For Women in Construction Week, March 4-10, 2024, GBCA is 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’s physical and cultural landscapes.
This week, GBCA is spotlighting Kim Esposito, Director of Finance & Risk Management of HSC Builders & Construction Managers
What advice would you give to a young woman entering the industry?
The perception of women in construction has evolved and will continue to evolve as more women enter the industry. It’s important to keep the momentum going and encourage women to participate. Some of the best advice that I’d give to young professionals is to be knowledgeable, be prepared, be fair, be consistent and walk with confidence in your abilities.
What has been the most memorable moment in your career?
I have been blessed with many memorable moments in my career, but leading the Mid-Atlantic Construction Safety Council for five years is my proudest. In my career, I’ve helped pave the way to make safety and risk management at the forefront of organizations and had the honor of seeing people and organizations succeed. There have been countless moments like helicopter lifts, safety catches and the completion of projects on our job site that have given me memorable moments.
What makes you proud of working in the construction industry?
I first started working in the construction industry in 1996 and I’ve had the pleasure of watching people flourish in this industry and create long-standing careers. Since then, I’ve also had the privilege of working for a company that builds facilities in the healthcare and pharmaceutical arena. This niche creates challenging and complex work that requires adapting to new technologies, equipment, and regulations. We create structures that could house a company working to change people’s lives. That impact for me is the part of working at HSC and being in construction I’m proud of.
What do you think is the most important safety change happening in the construction industry?
Over the last 25 years, I have seen many changes in the perception of safety in construction. In today’s industry the lives of workers are at the forefront despite budgets and schedules. Companies are incorporating safety culture in their facilities as a priority and that is trickling down. Safety programs in companies are now the “norm” and organizations such as GBCA, Mid-Atlantic Construction Safety Council, and the ASSP are leading the way to create forums for all things relating to safety. It’s exciting to watch these organizations grow and impart safety knowledge, training, and networking.