March 6-12, 2022 is Women in Construction Week. We are recognizing some of the women who own and operate construction businesses, or work as construction safety professionals 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 Jenn Hall, Senior Safety Manager, P. Agnes, Inc.
How and why did you pursue a career in construction?
I started my career in hopes of becoming an architect (I earned a bachelor’s degree in Architectural Studies from Philadelphia University). I worked as an Assistant Project Manager on a large hospital project until the economy told me it was a great time to go back to school. I had changed my thoughts on where my future was leading and decided to pursue construction management.
After receiving my Master of Science degree in Construction Management from Philadelphia University, I landed a job as a project engineer for a large construction management company. This role truly helped define my career and purpose. They had a great opportunity for their newer hires to “cross-train” in all departments of the company. I spent roughly 3 months in each department (Preconstruction, Marketing & Business Development, Assistant Superintendent, Safety Coordinator, etc.). This was truly the best on the job training I could have received. I realized during that year, that my strengths were most helpful to the company and myself, in focusing on the safety of our construction sites. I apologized for any inconvenience and asked if I could pursue the Safety Coordinator role. I would not have been able to examine this role from a smaller company in that setting and I definitely would not have been able to pursue a career change like I did if it weren’t for this program.
I have since been trained in almost every safety topic available and hold certifications in my field (CHST, Construction Health & Safety Technician and CSP, Certified Safety Professional). I am currently a Senior Safety Manager for P. Agnes, Inc. and I get to provide Safety Management skills to our jobsites and help them understand safe practices and mitigating hazards.
What keeps you going, or inspires you, on the jobsite?
What keeps me going and inspires me is that I get to see the impact a safe jobsite makes. In helping the teams create a safe jobsite, we are able to work in a safe environment & know that if there are any issues or questions, workers will be heard. I am involved with the team from the very beginning to help identify the high hazard activities and plan mitigation controls. To then see our planning put into place and see how the work can be achieved is amazing.
What is one of your favorite past or current projects, and why?
One of my favorite past projects was the Christiana Care Women’s Tower Project. I was involved from the very first day on site and in 4 years we had seen multiple crane picks, jack & bore, piles, steel erection, etc. It was awesome to see everything come together.
One of my most memorable projects was at Jefferson Hospital in Washington Township. I was on this project full-time, and it was completed in 2021. I joined that team halfway through the construction process. I was able to help facilitate the safety on the jobsite all while in the middle of a global pandemic. I was able to help the team and workers understand what was going on and the frequently changing guidelines and procedures required. It was definitely a memorable project and experience.
Several GBCA member companies are owned by women. Click below to see a full list of GBCA members that are certified Women-Owned Business Enterprises:
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.
