It's National Women in Construction Week!
According to the official site of National Women in Construction Week, "The focus of Women in Construction (WIC) Week is to highlight women as a visible component of the construction industry. WIC Week also provides an occasion for NAWIC’s thousands of members across the country to raise awareness of the opportunities available for women in the construction industry and to emphasize the growing role of women in the industry. It is also a time for local chapters to give back to their communities."
This week, we want to highlight our amazing women co-workers who are rock stars in their field! From our accounting team, contract administrator, project managers, estimators and field workers, we have a plethora of amazing talent. We wish we could highlight every individual woman who has an impact in our industry and at EQR, but that would be a very long post! Here are a few honorable mentions:
Karly Epp: Project Manager
Karly graduated from the University of Maryland’s Environmental Science and Technology department in May 2011 with no clue where she wanted to work. All she knew was that she wanted to have a hands-on job in the environmental field. In September 2011 Karly came to interview for EQR with Mr. Daniel Brown, who took her out to Northwest Branch which was an active stream restoration project. Karly said, "I knew very little about construction, including how to tighten the hardhat I was given at my interview, but after watching the crews and looking at the plans, I was intrigued. I worked for two years in the field as a foreman before moving onto the project management team, where I’ve been for the past four years. I enjoy working in construction and being a part of the physical installation of improvements to the environment. " We are happy to have you as an key part of our team, Karly!
Alycia Roberson: Estimator
Alycia got her start in construction at EQR after graduating from the University of Maryland with a degree in Geographical Sciences. Alycia started at EQR as a construction layout foreman and worked her way up to an estimator! Alycia states, "I love all aspects of EQR. Personally I chose to work in construction because I am impatient and want to see the final product of whatever I am working on. Designers and engineers may not see their project built for upwards of 10-15 years! Also, being on this end of things is a great learning opportunity. Being a girl in construction can be difficult at times, but I have received more respect and opportunities at EQR than some friends in engineering and other industries." We look forward to many more years with Alycia.
Christine Gardner: Project Manager
"I grew up working with my Dad building custom homes, he has been in business for 25 years, so it was always a huge part of my childhood. I always had a passion for what went on in the construction world and as I got older realized there were not many women involved. I first got into telecommunications construction straight out of college but realized I wanted to move into larger scale construction and do something that positively impacted the areas surrounding where I lived which led me to EQR. EQR is extremely supportive of women in the industry and made me feel like I fit in from day 1."
Kristen Burton: Layout Foreperson 2
"I have always had a passion for improving our ecological systems in any way, shape, or form. My father is an engineer, and always brought home his old plan sets for my brother and me to color on as children; they were intriguing, but I never understood them. As I started career hunting after college, I was searching for something that would give me direct satisfaction in regards to environmental stewardship. EQR has given me the chance to both fulfill that desire and finally understand the types of plans I used to color on all those years ago. I have felt completely comfortable in the construction environment even though it is considered a male dominated occupation. Receiving the support and kindness from everyone at EQR has created a family atmosphere for me, which I greatly value."
Katie Cook: Layout Foreperson 2
"What initially led me to EQR was my love for the outdoors. Ever since I was a kid I always played in streams, catching frogs and little crawdads. My passion for the environment grew with me every step of the way, into college, where I studied environmental science. I knew right off the bat that I wanted to work outside in the field. This is what was most appealing about the job at EQR. I feel rewarded at the end of the day knowing that I’ve made a difference for our environment. I have always felt comfortable and safe at EQR and I am very excited for the future!"
Cheers to all the women in our industry who are making a difference through their drive and dedication to their craft.
Contact EQR:
As environmental construction experts for over 26 years, Environmental Quality Resources is proud of our mission of working outdoors to preserve and protect our watershed in a positive way. Visit us online or give us a call at (410) -923-8680 to get more information and see if we are what you’re looking for. Looking to see what we are currently working on and more about our company? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube!