Women in Construction Week is a time to recognize the women shaping the future of our industry. Across U.S. Engineering, women contribute to projects, teams, and partnerships in roles that span the Field, project management, purchasing, and more.
To celebrate the week, we asked some Team Members to share their perspectives on the industry and what matters most in their careers.
Relationships Are at the Center of the Work
One of the most common themes across our conversations was the importance of relationships. While construction is often associated with technical expertise and complex systems, the people behind the work are just as important.
“I’ve been surprised by how relationship-driven this industry really is,” said Aliah Bell, Project Controls Manager with U.S. Engineering Construction. “Many people say they found this career because a family member or friend encouraged them.”
For Isabel Saenz, Project Engineer with U.S. Engineering Service, communication is what makes those relationships possible.
“Communication is the biggest component of our jobs,” Isabel said. “Relationships can’t grow without effective communication, whether it’s with customers or with our Field and Office teams.”
A Career That Keeps You Learning
“I didn’t expect to learn so much about plumbing and other Field practices when I started in purchasing,” said Cyndi Corella, Purchasing Agent with U.S. Engineering Innovations. “It’s fascinating to see how everything works together.”
For Mary Ann Tackett, Senior Project Manager with U.S. Engineering Metalworks, that constant change is part of what has made the career so rewarding.
“So much has changed over the years, and I’ve had to learn and adapt,” said Mary Ann. “Those challenges keep the job exciting.”
Many Paths into the Industry
These perspectives also highlight how varied the paths into construction can be. Some Team Members entered the industry with experience in related fields, while others discovered the opportunities the industry offers later in their careers.
Jennifer Dasso, Journeyman with Denver Pipefitters Local 8 and U.S. Engineering Construction, hopes more people will hear about these opportunities earlier.
“I wish the industry had been more talked about in high school or college,” she said. “The opportunities provided are so great that I wish I would’ve gotten in sooner.”
Connecting With the Industry
Women in Construction Week also created opportunities to connect with peers across the industry. U.S. Engineering Construction served as a Community Sponsor at Mortenson’s 2026 WIC Week Industry Event, where Team Members gathered with other professionals to discuss career growth, workplace safety, and the future of construction.
Together, these voices reflect the many ways women contribute to construction today: through technical expertise, collaboration, curiosity, and integrity. During Women in Construction Week, we celebrate the women across U.S. Engineering whose work helps strengthen our teams, our projects, and our industry.
To read each participant’s full interview, see our LinkedIn posts for Isabel, Aliah, Jennifer, Mary Ann, and Cyndi.
