WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION WEEK 2024 SPOTLIGHTS
As we commemorate Women’s History Month this March, it’s important to recognize the invaluable contributions of women in the construction industry. Far from being confined by stereotypes, women are making significant strides in reshaping the construction landscape and fostering innovation.
Wanda Wong, Project Manager
Introduction:
Wanda Wong, Project Manager, 1yr 7months
Professional Journey:
I joined Swinerton as a Project Manager about 1.5 years ago with an unconventional background for construction, Environmental Science and Biochemistry. Over 10 years ago, I started my construction career as a consultant at an engineering and environmental consulting firm and then as an inspector at the City of San Jose. The one thing that was a constant in the different positions that I held was being on construction sites. Being a Project Manager at Swinerton allows me to be a part of the entire construction process and to see a building that was designed on paper become a reality. I enjoy managing projects, coordinating with contractors, and connecting with different people. I am really inspired and driven by great people and challenging projects. Construction exposes me to both and pushes me beyond what I think are my limits while teaching me how to handle situations under high pressure. The challenges in construction will test your patience, force you to problem solve, teach you calm effective communication, and build your confidence.
Role and Responsibilities:
As a Project Manager at Swinerton, I, in short, guide construction projects from design through construction to completion. I manage timelines; coordinate with project staff, contractors, designers, regulatory agencies and owners; answer questions; and find solutions. I always share my knowledge and try to put 100% into everything that I do, whether it’s at work or outside of work.
Challenges and Triumphs:
There have been many times I haven’t been taken seriously or talked down to because of my gender and/or age. This is a reality of being a female in a male dominated field, but building rapport and having open conversations to show my knowledge has helped a lot.
Advice for Aspiring Professionals:
Don’t hesitate. Just do it. You will constantly be learning in construction. Swinerton has given me the opportunity to work on many different types of projects so I can discover what I like.
Personal Touch:
The people. Everyone I have worked with is so team oriented, dependable, and supportive of each other. Outside of work, I like tent camping and hiking in National Parks. One day, I hope to be able to say that I visited every National Park.
Leila Carlin, Senior Project Engineer
Introduction:
Leila Carlin, Senior Project Engineer. I have been with the company for almost 6 months.
Professional Journey:
My professional journey at Swinerton is just beginning but I aspire to become a Pproject Mmanager soon and run my own jobs! Eventually I would love to become a Project Executive and retire from Swinerton at the end of my career.
My father inspired me to pursue a career in the construction industry. Growing up, he always made sure I knew I could be anything I wanted to be when I grew up and that nothing could hold me back. My father owns his own residential construction company and I would love to go with him to his job sites and “help” him with my child-size tool belt and my oversized safety glasses. I always admired his talent and ability to build anything at all from the ground up and I couldn’t wait to one day have those skills as well. I was never held back by any ideals of construction being a field for males. I love to see women succeed in male dominated careers.
Role and Responsibilities:
My responsibilities consist of: project document control and documentation, resolving any issues that may come up with pre-construction documentations or plans, meeting facilitations and record, organizing/reading/understanding all of my projects plans (multiple projects at a time), processing submittals/RFI’s/PCO’s & CO’s, invoicing, and on- the- spot support of my entire team and their projects.
I support my team and the success of their projects by maintaining a positive attitude and staying motivated to complete tasks and solve problems. I also offer new solutions to issues as well as constantly coming up with ways to make processes easier and more understandable at every level.
Challenges and Triumphs:
Some challenges I have faced in my role include learning new interfaces and processes. Being that I work for/with more than one project and client, I have had to quickly learn how to adapt to their programs for documentation and how each client processes documents and how they send and receive information. It is also challenging to form relationships and rapport with new clients. Its very important to make sure your voice is heard and to be a positive presence in the workplace.
I am especially proud of the work I have done with California Northstate University and their teaching hospital project. When I came on board to Swinerton I was “thrown” into the middle of pre-construction planning and organization for this massive project, and I was able to successfully organize the project program (Procore) and address my team’s needs and concerns.
Advice for Aspiring Professionals:
My main advice for women aspiring to have a career in construction is to not feel as though you are less in any way because of your gender. We are fortunate to live in a progressive era and more women are embracing male-dominated industries.
