects, and quickly specialized in civil engineering.

How do you feel Cotter supports your professional goals/endeavors? What are your next steps at Cotter/professionally?
Cotter has been supportive of professional memberships and industry events outside of daily project work. I have a team around me to support continued education that will ultimately translate to better project performance. I plan to continue on the project controls career path, building client relationships, and working toward more business development.

What advice would you give to women just getting started or are interested in joining the AEC industry?
The best advice I can give is to say “yes” and figure out the rest later. The industry has such a variety of opportunities, just start. Whether it’s a career path you want to pursue or you decide to pivot your professional path, you’ve learned something new just by saying yes. There is no such thing as a wasted opportunity.

Describe your inspiration or path for getting started in the AEC industry.
I had many inspirations along my construction path to where I am today. There were women from the construction industry that inspired me as a little girl and helped me focus my education. These women encouraged me every step of the way and helped me learn when to change course or stick it out. I will continuously be grateful for all the inspiration I have received throughout my career.

How do you feel Cotter supports your professional goals/endeavors? What are your next steps at Cotter/professionally?
Cotter has been the first company I have been part of that actively pursues inclusivity and encourages continuing education. I hope to continue helping my clients deliver projects that will further develop their students.

What advice would you give to women just getting started or are interested in joining the AEC industry?
It’s a tough industry but a very rewarding industry and despite how slow it seems at times, change in our industry is happening.

Describe your inspiration or path for getting started in the AEC industry.
I think it’s important to understand that any time you push beyond your comfort level in your career, it’s an opportunity to grow and experience therefore starting a career in AEC was stepping outside my comfort zone to broaden my horizons.

How do you feel Cotter supports your professional goals/endeavors? What are your next steps at Cotter/professionally?
Cotter gives opportunities to grow within the industry by providing training and online courses. I am currently mastering the position of customer service representative in order to exceed our clients’ needs.

What advice would you give to women just getting started or are interested in joining the AEC industry?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Also contribute your thoughts and get out off your comfort zone to grow.

Describe your inspiration or path for getting started in the AEC industry.
I originally entered the industry as an Interior Designer, but realized I was more interested in the nuts and bolts of the industry. My interest in how the building or structure was built became my focus. Drawing and understanding wall sections, footings, and foundations became more interesting than color boards or furniture arrangement.

How do you feel Cotter supports your professional goals/endeavors? What are your next steps at Cotter/professionally?
Cotter Consulting has been great, starting from when I interviewed until now, as a new employee. Cotter’s focus has been, “what can we do to support you in your goals and next steps in your professional development”. I said I wanted to obtain my PMP Certification, and Cotter is making that happen. I appreciate their focus on making me successful in the AEC industry.

What advice would you give to women just getting started or are interested in joining the AEC industry?
I would advise young women to seek out and gain experience in every area of the industry. Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone.