For the third year, the PIM Division will celebrate Women in Construction Week, which celebrates and promotes the role of women in the construction industry. This year’s theme is “Keys to the Future,” highlighting the vital role women play in the industry’s future.
The celebration begins with a series of profiles of the women of PIM. Participants were asked about the best advice they had ever received, what advice they would give to a woman looking to enter construction, and the project they most enjoyed working on.
To round out the week, join a celebratory networking and social event at Cornerstone Berkeley, (2367 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704) on Thursday, March 7, from 4-6 p.m.
This is a no-host, casual event open to all. Cornerstone offers food and beverages for purchase. Please RSVP via this link (https://forms.gle/qYYMyb6L6LzEr9sh8) and add this event to your calendar.
Women in Construction Week takes place during Women’s History Month (March). The Lab’s Women’s Support and Empowerment Council promotes a host of events to commemorate the month beginning Monday, March 4.
In honor of Women in Construction Week, members of PIM were asked about their career path, advice they’ve received along the way, and their favorite projects, among other topics.
Rajni Sukhwani,
Program Manager
How would you describe your career path?
Started my journey in construction with a degree in engineering at Texas A&M University focusing on construction materials and have been in construction since. I have been in several roles working in the private and public sectors as project manager, construction manager, and quality assurance manager.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Trust your instincts
What encouraging words would you offer other women looking to get into construction?
There is a perception that construction is not for women. Construction industry offers a diverse array of job opportunities, catering to various skills and interests and a lot of women may not be aware of these jobs. It’s easier to network today than it has ever been and the best way to find out more is by talking to someone who is working in that trade or company.
What is your favorite project you’ve been part of?
My favorite project happens to be the very first construction project I was part of, “Bridge of Lions” in St Augustine, Florida. I was working as a consultant for the Florida Department of Transportation.
Stephanie Collins,
Electrical Projects Manager
How would you describe your career path?
I took the long way around. U.S. Navy (career), enlisted at 18 to become an electrician’s mate. Repaired systems on ships and submarines and worked in the Engineering Plants; on weapons elevators and underway replenishment systems; got to drive ships; operate the propulsion and electrical plants, fix other ships, run maintenance groups, Engineering Departments, and train a lot of people on various Safety Programs along the way. Used my (spare) time to also go to college. Retired out with a MS/Human Resource Mgmt when I saw an opportunity to come back to Bay Area to be an Operations/Maintenance Training Manager for some power plants near my house. I then used some of my GI Bill to get my MBA. After multiple mergers, l left that organization.
I joined the Lab in 2014 and was in EHS as the Lab’s first Deputy Electrical Safety Officer, and spent a lot of time supporting the Research Divisions that didn’t have electrical safety expertise and our Electrical Safety Group was trying to make improvements that included creating an Electrical Safety Manual and standing up a Qualified Electrical Worker Program. I then became the Lab’s Electrical Safety Officer and AHJ for Safe Work Practices and Unlisted Equipment. I spent a lot of time training both the subcontractor QEWs and Lab QEW workforce and supported outages. Eventually, I realized that the next step for the Lab to take electrical safety to the next level was to get in front of it. Embed safety into the design of new installations to make it safer to be operated and improve effectiveness by bringing in subcontractors that share our values surrounding safety, including electrical safety and safe work practices to partner with us. I left EHS and went to PIM Division to become a project manager in the Electrical Projects Department within PIMD. I still lead a work group for the Electrical Facilitators Contractors Group (EFCOG) that is focused on improving electrical safety for the entire complex. I am the Project Manager for the SW-A3 12kV Improvements Project and the ALS-U AC Power Distribution Upgrade. Both infrastructure projects will support the next chapter of the Advanced Light Source. I have the best of both worlds.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
From my grandmother – work hard and be self-sufficient; you’re responsible for your own success.
What encouraging words would you offer other women looking to get into construction?
Go for it. Everyone needs and uses electricity, buildings, substations, etc.
What is your favorite project you’ve been part of?
Right now I am really looking forward to getting the SW-A3 project design-build contract awarded.
Jenny Ledesma,
Project Director
How would you describe your career path?
Mine was not a conventional path into construction. I started out as a field geologist working for an environmental consulting company. After taking on some project management duties, I realized that’s what I enjoyed, and gained progressively responsible experience as a project manager, program business operations manager, and portfolio manager of primarily environmental projects. I transitioned over to the construction field when I joined Lawrence Livermore several years ago, and am now a project director at Berkeley Lab.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
You can use your own unique strengths to become a leader. You don’t have to be like the ones that came before you.
What encouraging words would you offer other women looking to get into construction?
It’s an exciting field, and there are so many ways you can be a part of it, whether it be in project management, construction management, design and engineering, safety, etc. Although a traditionally male field, there are many pathways for women to enter it and I’m encouraged to see more and more women doing so.
What is your favorite project you’ve been part of?
The scientific equipment installation projects we’re delivering for Berkeley Lab! They are a direct link to enabling the science mission at the Lab.
Maram Kassis,
Project Manager
How would you describe your career path?
Completed studies in my home country of Australia. After completing a postdoctoral assignment in the U.S. I was offered a job in the environmental field to utilize different combinations and concentrations of chemicals to reduce hazards in materials. The hazardous waste treatment formulas were then used in large scale to treat large volumes of waste prior to land disposal minimizing emissions to the environment. This was followed with additional professional experience specializing in environmental compliance, regulatory analysis, operations, remediation, construction/decommissioning, permitting and project management associated with private industry operations, academic and government research settings.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Be prepared with answers to problems before asking questions of how to resolve them.
What encouraging words would you offer other women looking to get into construction?
It’s a great field to be in and there is a lot you can offer to provide efficiencies and effectiveness in all construction related activities.
What is your favorite project you’ve been part of?
Decommissioning and demolition of the Bevatron complex which ceased operation in 1993, and currently working on the ALSU project.
Romy Salloum,
Project Manager
How would you describe your career path?
I graduated with a bachelor’s in civil engineering from UTA and pursued a master’s in Engineering and Project Management at UC Berkeley. During my studies, I conducted research at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, where I focused on operations within the Project and Infrastructure Management Division (PIMD) and was introduced to the BioEPIC project.
After completing my education, I joined the Facilities Division as a project manager for small projects before transitioning to a Project Manager I role in PIMD. I aspire to continue growing in project management, contributing to larger-scale projects, and driving innovation in the field.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
To seek mentorship: Finding a mentor within the industry who can offer guidance, support, and insights based on their experiences helped me a lot.
What encouraging words would you offer other women looking to get into construction?
Break stereotypes and misconceptions by showcasing your competence, professionalism, and dedication. Your contributions can help pave the way for more women to enter and thrive in construction.
What is your favorite project you’ve been part of?
CNC Milling Machine that I am currently managing.
Doris Wang,
Project Manager
How would you describe your career path?
I started as a structural engineer after graduation, then transitioned into construction management and project management.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
You can’t make everyone happy. If you can, you need to do your job better and actually make difficult decisions.
What encouraging words would you offer other women looking to get into construction?
It’s challenging for women to be in construction, but yet, very rewarding. Don’t be deterred by stereotypes or preconceptions — your skills and dedication will speak louder than any bias.
What is your favorite project you’ve been part of?
Walters Junior High School project. It’s a much-needed junior high school expansion project in the Bay Area due to the amount of kids in the school district. The repeated expressions of gratitude from the staff and the joy evident on the faces of all the children affirmed that overcoming the challenges was truly rewarding.