Women in Construction Week

Women in Construction Week (March 6th-12th) is aimed at highlighting women in the construction industry and raising awareness of the growing role and opportunities available for women in the industry. To help celebrate, we asked women working in our landscape construction division to share their experiences and their thoughts on the opportunities for women in the field of construction.

Gabby White

Assistant Project Manager, Georgia Landscape Construction Branch

“Being a woman in this industry is competitive but makes for an amazing opportunity. As women are a minority in almost every aspect of construction, we can bring ideas to the table that otherwise may not be presented. Not only do I get to feel empowered every day, but I also get to come into work knowing what I am able to accomplish. I would highly recommend women joining construction—the job is unbelievably rewarding.”

Toni Vespi

Contract Administrator, Texas Landscape Construction Branch

“I began my career in construction over 20 years ago at a large GC firm in NYC. I’ve always thrived in a fast-paced environment filled with high energy and no shortage of challenges. I think women are natural problem solvers and the construction industry is certainly an opportunity where that skill set enables you to flourish. In my position as a contract administrator, I’m part of a team constantly working towards building something new and that excites me. Every day I come as my authentic self, roll up my sleeves and get things done – there is no greater sense of accomplishment than that.”

Natalia Brown

Assistant Project Manager, Maryland Landscape Construction Branch

“When I was in school, I used to help people that were struggling with math, physics and chemistry and I started thinking that the construction industry might be a good fit for me. I never stop learning and gaining new skills in my position because every day presents a new challenge and has new opportunities. There is so much potential for women in this trade and I encourage all women to break the mold that this is only a man’s job.”

Kristin Carlini

Business Developer, Maryland Landscape Construction Branch

“After a 24-year career in the hospitality industry when COVID shut us down, it was time to think of a new industry to tackle. One of Ruppert’s long-time employees pointed me in the direction of business development. I liked the idea of using my previous sales experience to build relationships in a different industry. Connecting with customers and winning business has always been my focus. I’m so glad I picked construction. There is always something exciting happening, from new builds to concept designs, and it’s fun to watch the pieces come together.   I think more women should consider a career in construction because of our natural ability to problem solve. I also think with more women in the construction industry, it would create strong role models for the younger generations to look up to.”

Robin Heredia

Assistant Production Manager, Texas Landscape Construction Branch

“I came to Ruppert Landscape after finding out that this position was open through another Ruppert Employee. After going over the job description, I came to realize that my prior experience with management, scheduling, and inventory would be a great fit for the job. My position is essential to our everyday operations in the office and out in the field, and it makes me proud when we make a plan and can execute it successfully.”

Michele West

Senior Estimator, North Carolina Landscape Construction Branch

“[I grew up around construction,] my stepfather had a construction company in Huntington Beach, CA and my father-in-law had a commercial grading company here in Raleigh. It is great to see a project go from dirt to a building, facility, or even someone’s new house, knowing you helped see a vision become reality. I think more women should consider construction as there is plenty of room for career progression and we need to keep removing the label of gender specific roles. I love seeing more women running heavy equipment and leading construction projects/teams in the area that used to be dominated by men.”