Women in Construction Week 2021

Name: Tina Haworth

Years in Construction: 15

Current Role: Safety Technician

How did you get into construction: I got into construction by a previous long term employee.

What advice would you give to other women in construction: My advice to women getting into the field is just hang in there - it gets rough at time because some guys wanna baby you but don't give in to them.

I AM a WOMAN in construction but I am also: Other roles I hold in my life is I am a daughter, sister to many, and I help in the community whenever possible.

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Name: Shauna Brewster

Years in Construction: 21

Current Role: Project Engineer

How did you get into construction: I started in construction accounting for several years at the corporate level, moved into proposal coordinator position for another 7 years, followed by a brief stint of business development. After my kids were out of school I decided I'd like to continue my experience from project level position as a scheduler and worked my way up thru different coordinator levels as I learned more of the overall project controls.

What advice would you give to other women in construction: Stay strong, work hard, and even though in a male dominated industry, do not let the assumptions/beliefs of some dictate what your role and future should and/or most importantly could be.

I AM a WOMAN in construction but I am also: I was raised by parents, especially a mom who was a great example of breaking stereotypes and a strong independent woman, to know I could do anything I worked hard enough for. A Mom who raised two kids, many years on my own, who grew up to be genuinely good-hearted, hard working adults, and I personally always strive to be good at what I do.

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Name: Jessica Hatfield

Years in Construction: 10

Current Role: Estimator

How did you get into construction: I graduated from NC State University in 2007 with a BS in Civil Engineering. I started my career as an associate engineer for Fluor, focusing on steel and concrete structures for their Power division. After a few field assignments I realized I was more interested in pursuing construction than engineering. In 2012 I jumped at the opportunity to become an estimator for TIC. After taking time off to stay home with my kids I was offered an estimating position with Casey. I've enjoyed the last year and a half with Casey, and continue to learn more about the industry with every project I work on.

What advice would you give to other women in construction: 1) Be assertive and take up space! We, as women, have every right to earn the same living and same respect for doing the same work as any man in our field.
2) Trust yourself and your skills. You worked hard to get where you are, and you deserve what you've achieved. Remind yourself every day of how awesome you are.

I AM a WOMAN in construction but I am also: a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, seamstress, gardener, toddler wrangler, diy-er, crafter, nap lover.

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Name: Cache Jones

Years in Construction: 8

Current Role: Quality Assurance & Quality Control Technician

How did you get into construction: After having my daughter, I was looking for a career field that would not only provide the financial stability but be enjoyable to me as well. I found construction interesting but I felt that it wasn't a good avenue for women. I understood that construction was male driven. I was so intrigued by the start and finish of a project that I just had to try it. I started working in 2014 with PSC as a laborer. I then went on to work as an safety attendant with Total Safety working numerous turnarounds for about 3 years. After not really seeing stability, I decided to back to school for construction management. I enrolled in the civil & construction engineering program at Delgado Community College in New Orleans, Louisiana in Fall 2017. After two years, I graduated Delgado in Spring 2019.I was able to obtain 5 NCCER certifications and 2 OSHA certifications. After falling in love with construction & seeing how well I did at Delgado, I applied to Louisiana State University to obtain my bachelors' degree in Construction Management. I got accepted into LSU right before graduation. Within the first year of becoming a tiger, I obtained my OSHA 510. I am currently in my senior year at LSU. I look forward to graduating & applying for the Masters fast track program for LSU alumni, which allows me to graduate after 9 months.

What advice would you give to other women in construction: My advice to women going into construction is remain CONFIDENT always, even though it may feel intimidating at times. Break free from all stereotypes, you are stronger than you think! Always be yourself and demand respect from everyone! Last but not least, empower other woman to take the same leap of faith!

I AM a WOMAN in construction but I am also: I AM A CHILD OF GOD, I AM A STRONG BLACK WOMAN, I AM A SISTER, I AM A MOTHER,I AM A DAUGHTER, I AM A GRANDDAUGHTER, I AM A COUSIN, I AM A FRIEND, I AM A DCC ALUMNI, I AM AN ENGINEERING STUDENT, & I AM A LSU TIGER!