According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women represent only 11.5% of the construction workforce. Here at MOCA Systems, Inc. (MSI), women make up more than 29.3% of the team, which is over 2.5 times the industry average.
How does MSI set itself apart in an industry where women are still underrepresented? The answer lies in intentional leadership, cultural change, and a commitment to inclusivity and mentorship—all championed by our CEO Sandy Hamby and a leadership team dedicated to empowering women at every level.
Let’s examine why MSI not only attracts women but also retains them and sets them up for success.
Meet MSI’s CEO: Sandy Hamby
Sandy is an accomplished architect and CEO who has led the company since 2013. With decades of experience in design, construction, and technology, Sandy is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive culture where women can thrive and grow into leadership roles, especially in a male-dominated industry.
Sandy’s professional journey is shaped by her upbringing in a military family, which gave her a unique perspective on pursuing her career in construction. Unlike many women of her generation who faced societal resistance in their career choices, Sandy didn’t experience the same barriers. “I grew up in an environment where I was never told I couldn’t do something because of my gender,” she explains. “That made a huge difference and allowed me to push forward without hesitation.”
Her experience shows a shifting dynamic in the construction industry, one where women are breaking through traditional barriers and redefining roles. “Women are really entering this industry in a big way—not just in administrative support, but as part of the trades, general construction, purchasing departments, and leadership,” Sandy shares.
Under Sandy’s leadership, MSI continues to champion women in construction, creating opportunities for growth and success at every level of the organization.
Mentorship: A Key Driver of Success
Mentorship plays an important role at MSI, where Sandy and other leaders actively support women in navigating the challenges of this complex industry and advancing into leadership roles.
“As a CEO, it’s my responsibility to ensure that people have the resources they need, and mentorship is one of them,” Sandy explains. She prefers informal mentorship, finding it more organic and effective. “When people approach me and ask, ‘Will you be my mentor?’ I say yes fully understanding the time commitment it requires and view it as an investment in their growth and success.”
Kelsey Bixler, MSI’s Director of Marketing, shared how this approach impacted her career: “When I became a director, Sandy set up weekly one-on-ones. At first, I was nervous, but I soon realized she was investing in me, helping me navigate leadership. It’s been invaluable.”
This culture of mentorship is felt across MSI. Ciera Dee, a project manager highlights the impact: “Sandy; my direct supervisor, Christina Ortego-Erwin; and a member of our board, Beverly Bruce, have all been extraordinary mentors. They encourage me to ask questions, provide resources, and use their connections to help me grow.”
Women in Leadership Roles
Women at MSI hold leadership positions across multiple divisions, including architecture, project management, and cost engineering. Sandy emphasizes that trust and autonomy are essential to the company’s success.
This philosophy has created a workplace where women thrive, regardless of their background. “We have women running entire programs and moving into vice president positions,” Sandy says. “We trust them to succeed and give them room to grow and shine.”
Kelsey, who leads a team of women, shares her perspective: “More women are stepping into leadership, bringing intelligence and passion to transform the industry. Sandy and I often discuss this—it’s central to her vision for MSI.”
For Heather Mendez, Vice President at MSI, embracing her unique strengths was a turning point in her career: “When I stopped trying to fit into the image I thought this industry wanted and decided to ‘be my best self and bring my best talents to the team,’ my entire career changed. I was able to see where my talents benefited projects, companies, and the construction industry. I started to see that this field does offer the flexibility I needed for my family and my professional goals. I took the time to reflect on my strengths and differences to create the career I wanted with supportive firms and partners.”
Cultural and Structural Changes
In addition to strong leadership, MSI has made intentional changes to foster a supportive environment for women. One significant shift was hiring an in-house HR team, rather than outsourcing, to create a “safe space” where women can voice concerns.
A newly formed Cultural Committee provides employees with a platform to offer feedback on workplace policies. This committee has led to improvements in communication, leadership evaluation processes, and employee recognition programs. “We don’t just listen—we take action,” Sandy emphasizes.
Kelsey has experienced the open, respectful culture firsthand: “Leadership fosters openness and mutual respect. As a mid-level manager, I feel comfortable sharing feedback and ideas with senior leadership.”
Flexibility and Work-Life Integration
MSI’s flexibility and work-life integration further set it apart. The company offers unlimited PTO, giving employees the freedom to focus on outcomes, not hours. “If you need to step away to care for a child or take time off for personal reasons, we understand,” Sandy says. “What’s important is getting the job done, not how many hours you clock.”
A Culture That Empowers Women
Through intentional leadership, mentorship, and flexible policies, MSI has created a workplace where women feel valued, supported, and empowered to lead. Whether they are just starting their careers or stepping into leadership roles, MSI’s inclusive culture and trust-first philosophy provide the tools and opportunities women need to succeed in an evolving industry.
