WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION WEEK

Emma Sorrell, Project Manager

“Take advantage of the vast knowledge and experience of your co-workers.”

Who inspires you?

Kimberly Lewis, Senior VP for the U.S. Green Building Council. Kimberly is responsible for market development in North America and has played a critical role in advancing the green building industry in the U.S. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Kimberly is a strong advocate for women in the building industry. She established the USGBC Women in Green program, which provides leadership, education, and networking opportunities for women in a predominantly male-dominated industry.

What was your first job in construction?

My first job in the construction field was working as the Sustainability Coordinator for the Facilities Management department at Occidental College. I was responsible for reducing the institution’s environmental impacts and operational costs through the implementation of energy and water efficiency projects. I spent my first six months on the job scoping and managing a campus-wide domestic plumbing fixture retrofit project, which earned me the loving title of “toilet queen.” While not the most glamorous, this experience solidified my interest in developing solutions that balance the needs of the built environment with the limitations of the natural world.

What advice would you give to women starting out in the industry?

Take advantage of the vast knowledge and experience of your co-workers. Make an effort to build relationships with more senior staff members and identify people who can serve as mentors to provide career guidance and advice. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and look for opportunities to learn on the job by getting involved in projects outside of your area of expertise or on topics you want to know more about. And finally, never stop learning. Attend trainings and industry events as frequently as possible in order to stay up to speed on best practices and emerging trends.