For Women in Construction Week, March 5-11, 2023, we are recognizing some of the women working on project teams in the Philadelphia region’s construction industry. These women and their companies are changing the Philadelphia region, both its physical and cultural landscapes.
This week, we’re spotlighting women from Gilbane Building Company.
Meghan Brolley, Project Engineer III
What is one thing you love about working in the construction industry?
I’ve always had a passion for construction and knew that I wanted to work in the industry. I was that five-year-old that noticed buildings and bridges; I used to tell anyone that would listen that someday I would help build them. There are so many benefits and unique opportunities in the construction industry but if I had to pick my favorite benefit, it would be the chance to see your hard work physically manifest itself. There’s something amazing about getting to see a building evolve from conceptual drawings to the final product and all the stages in between. Rarely are we afforded the opportunity to visualize the hard work that we put into something much less have it physically come to life in front of us. In my opinion there’s nothing quite like walking past a building that you helped build years later or if you’re lucky, seeing that building help augment a city skyline.
What advice do you have for women interested in a career in construction?
Don’t be afraid to trust your gut and to speak up or act. Construction is a fast paced and competitive industry that waits for no one. In my experience it is open to all different types of individuals with different outlooks and thought processes. It can be intimidating to speak up when you are new with an idea or to take action when the opportunity presents itself, but in my experience these are the moments that you gain and learn the most from. I was recently presented with the opportunity to help with Hurricane Ian relief. The overall experience was poignant and profound. The project team and I were faced with many taxing challenges and unimaginable conditions but it forced all of us out of our comfort zones and propelled us into action. We didn’t have the background or resources that you typically have on a project and often had to make decisions based on our gut instincts. These taxing challenges and unimaginable conditions helped us grow on both personal and professional level.
Kassandra Sloan, Project Engineer I
What is one thing you love about working in the construction industry?
I love watching a project come together over time. There is a tangible product at the end of all your hard work and problem solving. You have something to showcase!
What advice do you have for women interested in a career in construction?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! I was given this advice starting out and it was some of the best advice I’ve received. Whether you’re asking a project manager, superintendent, tradesman, or another construction professional, everyone is willing to take the time to explain the details of a project. There are many parts and pieces that go into constructing a building, so the best people to ask are the experts on the subject!
Susan Tully, Senior Project Manager
What is one thing you love about working in the construction industry?
I love that no two projects are alike, and every moment can bring new challenges with it. We have to remain on our toes and can learn from every new experience.
What advice do you have for women interested in a career in construction?
Be true to who you are and do not be intimidated by others who may be louder or profess to know more than you. At the same time, remember to be humble and understand that we can learn every day from those with more experience than us.
Meredith Zuno, Senior Project Manager
What is one thing you love about working in the construction industry?
I love that every day is different. A new challenge to be solved always pops up, keeping work exciting.
What advice do you have for women interested in a career in construction?
Speak up and be confident. Don’t be intimidated by the male-dominated field. We are making progress to change.
About Women in Construction Week
WIC Week was founded by The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) which includes over 115 chapters across the country. NAWIC offers its members education, support, and networking to help advance their careers in construction, build their technical skills, and become leaders.
