2023 Women in Construction Week
This year is the 25th anniversary of celebrating Women in Construction Week! This is a week to appreciate all of the women who have made strides in the construction industry, an industry where women account for just 10.9% of the workforce. Of that percentage, an even smaller number is on the construction site - only 1 of every 100 employees is a woman working in the field.
The KC Streetcar Constructors are excited to have a diverse group of workers, including some rockstar women. From the field, to the leadership and ownership teams, women play an integral role in making the KC Streetcar Main Street Extension Project possible. We are thankful for all of them and the important roles they play! Learn more about a few of the women working on the Main Street Extension below.
Zizi Badagliacca
What’s your role on the KC Streetcar Main Street Extension Project?
I am the Deputy Quality Manager
How did you start working in construction? Do you remember the first project you worked on?
My mother flipped houses before flipping houses was a thing. So, I had a spray bottle in one hand and a scraper in the other by the time I was 6, removing old wall paper so that we could repaint the walls. I learned how to paint and started learning how to do wood framing by the time I was 10. I started working in the industry officially when I was around 18. I was a framer building houses in a subdivision.
How long have you been working in construction?
Off and on for the last 25 years. I have worked as a laborer, a framer, a painter, a testing technician, a SSHO (Site Safety and Health Officer), a Concrete Quality Control Manager, and now a Deputy Quality Manager. I have left the industry several times, but I always came back because I LOVE to build things. And honestly, what better way to leave your mark on the world than to help make it better!
What advice would you give to other women either in the construction industry or looking to get into the industry?
Learn everything you can and get as many certifications as you can. Never stop expanding your knowledge base. The industry is always changing and growing. We must grow and adapt with it. Don’t be afraid to stand your ground. Just because someone has been “Doing this for 37 years”, doesn’t mean they have been doing it right for 37 years. Own your mistakes and learn from them. Never stop learning. Make it a personal goal to learn something new every day.
Donna Fleming
What’s your role on the KC Streetcar Main Street Extension Project?
Laborer. I do all the same stuff the men do, build the track, work on the concrete pours, and weld rail.
How did you start working in construction?
I grew up with a dad and six brothers, it was what we always did. We built our own stuff and fixed our own cars. I didn’t like being in the house with my mom, I wanted to do anything I could outside. I joined the union in 2009 in Seattle. When I moved back to Kansas City, I got into heavy highway work.
What was the first project you worked on?
I worked on the Microsoft office building for Paul Allen and Bill Gates.
How long have you been in the industry?
I’ve been in construction my whole life. I painted for 20 years and had my own business for 10 years. When the market started going down and business got slow, I joined the union.
What advice would you give to other women either in the construction industry or looking to get into the industry?
Don’t feel the need to prove you can keep up with the guys. Be a good worker. Learn as much as you can, as many skills as you can because it’s going to take you a long way. Have respect for your fellow workers, even if you don’t like someone, show them respect. Having a good morale around your coworkers is helpful too.
What’s your favorite part about your job?
I like moving, as long as I’m moving and doing something I’m happy. I really enjoy the welding work, and this really has been one of my favorite jobs!
Katherine Meyer
What’s your role on the KC Streetcar Main Street Extension Project?
I am the media spokesperson and construction communication lead for the KC Streetcar Constructors, the joint venture building the KC Streetcar Main Street Extension project. I work to keep business owners, residents, community leaders and other stakeholders in the know about where construction is happening and how it will impact their usual routines. To do so I manage the project’s Construction Hotline, Twitter account, website and email account.
How did you start working in construction? Do you remember the first project you worked on?
KC Streetcar Main Street Extension is my first construction project.
How long have you been working in the construction industry?
I started with Burns & McDonnell in June 2019.
What advice would you give to other women either in the construction industry or looking to get into the industry?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Find the people in the office and in the field who are willing to share their knowledge and experience.
Jaqueline Callahan
What is your role on the KC Streetcar Main Street Extension Project?
I am a laborer and work on streamline, grading and demoing.
How did you start working in construction? Do you remember the first project you worked on?
I knew someone in construction. My first project was bridgework in Iowa at exit 30.
How long have you been in the industry?
Since 2013. I was a stationary machine operator at a plant before. I started in this industry late in life, but it’s a good job.
