Several years ago, on a cold, blue‑sky morning, I was driving to the Mount Washington Hotel Expansion project in New Hampshire—my first project as a project manager—when I found myself in one of those moments that would stay with me for the rest of my career.
I was on the phone with our miscellaneous metals vendor, once again requesting confirmed delivery dates for critical stair railings. We’d been asking for six weeks, and our certificate of occupancy deadline was approaching fast. I calmly but firmly pressed for a commitment.
The owner of the company chuckled and replied: “Hun, there’s a way things work in construction. I’ll get you those railings when my shop is available. That’ll have to do.”
My neck tightened. I reminded him of his contractual obligations and explained we were prepared to issue a notice of delay if needed.
He chuckled again. “Hey sweetheart, I know you’re a girl trying to prove yourself, but it isn’t going to happen. I’ll let you know when they’re done—don’t you worry your pretty little head about it.”
In that moment, my blood pressure spiked so fast I had to pull my car over. Anger, disbelief, and a flood of questions hit at once:
Why is my gender part of this conversation?
Will this delay put our CO at risk?
Am I letting my team down?
Am I even good at my job?
I swallowed hard, steadied myself, and responded: “My gender has nothing to do with this conversation. You will receive a notice letter this afternoon. You will have 24 hours to respond with acceptable delivery dates, or your contract will be terminated. I already have another metals fabricator prepared to step in.”
He laughed once more, insisting no one else could fabricate that quickly.
But I ended the call on my terms and drove the remaining hour without service—vibrating with anger, fear, and determination. And I wasn’t bluffing. I had already been in contact with another fabricator because I was concerned about delays. I had a plan.
When I arrived onsite, I shared what happened with my team and with my construction executive. He listened, took it seriously, and said he would support whatever decision I made. Two days later, the original vendor was terminated and the new vendor was under contract. They delivered flawlessly—and ahead of schedule.
So much for “don’t you worry your pretty little head about it.”
So much for “you’re a girl trying to prove yourself.”
So much for “no one else can do it.”
My gender had nothing to do with it—my leadership did.
Why This Story Matters During Women in Construction Week
Unfortunately, this experience isn’t unique. Many women in construction have had their competence questioned, minimized, or dismissed simply because of who they are. But moments like these also bring something powerful into sharp focus: We belong, we are capable, and we make the industry better.
Women in Construction Week shines a light on stories like this—not to dwell on the obstacles, but to celebrate the grit, professionalism, and resilience women bring to every jobsite, design studio, boardroom, and project meeting.
My journey to senior project manager wasn’t a straight line. I once thought I’d be one of PC’s few female superintendents—but I struggled to see myself in that role because I didn’t see others like me. Today, I look at leaders like Natalie Alger and Rachel Radcliff, two of our assistant superintendents, and I’m filled with pride. Representation matters. It changes what people believe is possible.
That’s why Women in Construction Week is so important. It shines a light on the women building, managing, designing, leading, and elevating this industry every day.
How to Support Women in Construction Week
WIC Week is a chance for everyone—industry partners, allies, and supporters—to elevate women in the field. Here are simple ways to make a meaningful difference:
- Celebrate Women: Highlight the women in your organization and community. Share their stories and accomplishments—visibility inspires.
- Invite Women In: Include women in panels, site tours, meetings, and project discussions. Representation strengthens belonging.
- Support Your Local NAWIC Chapter: Encourage attendance at WIC Week events, trainings, and networking. Community builds confident leaders.
- Engage Students: Introduce girls to construction careers. One classroom visit can spark a future tradeswoman, engineer, or project manager.
- Share Career Pathways: Promote apprenticeships, internships, job openings, and shadowing opportunities. Access opens doors.
- Foster Inclusive Jobsites: Ensure PPE fits everyone. Review policies and culture so all women feel safe, respected, and heard.
- Commit Beyond One Week: Let WIC Week be the launch point for year‑round mentorship, equity, and leadership development.
When I look around PC Construction—and my greater NAWIC Vermont community—I see buildersof both projects and opportunity. Women who show up, work hard, support one another, and strengthen the industry simply by being part of it. So this WIC Week, I’m celebrating all of you.
Your grit.
Your talent.
Your voices.
Your leadership.
Your impact.
Thank you for making construction stronger and thank you for reminding me every day why this work matters.