I am grateful to Wiley Publishing for reaching out to me to write this book on women leading in the construction industry, a book for people of all genders to inspire greater leadership, allyship, and inclusion in the construction industry. It is a culmination of my experiences, the experiences of those I’ve worked with, my PhD studies, and the wisdom of many, many other people – academics, athletes, construction industry leaders. I am grateful to all whose voices are included and those that helped bring this book to fruition. Thank you!
I traveled nearly every week until my kids were 7- and 8-years-old. People were often shocked that I had children and would ask, “Who watches them when you’re gone?”. I began responding, “I put them in the trunk of my car with a little food and water, and so far, it seems to be working out fine!”. I realized then that we were not having candid conversations about how hard it is to be a working parent, especially a working mom experiencing unconscious bias. I interviewed 25 working moms from various socio-economic backgrounds so that this book is inclusive of the experiences of all types of moms (and dads for that matter). The book is short, funny, and includes practical tips for juggling the many important priorities we have in our lives. A portion of my book proceeds support Warren Village, a transitional housing program in Denver that gives single parents and their kids an opportunity to regroup and succeed; and publisher Brent Darnell a portion to Safehouse Outreach in Atlanta helps those experiencing homelessness with a hand up, not a handout.
As a frequent speaker at construction industry conferences, I’ve been called informed and entertaining. In February 2024 I was the keynote speaker at the National Construction User Round table (CURT) Conference, sharing the results of a study I conducted by speaking with dozens of global construction leaders on the topics of artificial
intelligence (AI), sustainability, and inclusion.
Influencing change in the construction industry requires a platform for sharing your ideas and telling your stories. I am grateful to the Inside Construction Magazine team for providing me with a two-page editorial in each edition where I discuss issues of importance in our industry. You can find them all here – enjoy!
