Women in Construction (WIC) Week was March 5-11, 2023. This year, NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction), celebrated the 25th anniversary of women in this industry. This year’s theme was “Many Paths, One Mission”. In response to this national call to action, Murray Company jumped on board too, spotlighting just a few of the many awesome women across our branches. In case you don’t follow along on Murray Company’s social media pages (Say what!? Find us on: Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram), we encourage you to get to know some of your dedicated colleagues here:
Rosemarie Edquid | Project Manager | Corporate
WIC Week (Women in Construction) is upon us! Jump starting this special 25th Anniversary celebration of the impact of women in construction is Project Manager Rosemarie Edquid who shares,
“When I started in the construction industry, there were very few women working in the field. It is amazing to see the growth of women in the industry. The construction industry has provided me with a career involving so many different types of projects that are bettering our communities. I love what I do and what I get to be part of everyday.”
Chelsea Buckley | Junior Engineer | Corporate
“My name is Chelsea Buckley and I am an engineer with Murray Company. I love working through the daily challenges I face as a design/build engineer. Although construction may seem like an unlikely career path, I have enjoyed my 6 years in the industry. I love being able to walk my projects and see my work installed. I also enjoy seeing my projects progress from a 3D model to a fully operating building. To me being a woman in construction means offering a unique perspective and approach to problems that arise during a project. I am sometimes the only women in a meeting or on a project, but I enjoy the opportunity of enhancing the perception of women in the construction industry. I did not know this was a career path and I want to encourage all women to challenge societal norms and be bold in progressing the number of women in construction!”
Casey Lanham | Project Manager | Corporate
It’s no secret that the construction industry is dominated by men but for ambitious women like Project Manager Casey Lanham, the challenge to succeed was accepted and fulfilled. This week we join the voices across the nation that speak to the strength and talents of women in the construction industry who dare to defy the norm, break barriers as builders and creative problem-solvers. May Casey’s journey inspire the next generation of women leaders…
“My decision to enter a male dominated industry at a such a young age was very intimidating but played a significant role helping me gain confidence not only within my profession in the construction industry, but on a personal level as well. Being a female in a management position has forced me out of my comfort zone and encouraged me to work as hard as possible to achieve my goals. Learning from my peers and experiences along the way has been very rewarding and given me the opportunity to be a better leader. I look forward to continuing to grow with our industry, increasing the number of women in leadership positions along the way.”
Elizabeth Moody | Project Engineer | Arizona
Not all industries embrace professionally inexperienced college graduates, but construction does, and so does Murray Company. We thrive in the opportunity to sculpt, mentor and guide those hungry to learn our specialty. Elizabeth Moody’s experience at our Arizona branch office supports these truths. As a woman in a male-dominated industry she’s challenged with new information every day while growing her knowledge base and resume. Way to defy a safe and predictable path, Elizabeth! You are a valuable A-team member.
“I joined Murray Company straight out of college and brand new to the construction industry. I’ve had the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals along every step of my current project. As a woman new to a role in a male-dominated field, I’ve received nothing but support from Murray Company and am grateful for the opportunities I receive to continue to grow as a project engineer. I’m proud to be a part of a talented team and look forward to my future in the industry!”
Tammy Chan | Project Engineer | NorCal
We celebrate #WICWeek2023, we’re thrilled to spotlight Project Engineers like Tammy Chan of our NorCal office who’s passionate about the industry. Tammy’s commitment to excellence is undeniable. Her desire to be impactful in not only her work but the paths of future generations is inspiring. It is this kind of enthusiasm and energy that sparks a fire within, after which great things follow. Here’s Tammy’s perspective on that:
“Many Paths, One Mission”, celebrating the different journeys women have taken toward the same goal: strengthening and amplifying the success of women in the construction industry.
It’s true that there aren’t a lot of women in the construction industry. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to participate in organizations like the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and Women in Construction Operations (WiOPS) that, through networking/fundraising events, provide opportunities to celebrate and inspire women of different backgrounds and experiences. I’ve taken on a few leadership positions in various engineering societies in college where I strived to encourage women to step out of their comfort zone and challenge themselves. Confidence is the key and first step to success. No one was born to know it all, but hard work and dedication can make a change. I treat both women and men, whether they’re in leadership roles or just starting out as apprentices in the field, with the same respect. It is our mission to make the construction industry a more accessible place for women and younger generations like the local nonprofit, Girls Garage, to pursue their dreams and passions.”
As women; as mothers and grandmothers, sisters and friends, caretakers and providers, females find their voice, strength, and purpose. Katie Tornblom attests to this after seamlessly stepping into her role as Safety Administrative Assistant. It’s a position in which Katie offers and receives great support to ensure Murray Company’s safety program and culture remain a hot topic. Check it out…
“I started my journey at Murray Company as a Project Coordinator 6 years ago and have acquired invaluable industry knowledge over this time. When the opportunity presented itself to become a Safety Administrative Assistant, I met my purpose and calling. Being part of a cohesive, incredible team that ensures everyone goes home to their loved ones is extremely fulfilling to me, not only in my role, but as a woman in construction, and as a mother. I’m grateful to be part of an awesome team of men and women who are all thriving, with Murray Company’s high safety standards always top of mind. Murray Company supports me in exploring my career path so that I, along with my teammates, can complete the overall mission of delivering the best product to market, as safely as possible. “One Mission – Many Paths” is indeed what the construction and safety industry are all about.”
Minti Hill | Project Manager | Thousand Oaks
It’s rare and priceless to be part of multiple generations of experts in any industry. Project Manager Minti Hill is part of this storyline with 3 generations of plumbers who have inspired her career path. Minti is immersed in her role here at Murray Company, basking in success and personal fulfillment. She’s an invaluable asset to Murray Company who’s not only thriving at our Newbury Park branch but setting an example for the next generation of women builders.
“Growing up, my grandfather, father, and most of my uncles were plumbers. I never saw a female face except carrying coffee. I decided early on that I was going to make a difference, not just be a plumber’s secretary. I started working in the office, with my mother who taught me about the business side of plumbing. She taught me about profit ratios, overhead, how to become a better estimator, build and maintain business relationships, and seek out opportunities. My father taught me how to work with my hands and visualize the entire project in my head, put it on paper and work from there. He made me hone in on my estimating and people skills. He taught me how to run field crews efficiently. I eventually worked my way up to being a Project Manager and gained respect with my field knowledge. I have mentored Project Engineers and have been a part of forums encouraging women to get involved in construction. For me, seeing an empty slab of concrete or a mound of dirt turn into a fully functional building with Plumbing and Mechanical at the background of it all makes me proud. Seeing more women involved in construction removes the taboo that women cannot achieve the accomplishments men have. When I first started working in the plumbing field, women would get water or coffee requests. Now, we are taken seriously and that makes me smile. To me, Murray Company is at the top of the list, giving women an opportunity to be part of construction. I am proud to be part of the team.”
CLIPPERS ARENA/INTUIT DOME PROJECT VISIT
During WIC Week, we had a chance to stop by the Intuit Dome/Clippers Arena project where we caught up with Project Coordinator Carrie Meyers, Safety Manager Mary Yanez, Apprentices of UA Local 78, Victoria Scott and Shandon Livingston. The general contractor on this NDA project, AECOM Hunt, hosted a Women’s Luncheon.
Thank you all for following along our social media platforms and to all the awesome ladies above for giving us a glimpse into their “Many Paths and One Mission” to be great and impactful.
