OUTSTANDING WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION
Progress in construction has always depended on people willing to challenge convention, bring new ideas to familiar problems and imagine what the industry might become. The women recognized in this year’s Outstanding Women in Construction program are doing just that.
Now in its eighth year, Construction Business Owner’s Outstanding Women in Construction program celebrates the expertise, leadership and achievements of women making meaningful contributions to the industry and the people who work within it.
This year’s program drew nominations from across the U.S. and a broad range of construction sectors, including representatives from leading industry associations and organizations.
Together, their stories offer a reminder that the industry’s greatest opportunities for progress often begin with recognizing the talent, perspectives and possibilities already among us.
Christie
Gloster
Trade School Director
Extollo Training & Construction S.A.
Following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Christie Gloster saw firsthand how devastating “poor construction” could be. “In Port-au-Prince, structural failures turned a natural event into a human tragedy, claiming nearly a quarter of a million lives.”
That experience spurred her involvement with Extollo Training and Construction S.A. in Portland, Oregon, which eventually led to a position as trade school director.
Extollo International describes itself as a social enterprise that is “unleashing Haiti’s potential to build a stronger future by training a construction workforce of character and capability while adding strength and safety to Haiti’s infrastructure.” For the past 10 years, Extollo International has been developing and implementing a program that teaches Haitians how to care for themselves. Extollo combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training and supervision. Haiti has a need for skilled construction workers at the journeyman and contractor level, the organization notes, and it is meeting this need by teaching employable skills to the people in Haiti who need it the most: those living in extreme poverty.
It’s an organization to which Gloster has devoted 15 years of her life thus far, “helping to develop our vocational training center, which is raising building standards while equipping people with employable skills in a nation struggling with severe underemployment,” she said.
“Today, watching our students apply the fundamentals gained in our two-week intensive trainings and immediately begin to build safer, stronger structures keeps me excited about my work.”
Addressing specific projects, roles or pivotal moments that have been the most meaningful to her in her career, Gloster noted that from the start, Extollo Training and Construction’s ultimate goal in Haiti has been to empower local leadership to run its operations “so we could effectively work ourselves out of a job. Redesigning our curriculum and training a fully Haitian instruction team while maintaining the rigorous standards established by our U.S. staff has been a rewarding experience.”
Gloster added that in 2025, the organization opened a new campus in the north of Haiti. “To see it flourish has also been very satisfying.”
Gloster said her organization’s success has been built on partnerships with educational partners seeking to improve the lives of their beneficiaries through skills development “and with financial supporters who feel passionate about championing our cause. Partnerships are everything.”
Gloster would like to debunk the misconception that women simply aren’t cut out for the trades or lack the intrinsic ability to excel in them.
“Construction isn’t just about physical strength,” she said. “It’s about technical proficiency, creative problem-solving, attention to detail, analytical thinking and applied math. These are cognitive and practical abilities that are universally distributed regardless of gender.”
Regarding barriers she sees women still facing in the industry, Gloster noted that in Haiti — as is the case in many developing countries — women are more likely to work in the service sector in retail, trade or textiles. “However, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and international development organizations are making room for women in the trades by incentivizing contracted firms to recruit and train more women on construction sites,” she said. The Extollo Trade School also encourages and recognizes female students with the aim of closing the gender gap and creating an environment of inclusivity.
If Gloster could give her younger self one piece of advice about succeeding in the construction industry, it would be this: “It’s easy to let self-doubt set artificial limits on what you can accomplish. Looking back, the best advice I’d give my younger self is to stay open to new possibilities, trust yourself and place your faith in a purpose bigger than your own immediate plans. The most fulfilling paths are often the ones we don’t plan for.”
To foster the next generation of women in the workforce, Gloster noted: “We highlight the women who participate in our training programs, both as students and as trainers. We want to communicate through our programs that women can be top performers and leaders in this industry. When our students see a female lead instructor, this imparts a message about leadership and capability that speaks volumes.”