Swinerton has supported my growth by encouraging development in multiple areas. For example, I recently became involved in recruiting after showing interest and have been able to participate in multiple events and have been accepted by each recruiting team with open arms. My team has supported my growth by encouraging me to learn new things and making sure I know how much my work is appreciated and how helpful my presence is. At any given time, my team gives me the opportunity to expand my role and prepare me for the next step.
Personal Touch:
My favorite part about working at Swinerton is the people. Everyone has been so welcoming and friendly that I know my future here will be full of meaningful relationships and I will always have resources at my disposal if I ever need help with anything.
My favorite thing to do is swim! Not competitively. But I love all things water and love to be in water or by it. I love taking trips to the ocean and hearing the waves crash on the shore. I am also an avid reader and would rather spend a free day cozied up on the couch with a good book!
Heidi Rank, Project Executive
Introduction:
Heidi Rank, Project Executive with Swinerton of over 5 years.
Professional Journey:
I started out with Swinerton on the Builders side, transferring over to Swinerton Management & Consulting (SMC), and was quickly promoted from Project Manager to Senior Project Manager, then Project Executive. This was partially due to my lengthy experience in public work construction management and the retirement of others.
Architecture was my initial passion and I became a licensed Architect. By chance, a firm for whom I was working had an emergent need to replace a construction superintendent and I was the only licensed professional that the client would accept. I reluctantly stepped in, then realized how rewarding it was to see how buildings are built. It made me become a better Architect. I also liked the physical activity of working in the field.
Role and Responsibilities:
As a Project Executive, I manage a team of Project Managers who assist the San Mateo County Community College District and its Facilities & Purchasing staff in implementing a wide variety of projects from design to bidding through construction.
Having considerable experience with codes, public bidding, and construction management I feel I offer a convenient technical resource for my teammates to deliver projects more efficiently. Remaining organized and reliable develops trust with teammates, clients and stakeholders. Exhibiting compassion and tact, especially in the public sector, is a skill I’ve honed that I hope, by example my colleagues will continue to develop and contribute to the success of our projects.
Challenges and Triumphs:
Working at a Community College District, under a “shared governance” leadership model, frequently involves input from a variety of roles and personalities. Differing opinions regarding construction projects abound and making progress can be difficult and frustrating. And while the District is responsible for official messaging, SMC is often asked to provide information, offer solutions, and facilitate meetings. Truly listening and practicing patience is a deliberate awareness that has helped me successfully maneuver through delicate or contentious situations.
SMC was tasked with overseeing the design, bidding and construction for retrofitting a former, older elementary school to be used for community college offices and classrooms. Many of the intended occupants were not excited about the move. Navigating between issues and personalities was not only frustrating, but it impacted both the schedule and budget as well. Staying upbeat and creative, while remaining sensitive helped manage the relocation process. The most satisfying part of the project was realizing and suggesting that the suspended ceiling in the network classroom could be removed. The exposed timber structure above was stunning and the classrooms were instantly transformed into spacious learning environments. The instructors love the new classrooms and local technology companies rave about the facility.
Advice for Aspiring Professionals:
Women today may still have more difficulty gaining respect in the construction field than male counterparts, but my advice to anyone considering a career in construction is to “be a sponge”. Learn from everyone, especially the trades persons installing the work. Have genuine interest in everyone’s contribution to the project. Understanding how things are built, how long it takes, how much it costs, what risks are involved, etc. are all details that factor into becoming a well-rounded construction professional.
Swinerton regularly demonstrates faith and trust in my abilities giving me confidence to be a leader for both my team and our client. Talent retention at Swinerton and Leader/Team Builder training creates an atmosphere of sharing. It is easy to develop and maintain an “in-house” network of professionals with whom to consult if needed, expanding our knowledge and making us even more valuable to our clients.
Personal Touch:
The authentic camaraderie at Swinerton is the biggest perk. I love to travel internationally and independently. I hope to be a nomad someday, living in one place 6 months at a time in alternate hemispheres so I can enjoy eternal summer. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my enthusiasm for Ping Pong. I’m not afraid of challenging anyone to a game…… sporting high heels.
