Feature

Celebrating International Women’s Day

Mar 06, 2020

Kristy Eudy

In recognition of International Women’s Day on Sunday March 8, a global day celebrating the achievements of women around the world, we connected with several of our team members at KPRS to get their perspective on working in the construction industry.

We highly value and recognize all the contributions of women in our organization who lead with excellence – from project management, to HR, accounting, administration and marketing. Here we talked with four women at KPRS who are involved in different aspects of the business.

Dana C.

**Jump right in.** Don’t be shy. Ask a lot of questions. Get your hands dirty. Don’t ever let someone tell you that you don’t need to know something, decide that for yourself.

Quote Author: Project Manager Author's location: Work Group

What is the most rewarding part of working in construction?

Knowing that you are a part of building something. Sometimes you can lose sight of that during the process, but when a project is completed and everyone is smiling—the client, design team, property management team and KPRS team—it’s a great feeling. – Susy D., Project Manager, Tenant Improvements

Watching the renderings come to life and understanding the process. Becoming more knowledgeable about how things work has enhanced my curiosity as I examine buildings and structures around me every day. My dad is in the industry as well, and it’s so enjoyable to share stories and have that bond. – Dana C., Project Manager, Office

Seeing each element put together on paper and rise from the ground is the most rewarding feeling that I could ever explain. It’s so fulfilling to know that I approved and reviewed each piece of material that went into our building and see it stand tall and thriving with occupants. – Renee M., Asst Project Manager, Hospitality

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Did you always see yourself working in this industry?

I’ve been working in construction for over 20 years. I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else. –Brenda M., Controller

I always knew I wanted to work in construction in some way. Throughout high school I wanted to be an architect and in my senior year I decided to go into Civil Engineering and I never looked back. – Renee M., Asst Project Manager, Hospitality

What advice do you have for other women in construction, or who are beginning their career?

Jump right in. Don’t be shy. Ask a lot of questions. Get your hands dirty. Don’t ever let someone tell you that you don’t need to know something, decide that for yourself. – Dana C., Project Manager, Office

This industry can be intimidating as it is a very male-dominated field but with the right drive and motivation any woman can persevere. You need to do what you love because at the end of the day, it’s not just a job, it becomes a fulfilling career. – Renee M., Asst Project Manager, Hospitality

Work hard and prove your worth. It’s still a predominantly male industry so expect to be looked at differently, but don’t let it hinder you from achieving your goals. If you work hard and get things done, your gender shouldn’t make a difference. – Brenda M., Controller

Susy D.

Knowing that you are a part of building something. Sometimes you can lose sight of that during the process, but when a project is completed and everyone is smiling—the client, design team, property management team and KPRS team—it’s a great feeling.

Quote Author: Project Manager Author's location: Improve Group

How do you see yourself making the most impact at KPRS?

I’m very fortunate to be part of the Hospitality team since its beginning at KPRS. When I started at the company, I was only one of two female project engineers, and I’m so happy to see more women getting into the field today. I’ve since been invited to speak at several engineering fairs at high schools and colleges to share my experience in construction. I’m grateful to pass on what I’ve learned and all the opportunities available in this industry. – Renee M., Asst Project Manager, Hospitality

I like to bring a little bit of sunshine to the people I work with. I always try to be upbeat. I also love to teach, and hope my tips, tricks and shared experiences have helped people along the way. – Dana C., Project Manager, Office

I work hard and I don’t sweat the small stuff. – Brenda M., Controller

Susy D. is a TI Project Manager who builds interior spaces for high profile clients like Microsoft, NBC Universal and EQ Office in LA and Orange County. Renee M. works with the Hospitality Group as an Asst. Project Manager, and recently completed the new Hampton Inn in Downtown Riverside, as well as the Hyatt House in Irvine. Brenda M. is the Controller for KPRS and leads all internal financial management as the chief financial officer. Dana C. is a multifaceted Project Manager currently constructing the Synapse Creative Office in Culver City while previously completing several distribution centers with the Deliver Group.