Gloster’s advice to industry leaders to better support and retain women in construction is that retention starts with culture, and culture is set at the top. “When executive leadership actively highlights, promotes and recognizes female achievement, it transforms the entire workplace dynamic,” she said. “It creates an inviting space for more women to enter and eventually choose to build a career in the trades.”
Erica
Alexis
Founder, Owner, General
Contractor & Lady Builder
Bridgeline Construction
Erica Alexis is founder, owner and a general contractor for Bridgeline Construction in Culver City, California. Alexis was inspired to go into the field by her grandfather, who was her best friend and one her greatest influences. She initially entered construction as a way to feel closer to him and to continue the family legacy he helped build with her great-grandfather.
“What started as a connection to my grandfather ultimately became a purpose of my own,” noted Alexis. “What continues to motivate me today is seeing the impact of what we build. There is something incredibly rewarding about taking a vision that once existed only in someone’s mind and turning it into something real that people can live in, work in, gather in and enjoy. Construction gives you that rare sense of instant gratification: You can physically see what your work has created. Legacy and impact are why we continue to strive in this field.”
In the early days, she had the opportunity to renovate Simply Wholesome, a community staple that was also one of her favorite restaurants growing up. “Being able to come back as a builder and contribute to a place that had been part of my own childhood felt like a full-circle victory,” she said. “Another defining experience was being exposed to the ground-up construction of the LAX Airport police facility. Seeing the entire building process firsthand — particularly the complexity of the electrical systems — sparked my interest in expanding my career into the electrical field.”
These days, she is most proud of work directly connected to community impact. “Helping rebuild homes for seniors affected by the Altadena fires reminds me that construction can help restore stability, dignity and a sense of home after tremendous loss,” she said.
“Our work with the nonprofit LA Más renovating apartment buildings with the goal of preserving housing and reducing displacement and gentrification gives that same sense of purpose. These experiences remind me that builders do more than construct buildings. We have an opportunity to preserve communities, rebuild lives and create places where people feel they belong.”
LA Más has been helpful to Alexis in advancing her career. “LA Más works to prevent displacement, preserve affordable housing and help longtime working-class residents remain rooted in their neighborhoods,” she explained. “We have had the opportunity to grow alongside this mission with the support of organizations including LA4LA, The Center by Lendistry, Self-Help Federal Credit Union and LACAHSA. Together, we are demonstrating how developers, contractors, nonprofits, community organizations and financial partners can work collectively to preserve housing and create more affordable opportunities for Los Angeles residents. For us, the work is bigger than renovating apartment buildings. It is about helping families stay in the communities they helped build and doing our part to make Los Angeles a more affordable place to call home.”
One piece of advice she’d give her younger self is this: “I know you may love construction and have a passion for building, but if your goal is to become a successful business owner, you have to learn the business just as much as you learn the trade. Understanding finance, contracts, cash flow, estimating, operations, leadership and how to manage people is what ultimately allows your talent as a builder to become a sustainable company. Being great at construction can make you a great builder, but understanding business is what will help you become a successful construction business owner.”
To better support and retain women in construction, Alexis advises industry leaders to “hire women and give us the opportunity to prove ourselves. I started by volunteering for a contractor who eventually paid me and four years later signed off on the experience for my contractor’s license. That opportunity helped shape where I am today. To retain women, make sure they feel encouraged, respected and accepted. Eliminate sexual comments, flirting and assumptions that women cannot do the work. Give us the opportunity, show us we belong and let our work speak for itself.”
“To foster the next generation, representation matters. Young women need to see women of different races, backgrounds, ages and body types succeeding in this industry. When women can see themselves represented, they can begin to believe there is a place for them here, too.”
When she’s not working, Alexis is working out, spending time with family and friends, dancing salsa and tango, and traveling.
Eva
Cantu
General Superintendent
Drake Tappe
Eva Cantu, who works as a general superintendent for Drake Tappe, was inspired to go into the construction sector when she realized she was not suited to work in an office where she was employed in the estimating department.
