Leading with Purpose: Building a Career That Matters

What inspired you to pursue this career?

I was always the kid that was interested in the why and how behind everything. My dad jokes that my brain is built for this industry. He was a millwright and would take me into the shop with him when I was a kid to show me around and teach me how everything worked. When I was in high school, I had the opportunity to take on an internship with his company where I learned about the engineering department—I got to learn how to use AutoCAD and see the design side of the business.

A friend in college was telling me about her dad and the company worked for. I asked if it were possible for me to get a tour of the office and learn more about what the company did. That’s how I met David Florence at Gray—he brought me to the office and introduced me to a few people, and I applied for an internship that day. I’ve been here ever since!

What does your typical day look like in your role?

My role involves extensive collaboration with our customer. This includes daily meetings and navigating various challenges. A key part of my job is anticipating potential risks and resolving issues before they impact the project and team. While my team focuses on day-to-day operations, quality checks, and on-site work, I manage communication with trade partners and vendors to bridge contractual gaps and ensure smooth coordination. When issues arise, like misaligned equipment, my team identifies the problem, and I work to find a solution while they continue with installations.

When a problem requires fieldwork, I step in to gather data, take measurements, and facilitate communication between our team and equipment providers. I also conduct foreign object and debris (FOD) inspections before equipment is energized to ensure the safety of our teams and prevent damage. In cases of equipment failure or electrical incidents, I take the lead in developing multiple solutions to keep the project on track. This involves presenting the customer with different recovery options, analyzing timelines, and finding ways to maintain our schedule despite setbacks. Ultimately, my role is about anticipating challenges, mitigating risks, and ensuring we stay on track no matter what obstacles arise.

What has been the most rewarding experience in construction so far?

Every day that I get to help develop my team members and help them grow in their career is rewarding for me. For example, we have a reoccurring meeting with our customer that I’ve been running. A few days ago, I wanted to give my MEP Lead the opportunity to run the meeting instead—I was confident in his ability to take this on. It was a bit of a high-pressure situation, but watching him navigate the conversation—balancing the care of our customer with the care of our contractors—was amazing. Those kinds of moments are the most rewarding experience I can think of.

Another experience that was incredibly rewarding was earning the Site Manager of the Year award at Gray’s Annual Meeting last fall. I was a little shocked, but incredibly honored because we have so many talented individuals here. Not only that, but I am also the first woman to earn this award. Being able to represent women in the industry and show what we are capable of was an invaluable experience. I was congratulated by so many people, so many women that I hadn’t even met before, it was exhilarating. I’m glad I could show everyone that women have a place in construction and that we have so much to offer the industry!

Has the industry evolved for women in construction?

Absolutely. First and foremost, I think the industry is normalizing seeing women in the field. I’ve been fortunate in that I’ve never really faced any sort of discrimination from Gray team members, but it still hasn’t always been easy. I’ve had instances in the past with trade partners or customers who just aren’t used to seeing a woman on site, I was dismissed and overlooked a bit. But over the years, I’ve taken time to establish myself as someone who knows what they’re doing and what they’re talking about.

The coolest thing I’ve noticed is that I used to be the only woman onsite, but now I have three other women out here with me. They’re all outspoken go-getters and it’s great to have a group like that in the field.

What advice do you have for the women coming into the architecture, engineering, and construction spaces?

Establish yourself as a knowledgeable and capable leader from the start and always be open to learning. You may encounter people telling you no, or even a reluctance to work with you. Take it for what it is, do your homework and build up your knowledge and skill base and stick with it.

What would you say to someone considering a career at Gray?

In construction, you can find similar roles at many companies/ What sets Gray apart is our culture. It’s not just about the work we do—it’s about how we treat each other. Gray genuinely values its people, prioritizing not just professional success but also personal well-being. In an industry where deadlines and project demands can easily take over, Gray ensures that employees don’t lose sight of what matters most.

Here, the mindset is about working to live, not living to work. Leadership actively supports a healthy work-life integration, encouraging employees to make time for their families and personal lives. That commitment makes a real difference, creating a place where people feel valued, supported, and motivated to do their best.