Women in Construction: Women On the Rise

Each year during the nationwide recognition of Women in Construction Week, we celebrate the women at KPRS who are making an impact in all levels of our organization. This year is no different as the roles of women at KPRS continue to expand both on the jobsite and within our corporate offices.

Industry-wide there is a gradual increase in the employment of women year-over-year, as initiatives like Women in Construction Week increase exposure to the possibilities of working in commercial construction.

According to the US Dept of Commerce, about 1 in 7 jobs have gone to women in the last year, helping to maintain the portion of women in construction at just over 14 percent. KPRS continues to proactively create opportunities for women to lead and we hope the stories we share continue to increase awareness on the abundance of those opportunities.

Kristin H, Multifamily Project Coordinator

The opportunity to learn is a huge driver for me, and in my role, I’m continuously acquiring knowledge as I work on multiple aspects of a project. My day-to-day focus is to support and keep the Multifamily team well organized and informed. When collaborating with our preconstruction team, I enjoy observing everyone involved and asking them questions about their approach to developing a winning bid. I recently spent a couple months onsite with one of our teams to help in the punch walk process. One of my proudest moments was attending my first project grand opening and speaking to the people who were directly impacted by the product KPRS delivered. 

Madison O, Asst Project Manager

It’s really fulfilling to be able to overcome challenges from one project and apply that knowledge on another. There’s always so much to learn with each new project you’re on and new team you’re working with. I’ve always had the type of personality where I want to learn more about whatever I’m doing. I think not being afraid to ask questions is what has contributed most to my success. There’s a balance between being resourceful and independent and being able to ask for advice or direction from someone who’s well versed in something you aren’t. I’ve been fortunate to have amazing mentors in the past 11 years I’ve been in the industry, and hope that I can be a resource for future generations.

Michelle R, Director of Preconstruction

As a woman in the construction industry, I find immense satisfaction in breaking barriers and contributing to a traditionally male-dominated field. The opportunity to bring a unique perspective and drive innovative solutions is enriching. Every project presents a new challenge, and the ability to see a tangible result of our collective efforts is deeply fulfilling. It signifies the culmination of hard work and dedication in the creation of spaces that will be part of people's lives for years to come. The construction industry is demanding and often unpredictable, requiring a robust mindset to overcome obstacles. Resilience has been a cornerstone of my journey—it has not only helped me navigate difficult situations but has also fostered a sense of perseverance that is essential for long-term success.

Ebony G, Business Development

I have found that building relationships is essential, as strong connections often lead to closed deals. What I find most rewarding is the opportunity to assist our clients in effectively completing their projects or tasks. Knowing that I contributed to their success brings me a sense of pride. I think having access to the right tools and a comprehensive understanding of the different aspects of commercial real estate has played an important role in my achievements. The project I'm most proud of during my time with KPRS was a multifamily development where I was the client. That initial meeting not only began my journey with KPRS but also introduced me to a company that I now consider my professional home.

Nicole I, Project Engineer

I have always loved the construction industry. The engineering and logistics that goes into a project, especially one that is from the ground up and from start-to-finish—has always been interesting and fun to watch. Being a part of our tenant improvement group and having the ability to give our clients a refresh to their existing space is rewarding to me. On my current project at Yamaha, I really enjoy working as a team to make sure the job runs as smoothly as possible and to mitigate any scheduling impacts. This includes working and coordinating with the subcontractors to make sure everyone is on the same page. Watching the progress and seeing all the finishes come together has been an exciting process.  

Christine H, Staffing Coordinator

As a staffing coordinator, I manage and track staffing assignments for our projects at KPRS, assist in the hiring process and network at career fairs to build connections and support future staffing needs. The most rewarding part of my role is recruiting talented individuals from the construction industry; I enjoy seeing them bring their skills to the team, collaborate, and take on new challenges. Knowing I helped connect them to the right opportunities makes the work even more fulfilling. It’s exciting to see them contribute to the success of the company and help us grow. The most appealing part of this industry is the teamwork and collaboration that brings projects to life.