In honor of Women in Construction Week, we are proud to spotlight some of the incredible women at MSI and share their personal experiences about what being a woman in construction means to them.
Women’s representation at MSI is more than 2.5 times the industry average, demonstrating our strong commitment to advancing women in the industry. According to MSI’s CEO Sandy Hamby, defying industry norms is the result of intentional leadership, cultural change, and a strong mentorship culture that fosters growth and opportunity.
Across engineering, cost estimating, project management, and leadership, women at MSI are driving meaningful change in the industry. Here’s how they are making an impact and their advice for women who are interested in pursuing a rewarding construction career—in their own words.
Finding Inspiration in Construction
Many of the women at MSI were drawn to construction through family influences, a passion for design, or the desire to see their work create tangible results.
“Building is in the DNA of America. My most rewarding part is seeing how the expertise of our team—engineers, managers, and cost estimators—can guide and improve a project. Coming from IT, another male-dominated field, I found construction to be filled with diverse talents and endless opportunities for learning.” – Karen Stein, Editor, Senior Technical Writer
“The men in my family influenced my decision to pursue construction, and my mom’s love of art pushed me toward architecture. Being exposed to hands-on projects at home helped build my confidence early on. I was my dad’s go-to helper for ‘boy’ jobs, and that experience stayed with me.” – Ciera Dee, Project Assistant
“Many of my family members worked in construction, and I was always fascinated watching projects come to life.”– Amanda Perkins, Sales Manager
Advice for Young Women Entering the Industry
The construction industry offers endless opportunities for women who are willing to step up and take charge. The women of MSI share their best advice for those looking to build their careers.
“Advocate for yourself. Be specific about what you want—tasks, training, and timelines. Surround yourself with team builders and business builders. When I stopped trying to fit into an imagined mold and leaned into my strengths, my career changed.” – Heather Mendez, Vice President
“Be fearless. If you’re working hard and doing your best, you deserve every opportunity, including promotions you might think you’re not ready for. Confidence is key.” – Ryan Frey, Cost Estimator
“Do it! The construction industry gave me a new sense of confidence, strength, and respect. Nine years in, I can stand in front of superintendents and project managers, speak with authority, and own my expertise in both construction and our platform.” – Amanda Perkins, Sales Manager
“Be confident, ask questions, and never stop learning. Set an example for the next generation of women.” – Ying Chen, Project Manager
The Power of Mentorship and Support
Having strong mentors and a supportive network can make all the difference for women navigating a traditionally male-dominated field.
“Mentorship has been crucial to my growth. My supervisor, our CEO, and MSI’s woman board member have guided me, encouraged my questions, and connected me with opportunities.” – Ciera Dee, Project Assistant
“A supportive work environment with mentorship and leadership opportunities gave me the confidence to keep going. Seeing other women in leadership made me feel like I could stay and succeed.” – Ying Chen, Project Manager
“MSI has created an inclusive and diverse workplace, offering mentorship, training, and hybrid schedules that help employees succeed. Mentors have guided me through the complexities of the industry, treating me as an equal and providing invaluable support.” – Ryan Frey, Cost Estimator
“I always make a conscious effort to attract more women to the company. I love mentioning that we have a woman CEO when I’m interviewing women. The women I’ve worked with have a real attention to detail and a strong focus on communication, which has been really successful on my team.” – Kelsey Bixler, Marketing Director
Breaking Barriers and Fostering Inclusion
The construction industry is changing, but there’s still work to be done to attract and retain more women in the field. MSI’s women are helping to drive this change by advocating for inclusivity, mentorship, and leadership opportunities.
“Construction is a field where I combine my passion for engineering and my desire to challenge traditional gender roles. Women bring skills and vision that are essential for the industry to thrive. Promoting flexible schedules, mentorship programs, and inclusive work cultures will help retain more women in the field.” – Ryan Frey, Cost Estimator
“Even in just five years, I’ve seen more women in leadership positions who are not only super smart but also really passionate about transforming the industry as a whole—making it better and more efficient.” – Kelsey Bixler, Marketing Director
“The average person thinks construction is just the worker in the hard hat, but it’s so much more. Women need to share our successes and failures to show others that there’s a career path here right out of high school.” – Heather Mendez, Vice President
Making a Lasting Impact
Beyond career growth and skill development, the most rewarding part of construction is the ability to make a difference—whether it’s in infrastructure, community projects, or critical facilities.
“It’s rewarding to know that when we win a contract, we’re improving environments—whether for cities, schools, or universities. I love knowing we’re making a difference.” – Karen Stein, Editor, Senior Technical Writer
“The most rewarding part of my journey here has been seeing these projects in action and knowing we’re helping make a difference. The one that will forever be in my heart is the St. Jude Cancer Research Center which was built using Touchplan. I was able to walk that project towards the completion and, amazingly, we could be a part of something that was going to help with groundbreaking research to this center that plays a key role in understanding, treating, and defeating childhood illnesses.” – Amanda Perkins, Sales Manager
Looking Ahead
The future of construction is brighter than ever, thanks to the diverse talent and leadership of women in the field. MSI is proud to celebrate the contributions of women who are driving progress, breaking barriers, and inspiring the next generation of construction.