“I wanted to be in the field and see how everything was being built in action, and then it started to transition on how to start making things better,” she said. “Now I am very excited to train teams and build up people to move toward better systems and processes to make construction better for everybody.”
In February 2024, Cantu completed a course offered by Procore Technologies to earn her superintendent certification.
Cantu said both of the construction companies for which she has worked — Yates Construction and now Drake Tappe — have played a pivotal role in helping her advance her career and understanding the construction sequencing of different type of projects, from multifamily buildings to hotels to industrial plants in alignment with construction management.
She also learned about organization and time management skills, to see opportunities to be more efficient, and how to deal with tough conversations either with trade partners, co-workers and/or owners.
There continues to be barriers for women in the industry, Cantu noted. She sometimes encounters men who express doubts that she knows what she is doing, and they try to pivot to talk with another superintendent or her boss.
“However, they realize pretty quickly that I do know what I am talking about and that the other team members tell them to talk to me,” she said.
Cantu said that if there’s a misconception about women in construction, it is that women are scared and cannot have tough conversations and deal with men who are angry or unpleasant people.
“They mistake being kind with being soft,” she pointed out.
Cantu also dislikes when women’s construction gear is colored pink. “I love pink and have nothing against the color, but it makes me feel like some people almost want to be able to spot the women, like we need to stand out,” she said.
“Also, when I see vests for women that are tighter at the waist — again, nothing against clothing being more flattering for the body — but I just don’t see how that makes it more useful or better for us. If anything, it makes the pockets smaller and harder to reach.”
When it comes to better supporting and retaining women in the construction sector, Cantu advises industry leaders: “Believe in them. Give them the tough jobs and let them prove that they can do it. We are not weak.”
If she could give her younger self one piece of advice about succeeding in this industry, it would be: “Keep going. It is very difficult now, but it will definitely get better. One of the main things that was a real challenge was being usually the youngest in the group — not so much a woman. It’s not to say that it is not a factor, but in my experience, it was more the age part.”
When her supervisors at Yates saw that she was eager to learn and to actually put in action what she was learning, they gave her the opportunity to carry an increasing number of responsibilities, which in time turned her into being the one coordinating and indicating the next steps in the construction.
“In the moment, it was very hard to see it this way, because I was dealing with trade partners who would just see my age instead of seeing what I was capable of and would make it really hard to work,” she said.“But I kept pushing and now looking back, I think it has been an incredible journey, one that I am extremely proud of.”
Cantu enjoys helping to foster the next generation. “I definitely get excited when I see another woman in the field, especially when I see interns come in,” she said. “I definitely make it a point to encourage them to keep going.”
In the past couple of years, she has noticed a significant change in the numbers of women working in construction, which makes her “very happy.” Cantu said, “We are more than capable of performing the same activities a male superintendent does, and I will continue helping women in construction get farther.”
When Cantu is not working, she enjoys traveling. This year, she has traveled to Denmark, Norway, Mexico and several U.S. states. “I love my family and my friends and I love my church,” she added.
Gillian
Levi
Founder & CEO
Odigo Services LLC
Gillian Levi, founder and CEO of Odigo Services LLC in Houston, Texas, was inspired early in life to pursue a construction career. “In high school, I attended two engineering camps because I planned to become a civil engineer. Unfortunately, a math teacher caused me to question whether I was capable of handling the required coursework.”
Entering Texas A&M University, Levi chose a different major and built a career in education, curriculum development and organizational leadership. Years later, she came full circle through Odigo Services.
“I may not be a civil engineer, but today I manage civil construction projects and lead a company that performs roadway and infrastructure maintenance,” Levi said. “The organizational, instructional and project-management skills I developed throughout my career became some of my greatest strengths in construction.”
An important milestone was earning the opportunity to perform Houston roadway maintenance projects. “Seeing our crews repair streets used by thousands of residents reminds me a growing small business can make a visible contribution to its community.”