Lisette Morales, Senior Project Manager
Introduction:
Lissette Morales, Senior Project Manager, 25 years with Swinerton
Professional Journey:
I started as a new project engineer with Management & Consulting right after completing my B.S. at Cal Poly. Saratoga Drive in the Bay Meadows practice track development in San Mateo was my first project.
I had the opportunity to work with Builders for a few years closing out a hospital project, followed by a confidential, large development project.
Role and Responsibilities:
I am currently working with City of South San Francisco and City of Daly City on design and construction management of Parks projects and HVAC and Roofing projects. I like the coordination details of construction. I like working with people even more. To me, building relationships is just as important as building the project when it comes to
success.
Challenges and Triumphs:
It has been 30 years since my first internship (not with Swinerton). I remember clearly at my first meeting, one of the engineers asked me, the only female in the room, to prepare coffee. It’s been a long time since then, with many positive changes. Women are involved in every aspect of construction now.
I’ve been fortunate to work on many community feel-good projects like Boys and Club at Hunters Point. This was probably my favorite project. We helped create a much-needed facility for the community. I ended up volunteering there afterwards with the art class.
One of my proudest moments: I ran into a former client in the office of a new client. This former client announced to the new client and anyone who could hear him that “Lissette is one of the good ones. She does what she says.” I was proud to have left that sort of impact.
Advice for Aspiring Professionals:
You can have a career and a family. It’s challenging and rewarding on both sides. Find your cheerleaders and supporters.
Personal Touch:
Swinerton’s portfolio is so diverse. I’ve had the opportunity to work on many different projects in every stage of development.
Everyone along the way has always been looking out for me and my growth. There hasn’t been one person that turned me away when looking for opportunity or advise.
I am a strong supporter of foster youth in my county. My two kiddos are my real job. I enjoy getting lost in a book and finding hiking adventures. Sometimes I find time for photography and painting.
Srushti Veluvolu, Assistant Project Manager
Introduction:
Srushti Veluvolu, Assistant Project Manager. 1 year with Swinerton.
Professional Journey:
I joined the company in March 2023 as an Assistant Project Manager when I moved to the Bay Area from Texas. I have worked with an amazing team during the past year for the cities of Martinez, Albany, Richmond, and Concord. I have had the privilege of exploring various types of projects – roadways, parks, as well as demolition projects. It has been a very fulfilling and exciting journey so far.
I have always been interested in Civil Engineering and during my undergrad, I realized my skills in scheduling and budget management would shine best in a construction management role. This led me to find my way into the construction industry.
Role and Responsibilities:
My work mainly involves ensuring the project is running according to the schedule, checking quality on site, to documenting and tracking all project activities, issues, and resolutions.
One of the most important things in a project is to document all the goings on at a project site. I think this is one of the key contributions to a project. In addition to this, making sure that all the stakeholders are up to date on the schedule and budget through weekly meetings, project management software, etc., and being able to visually represent site conditions in the form of redlines are some of my contributions to a successful project.
Challenges and Triumphs:
One of the most common challenges is understanding the Owner’s ask and getting the Contractor to perform the work to the Owner’s satisfaction. Sometimes this takes multiple iterations. One of the ways to overcome this challenge is to formalize communications in the form of RFIs, CO, or even emails and get everyone’s weigh-in on the topic.
On the Richmond Terminal 4 Wharf, Warehouse, and Pile Removal Project, my Bluebeam skills helped in creating redlines to help the team visualize the site conditions, and this aided in communications between the Contractor, Engineer, and Owner.
Advice for Aspiring Professionals:
If someone is interested in being able to physically see something that you worked on, and they have a process-oriented mind, then construction could be a perfect career path, and an internship would be an ideal way to test it out. I think the best advice would be to try and be hands-on in all the different areas of a construction project – design, schedule analysis, field inspection, issue tracking, RFI discussions, CO management, etc. Once you figure out the area that you most like, and where your skills shine the most, you can focus on that as you rise higher in your career. This allows for a wholesome knowledge of all the different aspects of the project from the ground up.
The team at Swinerton is very focused on developing each team member to grow professionally. We have various trainings online and also have the Foundation series to dive deeper into personal career growth.
Personal Touch:
The team – everyone is so happy to share their project experiences and that helps you grow. I love hiking, skiing, and playing board games.