We spoke with two women who helped create Women@������, an employee resource group focused on developing the talents and presence of women at ������ through mentorship, education and empowerment. We asked them about what it means to be a woman in construction and their thoughts on this year’s theme.

Hear from Kathryn Payne, regional operations manager in the Charlotte region, and Adrienne Panella, project executive in New Jersey supporting the company’s affordable housing efforts:

What initially drew you to the construction industry, and how has your career path in the industry evolved over time?

Kathryn: I am a bit atypical in that I had no family history in the construction industry. Many women who entered the industry around the same time I did, did so because their fathers were builders. My dad wasn’t a builder, but he is the reason I’m in construction. I am the oldest of two daughters, which meant I was the one helping my dad around the house when he needed an extra hand. I gravitated toward construction; I loved seeing projects come together even if it was just a small bathroom renovation. My dad saw that interest and encouraged me to consider construction management as a career path. After my first construction class, I was hooked. After my first internship I was obsessed, and I haven’t regretted a day since. It can be a taxing career at times, but I love it.

Adrienne: I was always interested in the design and construction industry. In 2013, I pivoted from architecture to the construction world. I truly enjoy working through the paper design documents to make them constructable in the field.

What is your favorite thing about working in the construction industry?

Kathryn: In construction, we leave a tangible thing behind when we’re done with a job. I still get excited driving by every project that I ever worked on, be it as an intern or as an executive. Knowing I played a part in bringing a building to life is just as energizing today as it was when I started in this business 20 years ago.

Adrienne: One of my favorite things is feeling part of a team. It takes many people to build each project, and at the end of the day knowing you had a hand in that process feels amazing.

What does “Level Up” mean to you at this stage in your career?

Kathryn: I don’t think “Leveling Up” means reinventing the wheel.  “Level Up” to me means two things: One, “How can I do my job better? How can I show up better for my team?” And two, “How can I show others what is possible?” I have been very lucky to be the first woman to hold a couple positions at ������ – first project executive, and now regional operations manager. While these are huge career milestones for me, I’m even more excited by the fact that now there are others who have seen that it is possible.

Adrienne: “Level Up” to me means learning to let go of the typical stereotypes that women have in this industry and show up each day the best you can be – and be happy at the end of each day.

What barriers still exist for women in construction – and how can leaders help remove them?

Kathryn: One major barrier is not seeing women in leadership roles. I am lucky that I never saw that as a barrier or disadvantage – I just saw opportunity – but I understand how easy it is to be dissuaded by not seeing someone like you in a role you aspire to. Now, sitting in some of those roles, I am trying to be really intentional with mentoring some of our younger women. I do not think anything should be handed to you, and I worked really hard to get where I am. I think hearing about the level of effort it takes is critical to growing our talent – both men and women.

Adrienne: There are many barriers that affect women in this industry; however, they have been getting better as more women enter into this field. Having an advocate and sounding board that you can talk to helps greatly in breaking down those barriers.

What advice would you give women who are looking to take the next step in their careers?

Kathryn: I am a firm believer that you should be doing the job you want before you’re promoted into the position. To that end, be very intentional. Have direct conversations with your manager about where you want to go in your career. Don’t leave things up to chance. Welcome feedback, even if it’s not positive. When you have capacity to take on more, do it.

Adrienne: Do not wait for the title or the promotion. Work hard and perform the role you want, and learn from those with that current position. Seek out and align with a mentor either in your office or outside the industry for additional support and advice.

How can companies better support career growth for women in construction?

Kathryn: To me it’s simple, we need to be honest about the business. I want women to be able to go as far as they possibly can in their careers in construction, but the job can be taxing at times. When you see an opportunity – whether expressly offered to you or not – take it. Is there something you think you can take off your manager’s plate? Offer to do it. Is there a committee you can volunteer for? Sign up. Spend time in the field. Learn as much as you can technically. Be really honest about where you want to go in your career. It is the job of your managers/mentors/sponsors to have that dialogue with you, but it is not their responsibility to hand you opportunities. You’ve got to take charge of your career, be open to feedback – both the good and bad – and chart your own course. When you show that you’re invested, people invest in you.

Adrienne: I believe many women are looking to grow in their careers, and one way that a company can provide support is to offer training and development opportunities outside of the standard 9-5. ������ offers many training courses and videos to support employees’ personal and professional growth.

How do you see construction as a vehicle for strengthening the communities we serve?

Kathryn: Construction is the backbone of our communities. Not only do we create spaces for people to thrive, but this industry is filled with so many opportunities. We’re currently in preconstruction on a new elementary school, and I had to explain how trade costs – specifically mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) – continue to rise because of the shortage of qualified labor, but in the same sentence, I’m able to share with school board members that they should encourage their students to consider going into the trades. Labor is expensive because people get paid well. It’s an awesome opportunity for a very fulfilling life.

Adrienne: For me, we get to build affordable housing for those most in need in the communities. Being able to see how our developments transform the neighborhoods and impact lives for the better is the best feeling.

Women in Construction Week is an opportunity to recognize the leadership and impact women bring to the industry every day. At ������, we take great pride in all of our team’s talented women – like Kathryn and Adrienne. Their expertise and contributions are essential to our success.