“I am also proud of bringing together my experience in education, workforce development and construction,” she said. “Through Odigo Learning, I help contractors strengthen their leadership and business systems, navigate procurement and compete for larger opportunities.”
What continues to motivate her is knowing her work has a tangible impact. “We improve infrastructure, create employment opportunities and help other contractors build stronger businesses. I am not only building projects — I am helping build people, companies and communities.”
Levi noted that barriers facing women in the industry involve access, credibility and opportunity. “We may be invited into the industry, but we are still frequently required to prove our technical knowledge and leadership ability before receiving the same trust and responsibility afforded to others.” Women-owned firms can earn certifications and become eligible to compete, but certification alone does not guarantee access to meaningful contracts, capital, bonding or long-term relationships, she said.
“Women also remain underrepresented in the informal networks where information, introductions and opportunities are often exchanged,” she added. “The industry must move beyond simply encouraging women to participate. Women need access to field experience, mentorship, financing, decision-making roles and projects that allow them to build a credible record of performance.”
Levi said relationships with prime contractors, public agencies, insurance and bonding professionals, financial institutions, educational partners and other business owners have been essential to her growth.The most helpful relationships have transcended exchanging business cards to providing honest guidance, shared knowledge, meaningful introductions and real opportunities to perform, Levi said, adding those types of partnerships help small construction businesses build lasting capacity.
If she could give her younger self advice, she would say: “Do not allow someone else’s assessment of your ability to become the limit you place on your future. For years, I believed that not becoming a civil engineer meant that door had closed. I now understand that careers do not always follow a straight path. The knowledge and leadership skills I developed in education, curriculum design and project management ultimately prepared me to lead construction projects and build a construction company.”
She would also tell herself to not wait until she felt completely ready. “Ask questions, study the plans and specifications, visit the jobsite, seek knowledgeable advisors and keep learning. Confidence is not something we must possess before taking the first step. It develops as we prepare, act and gain experience.”
Outside of work, Levi enjoys traveling, having new experiences and learning about different cultures and people. “As a first-generation American with Trinidadian roots, I have always appreciated the ways culture, history and community shape who we become.”
Levi also enjoys reading historical fiction and nonfiction.
“At heart, I am a continuous learner. Whether I am exploring a new place, reading a book, learning to play a song or helping someone develop a new skill, I find the greatest fulfillment in growing and seeing other people succeed.”
Lysa
Solano
Director of Construction
CIRE Equity
Lysa Solano, CIRE Equity director of construction, was inspired to pursue construction because it offers the “perfect blend” of problem-solving, creativity and tangible results.
“I love the challenge of taking a vision and turning it into a completed project serving a real purpose. What keeps me motivated is that every project presents new opportunities to learn, collaborate and make an impact. Whether I’m solving complex construction challenges, guiding a project through development or working with teams to bring a space to life, the ability to create something lasting is incredibly rewarding.”
Women still face barriers in the industry, Solano noted, adding that the biggest are representation and visibility. “While the industry has made significant progress, women are still underrepresented in many leadership and field roles, which can make mentorship and career advancement more challenging.”
“There can also be lingering assumptions about who belongs in construction, requiring women to work harder to establish credibility. At the same time, we need to do a better job of exposing young women to the incredible opportunities this industry offers. The good news is that change is happening. I see more women than ever leading projects, companies and industry organizations, helping pave the way for the next generation.”
While Solano has had the opportunity to work on many exciting construction and redevelopment projects, the most meaningful moments in her career have been those where she’s been able to create lasting impact, both through projects and people. “At CIRE Equity, I have helped lead retail and industrial tenant improvements, office redevelopment initiatives and capital projects that transform properties and support business growth across multiple markets,” she said. “Seeing a project move from vision to reality never gets old.”