What advice would you give to other women either in the construction industry or looking to get into the industry?
Definitely get into the industry, especially when you’re young! You can retire after 35 years. It’s a great way to learn responsibility and hard work. I love working for the union; they place you in a new job when your job finishes.
Michelle Davis
What’s your role on the KC Streetcar Main Street Extension Project?
Office Manager/Document Control
How did you start working in construction? Do you remember the first project you worked on?
I started as an admin in contracts helping multiple divisions followed by proposals and marketing at Herzog’s corporate office in St. Joseph. I wanted an opportunity to be on a project after writing about them and collecting photos and data for many years. I jumped at the chance to come to KC and have been on the Streetcar project since June 2020.
How long have you been working in the construction industry?
I started with Herzog September 2006.
What advice would you give to other women either in the construction industry or looking to get into the industry?
Get excited about learning! So far, I’ve had the opportunity to learn nine new programs since being on this project. I get to go out on the alignment and have learned about concrete pours, different welding types, maintenance of traffic, saw cutting, demoing and most important, SAFETY. If you think you’re good with technology, prepare to get better. Ask lots of questions and watch tutorials on the programs being used and the work being performed in the field. Construction is awesome and there are many positions to fill on an organization chart so find what fits you!
Patsy Roberts
What’s your role on the KC Streetcar Main Street Extension Project?
I’m a spotter most of the time, but I will jump in and help dig with a shovel when we are done with the excavator.
I will also sweep and clean the construction zones and I volunteer to help other crews during the week, like flagging for OCS crews, and on Saturdays. Like my Daddy used to say, I’m a jack of all trades!
How did you start working in construction? Do you remember the first project you worked on?
I started out working in a factory making $13.50/hour with the help of my now husband, Gator. Once I started working in construction, I was making $19/hour and wanted to work more towards my future. The first construction project I worked on was KCI. Then I worked on a lot of highways including I-70 in Blue Springs, 290 in Lee’s Summit, and Bonner Springs.
How long have you been working in the construction industry?
I started working in the industry in 1999.
What advice would you give to other women either in the construction industry or looking to get into the industry?
Take advantage of apprenticeship programs that are available. Once you’ve completed all three years of the program, the credits will transfer to certain colleges to work toward being an engineer. This is a really good career. New laborers are coming in to get a smart fund, on top of pension, so if you stay for 30 years, you get additional money at retirement. You can really excel and grow at a company if you’re more book smart or good with numbers.
Is there anything else we should know?
I’ve never claimed to be a man, there are things I can’t do and won’t be able to do. But, I can work just as hard as the men and work just as many hours. There will also be stuff I do for them, it’s a give and take. Speak up if you want to do something, don’t be shy! Ask to learn how to do it.
Kara Schmitz
What is your role on the KC Streetcar Main Street Extension Project?
My role is Administrative Assistant and QC Data Clerk.
How did you start working in construction? What was the first project you worked on?
The KC Streetcar Main Street Extension is the first project I have worked on. I was told about this job by Valerie McCaw, the owner of VSM engineering. She’s always encouraging women to get into construction and STEM careers, so I took her advice and applied.
How long have you been in the industry?
I have been working on this project for almost a year.
What advice would you give to other women in the construction industry or looking to get into the industry?
There is a wide variety of niches in the construction industry. Don’t be afraid to explore if one catches your attention. As long as you’re willing to learn, there is someone who wants to teach you. Ask questions, be confident, and enjoy growing yourself and your career.
Mary Anderson
What is your role on the KC Streetcar Main Street Extension Project?
I’m a laborer on the “hit crew”. We do a lot of work for everyone on the project. We go around to the other sites and pick up materials to drop them off to other sites.
How did you start working in construction? What was the first project you worked on?
I used to do a lot of office work and was in the dental field, but I wasn’t getting my fill. I have family members who worked in construction, so I tried it out and I love it. This is my first project I’ve worked on!
How long have you been in the industry?
7 months.
What advice would you give to other women in the construction industry or looking to get into the industry?
Don’t be discouraged. Don’t take no for an answer. Any other woman who is thinking about it, go with it. Don’t second guess it, just hop on the train and ride.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I like physical labor and not sitting around. It’s always something different and definitely feels more free than the corporate world.
