Women in Construction Week 2022
The first full week in March is 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. The KC Streetcar Constructors are excited to have a diverse group of workers, including some rockstar women. Learn more about a few of the women working on the KC Streetcar Main Street Extension Project below!
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? Do you remember the first project you worked on?
I’m a civil engineer so we interface with the construction contractors frequently. I do quite a bit of construction inspection as well. 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!