Equally impactful has been her involvement with CREW San Diego, CREW Network and UCREW. As CREW San Diego treasurer and a member of CREW Network Construction Council and the CREW Network Audit Committee, Solano has been able to help strengthen organizations dedicated to advancing women in commercial real estate.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of this work has been mentoring college students through UCREW, helping them gain exposure to the industry and confidence in pursuing careers within it. These experiences have shown me that our greatest legacy is not the projects we complete, but the opportunities we create for others. While I am proud of the buildings and spaces I’ve helped deliver, I am equally proud of the professionals I’ve mentored, supported and encouraged along the way.”
Solano would love to clear up the misconception that women in construction are still trying to earn a seat at the table. “In reality, women today are already in the room leading projects, driving strategy and influencing major decisions across the industry,” she said.
“The focus today isn’t just having a seat at the table — it’s making sure women’s voices are heard and valued. When diverse perspectives are included in decision-making, our projects, teams and organizations are stronger because of it.”
To better support and retain women in construction, leaders should invest in mentorship, on-the-job training, continuing education and professional networking, she advised. “When women have opportunities to learn, grow, build relationships and see a clear path for advancement, they are more likely to stay and thrive in the industry.”
Solano is passionate about helping the next generation of women see the opportunities available in construction and commercial real estate. “Through my leadership roles with CREW San Diego, CREW Network and UCREW, I mentor students and emerging professionals, helping them build connections, gain confidence and navigate their careers.”
Solano leverages her LinkedIn platform to educate and engage others on construction trends, industry challenges, emerging technologies and current events impacting the field. “By sharing knowledge, promoting industry awareness and highlighting career opportunities, I hope to make construction more accessible and inspire more women to see themselves as future leaders in the industry,” she said.
Outside of work, Solano can be found on her northeast San Diego homestead, spending time with her animals, working outdoors or enjoying a good book.
“Caring for the property and being connected to nature provides a welcome balance to the fast-paced world of construction and gives me an opportunity to slow down, recharge and appreciate the simple things in life.”
Melissa
Drew
Founder & CEO
InSite BUILD
Melissa Drew, founder and CEO of InSite BUILD in Salisbury, Maryland, has always been drawn to problem-solving and to work where she can see the tangible results of her accomplishments.
“I studied civil engineering. Construction gave me the opportunity to combine the technical side of engineering with leadership, teamwork and relationships,” she said, adding that she continues to embrace that two decades later.
Drew’s main source of motivation is “building strong teams, helping people grow and creating an environment where people can do great work, take pride in what they accomplish and genuinely enjoy working together.”
Driving factors in her career success include working on a variety of projects from higher education facilities to complex public-sector projects, with each teaching her something different about construction, leadership and the importance of the people with whom she works.
Her most pivotal moment was starting InSite BUILD. She soon took on a $60 million project. “It required me to trust the experience, relationships and reputation I had spent my career building,” she said. “Watching what our team has built from that opportunity has been incredibly meaningful.”
Drew’s advice to her younger self would be to trust herself sooner. Early in her career, she put a lot of energy into ensuring she was completely prepared before speaking up because she felt she had to prove she belonged. While preparation is still important, Drew eventually learned she didn’t need to have every answer before making a valuable contribution.
She would also say: “Know your work, ask good questions, speak up when something doesn’t look right and trust the experience you’re building along the way. You know more than you think you do. Trust yourself enough to use your voice.”
Drew would like to debunk a misconception that women need to become “one of the guys” to succeed in construction, adding: “You don’t have to change who you are to be an effective leader in this industry. I believe empathy, listening, collaboration and relationship-building are strengths — especially in construction where so much depends on people trusting one another enough to communicate honestly and solve problems together. You can lead with those qualities and still be direct, make difficult decisions and hold people to very high standards”
When she started InSite BUILD, her strongest supporters were subcontractors with whom she worked while at larger general contractors. “I had always tried to treat our trade partners with respect and as true partners in the work. When I went out on my own, they remembered that,” she said.
“One mechanical subcontractor in particular was willing to put his own reputation on the line and believe in me before InSite BUILD had a track record. That opportunity changed the trajectory of my career and reinforced something I’ve always believed: How you treat people matters.”