Jenny Butler
What’s your role on the KC Streetcar Main Street Extension Project?
Project Controls Engineer
How did you start working in construction? Do you remember the first project you worked on?
I became interested at a very early age, seven to be exact. I used to go to work with my dad on Saturday’s and help him with some of his work stuff. He was an estimator. I asked what I needed to get to do his job and he told me a civil engineer’s degree. So that’s what I did and how I got started. My first project I worked on was Tri-Rail Segment V in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
How long have you been working in the construction industry?
25 years.
What advice would you give to other women either in the construction industry or looking to get into the industry?
My advice is to work hard, have an open and curious mind and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Chelsie Smith
What’s your role on the KC Streetcar Main Street Extension Project?
I am a concrete laborer with the OCS (Overhead Catenary System) crew.
How did you start working in construction? Do you remember the first project you worked on?
I used to be a bartender. I could see JE Dunn from work and I saw them pouring a concrete star. I put in my two week notice and started working for JE Dunn. I fell in love with concrete since I have been in this industry. You leave your mark behind. You get to change the skyline.
The first project I worked on was Cerner.
How long have you been working in the construction industry?
5 years.
What advice would you give to other women either in the construction industry or looking to get into the industry?
Don’t let anyone intimidate you into not doing it. Stick with it and ride it out. Getting to work on stuff that you get to leave your mark on is pretty cool.
What is your favorite part of your job?
There aren’t many moms in construction. I get to teach my kids and give them something to be proud of. I built my son’s school and he told his teacher that during parent teacher conferences.
Tiaja Harley
How did you start working in construction? Do you remember the first project you worked on?
I started working in Construction through two different programs – All-Stars Outreach and National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). My first construction project was the Richmond Broad Street Bus Rapid Transit (aka The Pulse) – Summer of 2016.
How long have you been working in construction?
I started working in construction back in 2016, however, I’ve been doing Engineering/Construction Management since 2013. I was fortunate enough to have an internship in high school under a Civil Engineer at Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Summer of 2013.
What advice would you give to other women either in the construction industry or looking to get into the industry?
Be fearless! It can be daunting at times to be the only woman in a room. Make your presence known. Do not sit in the shadows.
Valerie McCaw
How long have you been working in construction?
More than 20 years
How did you start working in construction?
I went to engineering school. I became active in ASCE and met people. I worked for some of my professors. Then I just started asking people to give me a chance to get some experience.
Do you remember the first project you worked on?
One of my very first assignments was managing public works construction contracts. A 1-mile 4-lane road widening job for the City of Broken Arrow, OK and it happened to be in front of my parents neighborhood. So my parents were the first citizens I had to deal with (and they were not happy all of the time!)
You started your own women-owned engineering firm - how long have you been in business?
19 years on April 1.
Why did you decide to start your own business?
I wanted to be an engineer and build things and also have time to be a single mom of my 9 year old son. I had the flexibility to do both when I owned my own firm. I took Fast Trac and their encouragement gave me the courage. My son also did – when I told him the risks; that he might have to give up some things – he said “just go for it , mom.”
What advice would you give to other women either in the construction industry or looking to get into the industry?
Internships are so important in many ways. You can find what you love to do and what you don’t love to do – you can expand your network. I had a different internship every summer which helped me pick my career path. I worked as a computer operator after my freshman year; worked at the Corps of Engineers, then a consulting firm, and then was on a survey crew. I taught surveying field lab my junior and senior years of college.
Also, talk to people in the industry and ask questions. Also Professional Societies are really helpful in many ways; info , websites, professional involvement.
Never stop learning. I am still learning.
Sarah Beers
How did you start working in construction?
I’m a civil engineer so we interface with the construction contractors frequently. I do quite a bit of construction inspection as well.
Do you remember the first project you worked on?
The first project where I spent significant time in the field was the first KC Streetcar contract. We provided SWPPP inspection services and were on site weekly.
How long have you been working in construction?
I’ve been an engineer for 23 years, and have been involved on the construction side for about 6 years.
What advice would you give to other women either in the construction industry or looking to get into the industry?
Just dive in with confidence and a willingness to ask questions and learn all you can. You’ll encounter people who’ve been in construction for decades who have so much knowledge to share. Don’t be afraid of what you don’t know. Just ask!