Recognizing Women Trailblazers in Construction and Facilities Management

A few years ago, I watched my then 12-year-old daughter assemble a huge doll house for her younger cousin after everyone else had given up, struggling with what seemed like hundreds of mismatched pieces and pages of questionable instructions. She did not get frustrated or flustered. She was completely focused and did not give up until the job was completed.

I remember watching in awe and bursting with pride thinking, “Maybe she’ll grow up to become an architect or an engineer one day.” Though she is still assessing her options and has time to make those career decisions, it is very reassuring to know that there are plenty of successful female role models who have paved the way into the male-dominated construction industry for girls like her. 

There are women who have defied the odds and their many critics, while gaining prominence among their peers in the skilled trades in positions such as general contractors, developers, architects, engineers and construction project managers to name a few. They are respected as decision-makers and leaders. They inspire and empower others. 

I have had the opportunity to engage with some of these women in various construction specialization roles at Sodexo and to say I am impressed with their accomplishments would be an understatement. In addition to the education and skills these women possess, they also have a tenacity and passion for their work that I could almost reach out and touch because it was so palpable. Suffice it to say, they know their stuff. 

Sodexo has given these women the opportunity to take charge of their careers and they have soared! They have excelled in this predominantly male environment and have taken others under their wings to pay it forward. Just a few examples include the architect who has mentored high school students and DACA Dreamers while introducing them to careers in construction and facilities management; the workplace design engineers creating innovative, people-centric work spaces for our clients and helping them ensure business continuity while adjusting to the new future of work; and the Director of Facilities Operations responsible for a 3 million-square-foot university who was involved in the master planning and execution of a critical infrastructure upgrade project which allowed them to save approximately 3 million gallons of water per year. Their work has had an undeniable impact on the company, our clients and the communities we serve - and the ripple effect will benefit future generations for many years to come. 

This month as we continue to celebrate not only Women in Construction Week but also International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, we salute our Sodexo team members who are trailblazers in the industry. They are fiercely challenging career stereotypes every day and making strides toward achieving gender equality. We recognize the women holding leadership positions who are providing guidance and strategic direction; the project managers who are responsible for executing the vision, managing resources and meeting milestones; and the skilled trades professionals such as the electricians, plumbers and technicians, without whom our success would not be possible. They are a small but mighty group of whom we are immensely proud! 

If you’d like to join the ranks of these successful women, search our open facilities management and construction jobs.