Being selected for the EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women program and then becoming an EY Entrepreneur of the Year Mid-Atlantic winner “genuinely changed the way I saw myself and what might be possible for InSite BUILD,” said Drew
She advises industry leaders to better support and retain women in construction by giving them real opportunities to build their careers with challenging projects and meaningful responsibilities. “If women can see that there is a real path forward and see other women successfully taking that path, they are much more likely to envision a long-term career in this industry.”
Drew feels a passion and responsibility to share her story to fosterthe next generation of women in the workforce, adding that it’s important for other women to be aware of the path she’s been and that she had the same fears and doubts. “If sharing that journey gives another woman the confidence to take a chance on herself, that is incredibly meaningful to me,” she said, adding that the InSite IMPACT Foundation has committed $100,000 to organizations and initiatives that champion women and girls.
Outside of work, Drew is an endurance athlete and an eight-time Ironman Triathlon finisher. “I often tell people my personality is built for endurance — whether it’s Ironman or entrepreneurship. I genuinely enjoy the challenge of setting a big goal, putting in the work over a long period of time and seeing what I’m capable of.”
Sonya
Bohmann
Executive Director
Construction Industry Alliance For Suicide Prevention
Sonya Bohmann, Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP) executive director, worked in light construction for more than a decade, and what she loved most is that every day was different — a new project, problem or experience.
“It never felt boring,” she said.
A pivotal moment in Bohmann’s career came when she heard someone speak about mental health in the construction sector. She thought it would be her dream job to help others in construction navigate mental health challenges. Three years later, she was presented with the opportunity to do just that.
Bohmann transitioned to a role that she calls her dream job. “I get to provide resources, support and education for our industry around mental health/wellness and suicide prevention,” she said.
CIASP is a 501(c)(3) focused on construction mental wellness and suicide prevention. Initially founded in response to the 2016 U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study ranking construction as the No. 1 industry for deaths by suicide, CIASP is working toward a zero-suicide industry by uniting, educating and supporting the construction community.
Through CIASP, Bohmann is raising awareness about the risk of suicide within the construction industry — driven by a combination of workplace, cultural and personal factors — and providing suicide prevention resources and tools to create a zero-suicide industry.
According to the organization, “Many construction professionals also are veterans who bring valuable leadership and mission-focused experience to the industry but may face an increased risk for suicide compared to the general population.”
“The nature of construction work also can contribute to increased risk. Frequent travel between jobsites, long or irregular hours, and time away from family can lead to isolation, disrupted sleep, and physical and mental exhaustion,” said CIASP.
CIASP notes that “continued progress will require a sustained commitment to reducing workplace injuries, strengthening jobsite culture, addressing bullying, expanding access to mental health resources, and ensuring every worker knows that asking for help is a sign of strength.”
As for barriers she sees women still facing in the construction industry, Bohmann said what she once heard a welder named Holly Thomas say: “It is hard to be what you can’t see. We need more women to loudly and proudly proclaim they are a woman in construction and create a path for others to follow.”
If Bohmann could give her younger self one piece of advice about succeeding in the construction industry, it would be this: “You belong, and you are capable. You are just as capable as any man, and you deserve the promotion and the raise.”
A misconception Bohmann would like to debunk is that construction is a male-dominated industry. “We are in a male-populated industry,” she said. “There are women in all facets of this industry, and we need to recognize that more. There may be more men, but women are making their mark every day in big and small ways.”
Bohmann notes that professional mentorships matter when it comes to learning and advancing in construction. “Find someone who is doing what you want to do and follow them on socials, reach out, ask the questions,” she said “They will want to help.”
Bohmann’s advice to industry leaders to better support and retain women in construction is to give women a seat at the table. “We bring valuable perspectives,” she said. “We solve problems differently. We create and hold spaces differently. That perspective will be invaluable as we are losing more workers each day who age out of the industry. To find, retain and recruit more women will help adjust that labor shortage.”
