“What inspired me was that construction is ever-evolving and changing. It’s something you can have a tangible grasp on, whether it be an in-office position or in the field,” said Jessica Ramirez, project administration manager at Roers Companies.
Ramirez works with multifamily residential homes. To her, no matter what type of construction it may be, whether it’s laying grass or putting in piping, she appreciates seeing an apartment complex start from a concept to a finished product with residents moving into it.
“I think it’s pretty great; every day is different. What inspires me is I can actually look back on past experiences and say, ‘I was a part of that.’”
Ramirez has been in the construction industry for 10 years. “When I entered construction, I worked for a very prominent single-family homebuilder, D.R. Horton. I entered that sector of construction as compliance, and I was the receptionist as well,” Ramirez explained. She noted that having a good mentor in that position, as well as a great division president, was key. “I didn’t feel like a number at the time, and having great leadership was essential because that was my gateway into construction, compliance and then the front part of their division office.”
Her current role at Roers Companies is important to her: “I’m a project administration manager for all our regions — Tampa, Texas, Minnesota. Having the ability to guide my team really inspires me. They come to me for questions, and if I don’t have the answer, [the team] knows I’ll eventually get it for us. Having that trust in my peers and my direct reports inspires me daily.”
Ramirez observed that women are still the minority in the world of construction: “Men are predominantly looked upon as the people who fit the roles, if we’re going to go gender specific. But as far as barriers, I would say since I have been in construction, it has evolved. It has changed.”
Open conversations of how women can “get there” are being brought up, and people — including men — aren’t afraid to approach one of their peers and ask how they can help, Ramirez noted.
Recently, her company gave out internal awards for specific recognition, called RoCo awards. “I was actually awarded the Above & Beyond, and I was fairly new.” It was peer-based voting, and her company, peers and boss recognized her hard work and dedication to her roles. “It was pretty inspiring. Again, I wasn’t just a number, and I felt really good. I felt like my work was validated.”
For younger women in construction, Ramirez said, “Do it for yourself. Stick to your gut, stick to your morals. Also be mindful of your peers, what the industry needs, and [do] not be afraid to speak up in a room full of men.”
In addition to her role at Roers Companies, Ramirez is also a director on the board for National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) for the Austin, Texas, chapter. “This is my second year being a director on the board. That group of women have been instrumental leaders, friends and colleagues, and have been a tremendous asset and organization to be a part of.”
If Ramirez had any advice for industry leaders to better support and retain women in the industry, she said to “hear them out, listen to them and not just pacify requests.”
Ramirez also helps with community outreach programs: “We have speakers come to schools, and it’s not just construction based. We have women as part of our organization who’ll help facilitate scholarships for trade specific [functions]. We work with the University of Texas at Austin, and we have a UT Girl Day. We do hands-on workshops, teaching young girls how to work with tools, with their hands. We do a lot of STEM-based projects as well, opening up that avenue.”
For Ramirez, you don’t have to go down stereotypical avenues when going to school. “There’s avenues to be in the construction industry because there’s so many different positions and roles, I don’t think women and young girls know about once they’re in the high-school-ending phase of their life.”
Having a good leader recognize you for being a good employee and a team member goes a long way. “I show up to work knowing someone has my back and I know trust is built, and trust is given as well. That sets the foundation and our company’s core values. I’ve been at places it hasn’t happened, where they preach about having good leadership, but then obviously the proof isn’t in the pudding.”
But for Ramirez and Roers Companies that proof is definitely there, and for her, it’s a breath of fresh air.
