We always look forward to the first week of March to celebrate the women that make our industry truly great and welcoming to all. We’re celebrating Women in Construction Week in partnership with Barringer Construction by highlighting and amplifying the voices of women in construction, both at Baker Roofing and at large!
Over the years, it has been a joy to watch our industry’s workforce become more representative of the world around us! It’s only right to take the time to flip the script and let the women share their experience in finding a career in the historically male-dominated industry of construction. Watch our film in collaboration with Barringer Construction and read on to get to know the women leading our teams!
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Francisca Mejia | Construction Management Program – Raleigh, NC
How has your family influenced or supported your career in construction?
I come from a family of roofers. My parents are roofers and two of my brothers are as well. My family has been my biggest support in construction, always pushing me forward to accomplish my dreams and making me feel that construction can be for anyone, and know how capable I am of succeeding in this industry.
What are your thoughts about being the first woman in our Construction Management Program?
I’m thankful to be the first woman in the Construction Management Program. It has helped me a lot by working on my communication skills. I have met good people that are helping me along this journey.
Were there any learning curves in this journey?
Of course. There were some days when certain things seemed impossible to accomplish and along the way you might find some people that might not want to share their knowledge with you or other companies that might not want to give you the opportunity to show your potential.
I would tell them to keep breaking those stereotypes and that sometimes we as a society create barriers for young females making them think that construction is only for men.
Just being the first female in the Construction Management Program makes me feel that I am making a difference.
What are your ultimate career goals?
I really hope to be the first female superintendent or project manager here at Baker.
Kathy McLaughlin | Superintendent – Barringer Construction
What led you to pursue a career in construction?
I kind of fell into it. I was going to school for architecture and working at a restaurant at night. I got to know one of our regulars who was a builder. Since I was in architecture school, he invited me out to his job site so I could see firsthand the work I was studying. I loved it and he let me keep coming by the site. I started by sweeping floors and learning the ropes until one day he handed me a hammer and some nails and said “nail this deck in, I will be back in a few hours.” I was too proud to say no! He knew I could do it and was giving me a real chance. All these years later, here I am!
What has been the highlight of your career thus far?
I have been fortunate to have a lot. One that comes to mind was a 300‐yard concrete pour I did while working at SCM Metal Products. It was one of my first “big time” milestones that we worked on for weeks to prepare for. It was such a rewarding process!
Tell us the best part about working in construction. The hardest?
The best part for me is the physical aspect. I couldn’t sit behind a desk all day. I also love that when I build something, I can drive by 1, 5, or 10 years later and it’s still there. The hardest part for me has been accepting the fact that I physically can’t do as much as men can, though trust me, I’ve tried. I started my career during a time when men were not as accepting of women in construction, especially in field positions. I had to prove myself a lot along the way.
What advice would you give to young girls or other women looking for a career in this field?
Don’t give up. It’s going to be hard, you’re going to have challenges thrown your way, just don’t give up. It’s hard but so rewarding.
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Are you a woman that is interested in learning more about a career path in construction? There are so many options to jump in and learn where you may be a great fit! Our recruiting team would love to talk to you more about opportunities available as well as our in-house training program, The Baker Academy. We hope to see you on the roof soon!
