Metal Construction News, May 2018

a t t h e f ami l y b u s i n e s s although I didnt have the fi eld experience of my coworkers I did bring a unique and fresh perspective that has helped move us forward I just had to believe in it Often being the only woman on the job site or in a meeting was often challenging for Miles Most of the time the men on the job sites are cordial and most of the time the comments they say arent meant to be harmful but even the seemingly innocuous comment day in and day out can wear one down she explains Are you going to go on the roof dressed like that The roof hatch is through the mens locker room you wont be able to come up with us Want me to take pictures and notes for you since I know you arent going up on the roof with us Yes Im going on the roof dressed just how I am dressed Yes Im going through the mens locker room to get to the roof hatch Yes Im going on the roof and I can take my own notes and pictures While in the beginning of my career I would get indignant and angry about being singled out as Ive grown more confi dent professionally I fi nd it is easier to handle these situations with more humor and grace I would hope that the men and women I work around see me as an example that women can do this job just as well as men While being a woman in construction can be challenging McGregor notes that at its core construction is a technical business The proof is in how you are able to discuss technical and complex issues she says So woman or not if you are able to prove that you have a really comprehensive understanding of the issue at hand whether its the weld detail on a railing or the erection plan of a stair if you can discuss those things it doesnt matter if youre a man or woman However McGregor adds that she has found being a young woman has worked to her advantage A lot of times I go into a room with people who are a lot older than me she explains They may not know what to expect from me and they underestimate me Because I have been able to build a certain knowledge base and technical expertise in our business it really has been to my advantage More Than a Job In addition to working hard at the family businesses the women are involved in industry associations and are working for their communities Participating in different organizations at local state and national levels gives each a sense of purpose and achievement outside of work and the ability to give back to the communities in which they live One of the most important things Miles says her father instilled upon her is to be connected to the industry and the community She has been involved on the state level with the Virginia Association of Roofi ng Professionals and was president in 1998 She is also currently a board member of the National Roofi ng Contractors Association NRCA I have met the most amazing people worked on committees that develop policy education and help push for legislation Miles says In my community Im heavily involved with diverse groups Childrens Hospital of Kings Daughters The Virginia Aquarium Junior Achievement and the Builders and Contractors exchange Each group helps make our area a better place and being surrounded by smart people in different fi elds of expertise is key to civic engagement Murphy recently fi nished serving her second term as president of the Kentucky Roofi ng Contractors Association KRCA and is now serving as chairman of the board In June she will begin a two year term on the board of directors for the NRCA McGregor was recently named one of Northeast Pennsylvanias Top 25 Women in Business and was appointed by the governor to the Pennsylvania Commission for Women McGregor is also involved in a variety of causes and organizations in addition to being president of her high schools alumni board She also remains involved in Wharton Women a student organization she was president of while in college I still partner with them and help women in college with information and perspectives with being a woman in the workforce specifi cally construction she explains There arent many people who are interested in going into construction from my alma mater but for those who are I am available for help and questions Advice for the Next Generation In the era of the MeToo movement and standing up for whats right its not as unusual to see women in and around a job site Women in all industries are smashing the glass ceilings that used to exist and are doing their jobs just as well if not better than the men who were there before And these women are no different as they pave the way for those who follow in the construction industry I think we are at a critical pivotal time in history Miles says Women are using our voices and are being heard It is time to be treated equally and fairly and shatter preconceptions on the limits of our abilities I am thankful I am excited I am ready Construction is a tremendous industry for women McGregor says because if you prove yourself and prove that youre competent you have a seat at the table You stand out and youre really able to deliver Its a great industry for women and an industry that Im so thrilled to be a part of Barriers are meant to be broken Murphy adds The fact that it is a historically male dominated fi eld should not deter anyone from pursuing their dreams I have worked with so many smart passionate women in this industry and I look forward to working with more Be thankful Be excited Be ready Miles advises When others say no say yes Take the opportunities given to you fi nd ones that arent Believe in yourself and others will too National Association of Black Women in Construction Inc www nabwic org Women Builders Council www wbcnyc org Women Construction Owners Executives USA wcoeusa org May 2018 METAL CONSTRUCTION NEWS 49 www metalconstructionnews com