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Renae Sams: Building a Path for Women in Construction

In this episode, Diane interviews Renae Sams, founder and executive director of Build-Her.org, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women in construction. Renee shares her journey from dreaming of working for NASA to becoming a leader in the construction industry. She details the challenges she faced, including overcoming imposter syndrome and navigating a career without an initial exposure to construction from site administrator to senior project manager on missions critical projects. Renee discusses the importance of visible female role models and her motivation to help other women feel they belong in the industry. She also talks about her book, which includes writing prompts to encourage reflection and growth, and her efforts to create a supportive community through her nonprofit.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

02:11 Childhood Dreams and Early Influences

03:38 Journey into the Construction Industry

06:02 First Steps in Construction

08:20 Challenges and Growth in the Industry

13:29 Founding Build-Her.org

18:20 The Importance of Representation

38:28 Advice and Future Aspirations

43:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Notes:

Norman, Don. The Design of Everyday Things. Revised and expanded ed., Basic Books, 2013.

The Arbinger Institute. Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box. 3rd ed., Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2018.

build-her.org

Build-Her. (2024, April 10). Build-Her Be Heard: Creating space for women in construction with Renae Sams.

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Jessica Luczycki: Redefining Construction Administration Through Part3

In this episode, we meet Luczycki, Co-Founder and Chief Customer Officer at Part3. Jessica shares her journey from aspiring teacher to tech entrepreneur in the architectural and construction industry. She discusses her educational background, initial career at EllisDon, and transition into architectural contract administration. Jessica reveals how frustrations in her job led to founding Part3, a software solution designed to streamline construction administration. Alongside her husband and co-founder, she navigated startup challenges, balancing parenthood and raising funds to build a solution now widely embraced by the industry. She emphasizes the importance of diversity, transparency, and customer-centric innovation in driving Part3's success. Additionally, Jessica touches on the future of AI in construction, and how it can become a tool for time consuming tasks. Tune in to hear her insights and inspiring story of perseverance and innovation.

00:00 Early Aspirations and Career Beginnings

06:31 Switch to Contract Administration

11:17 Founding Part3

21:04 Balancing Entrepreneurship and Parenthood

23:15 Team Growth and Belief in the Mission

25:15 Challenges in Construction Administration

27:17 Recognition and Networking

38:37 AI in Construction and Future Plans

43:19 Advice for Women in Construction

45:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Chelsea Fenton: Pioneering Women in Construction

In this episode, Chelsea Fenton (@thatunionlaborer), a 32-year-old union laborer from Western Massachusetts, shares her inspiring journey from aspiring to be a firefighter to excelling in the construction industry. Chelsea discusses the challenges she overcame, including being denied entry into the apprenticeship program twice before finally being accepted. She explains how her father’s support and the invaluable mentorship from seasoned colleagues helped her succeed. Chelsea also talks about her significant role in cofounding Western Mass Tradeswomen to support and connect women in the construction trades. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of persistence, finding mentors, and maintaining work-life balance. Chelsea is actively involved in outreach and education to attract more women to the trades, underscoring her dedication to the future of the industry.

00:00 Introduction and Early Life

02:04 Career Aspirations and Challenges

11:41 Union Involvement and Growth

18:54 Forming Western Mass Tradeswomen

27:00 Challenges Women Face in Construction

29:02 Retention Challenges and Mentorship

30:39 Becoming a Foreman

35:56 Social Media Influence

42:12 Family and Personal Life

44:09 Future Aspirations and Advice

https://www.wmtradeswomen.org/