As for her own efforts in fostering the next generation, she does that by providing education on mental health and suicide prevention.
“If we can have these conversations early about strong mental health and wellness, teaching woman to look out for themselves and those they care about, that is how can create more helpers,” she said.
“If we go upstream and educate leaders on psychologically safe workspaces, that is how we can change the industry.”
Bohmann said that outside of work, she is “a wife of 30 years, a mom of two great kids. I am a volunteer and advocate for mental health education — especially in our schools. I love to spend time around water, the beach, the pool, a lake — any water makes me happy.”
Victoria
Malaszecki
President & CEO
Envision Consultants Ltd.
Victoria Malaszecki, MBA, PMP, is president and CEO of Envision Consultants Ltd. in Mullica Hill, New Jersey. She credits her family for having the greatest influence on her career path.
“My mother instilled in me the confidence, motivation and drive to believe I could become whoever I wanted to be,” she said. “My father, brother and uncles all worked in the general construction and rail vehicle manufacturing industries, giving me an early connection to the industry that would ultimately become such an important part of my life.”
Her education provided her the business acumen and confidence to take the risk of becoming a small business owner. That entrepreneurial spirit — combined with values learned from her family and husband — continues to shape how she leads and grows the business.
Malaszecki cites succession as a major motivator. Her sons joined the business along with key management professionals possessing the passion, drive, knowledge and entrepreneurial skills to take the company to the next level, giving her “tremendous pride and confidence” in the company’s future. It allowed her to devote more of her time and experience to strategy, advocacy and policy decisions impacting U.S. small businesses.
“I see this next chapter as an opportunity not only to help ensure the long-term success of our own company but also advocate for an environment in which other small and emerging businesses can compete, grow, create opportunities and succeed,” Malaszecki said.
Malaszecki noted that equality, respect and confidence are barriers in the industry. “Equality means having the same opportunity to compete and succeed,” she said. “Respect means being valued for your knowledge, experience and results. Confidence means believing you belong at the table, even when you may be the only woman sitting there.
“Throughout my career, I learned you cannot wait for someone else to give you confidence or permission to lead. You have to know your value, find your voice, take risks and demonstrate what you can accomplish.”
Some of the most meaningful moments in her career came from the ability to sustain and grow a small business through more than three decades of change and uncertainty, particularly the 2008 recession and 2020 pandemic. “No one gives you a handbook on how to lead a company through circumstances like those. You learn to adapt, make difficult decisions, trust your instincts and remain focused on your employees, clients and the long-term health of the business,” she said. “Coming through those periods stronger and more resilient is something I am incredibly proud of.”
Malaszecki’s professional milestones include becoming a federal contractor and winning contracts with the Federal Transit Administration in 2014, 2019 and 2024. Those achievements demonstrated her company’s ability as a small business to compete, perform and build long-term federal level relationships.
As a native Philadelphian, some of the work closest to her heart over the past 30-plus years has been her company’s contributions to Philadelphia region projects that improve mobility, strengthen communities and enhance the experience of people who live, work and visit there. “When I look back, I am proud of the individual projects and contracts, but even more proud of what they represent: resilience, reputation, longevity and the ability of a small business to make a meaningful difference,” Malaszecki said.
Malaszecki has learned that “credibility is built by showing up, knowing your business, surrounding yourself with talented people, delivering for your clients and standing behind your work. Those qualities have nothing to do with gender."
“I would like the next generation of women entering construction to understand you belong here. Know your value, have confidence in your abilities and never allow someone else’s perception of you to define what you are capable of achieving.”
The March of Dimes Transportation Board, Women’s Transportation Seminar, Project Management Institute, Construction Management Association of America, and the American Council of Engineering Companies provided opportunities for professional development, networking and relationship building. “I have always believed you can’t simply join an organization and expect it to create opportunities for you,” she added. “You have to become involved, contribute and build genuine relationships. Those relationships have been an important part of my professional growth and have allowed me to learn from others while also giving back and supporting the next generation of industry leaders.”
