Our President, Ed DeAngelis, had this to say about working in construction since 1999 and the developments made since then for women to access the same opportunities within construction work:
"The construction industry has taken too long to recognize the tremendous benefits of women but our industry is ready to accept the amazing talents that women can bring to this field. At EDA Contractors Inc., we have seen women excel, in both, the office setting and in the field. Women bring a unique set of skills to their job which has resulted in incredible results and impact to EDA’s success over the past 22 years. An organization is only as successful as it's people and the inclusion of women in the construction workforce is integral to our success. Women make EDA Successful Together."
To highlight our resident women in construction, we sat down with two EDA employees to hear first-hand accounts of their experiences working within a niche group on the jobsite. These ladies reflected on their experiences working within the male-dominated construction industry and dispelled common misconceptions women have about working in construction.
What project are you currently involved in and what is your role on the site?
I’m working at the JFK airport as a 3rd year apprentice where I am learning how to lay various types of roofing materials on commercial buildings, as well as mastering the construction basics of measuring and cutting.
How long have you been working at EDA?
I have been with EDA for 7 months.
How did you begin your career in construction?
When I came to this country, a friend who was involved with the union (local 8) talked to me about how she got involved working with them. She told me that if she could do it, I could do it too; I got my first apprenticeship through her and I still enjoy it being in my third year.
Why did you choose a career in construction?
Honestly, it wasn’t a choice, it was a necessity.
From your experiences on the jobsite, what are some of the positive impacts you can see women being able to contribute?
The positive thing [about working on the jobsite] would be that it teaches us to believe in ourselves, learn and try to achieve whatever goals we have.
What project are you currently involved in and what is your role on the site?
I am currently working between two job sites: JFK Airport and Peninsula Bronx. The work changes depending on what project you are on and what has been assigned to you. The first thing we do every day is prepare the surface of the ceiling where we are going to work and look for the materials that we are going to use. I have mostly worked on the Peninsula Bronx project. Generally, we place all the materials that support the roof, like the board and glue it according to the specifications. As the designated fire watcher, I also oversee who performs the hot work. We are really a team that must be synchronized to achieve our goals for the day.
How long have you been working at EDA?
I have been working for EDA for 6 months and I’m so glad to be a part of the company. I sincerely hope to keep working for EDA.
How did you begin your career in construction?
When I came from the Dominican Republic, I wanted to pursue a different career than the ones typically open to people immigrating from countries like mine. A friend told me about Local 8 (Roofer’s Union) and said that he was recruiting a person to work in construction. I was ready to accept the challenge!
Why did you choose a career in construction?
The positive impact of working in this industry. We are a team and we need each other to do our jobs. Some people feel limited by my status as a woman and what I can handle but I do not see it that way. I try to do my best so that the job goes well.
From your experiences on the jobsite, what are some of the positive impacts you can see women being able to contribute?
The proof that EDA believes in the growth of women in construction is that they gave me the opportunity to work in the company and my manager and supervisors have always shown that they appreciate the work that I am doing. Above all, the support group for women that EDA started (Women in Construction) is one more example of feeling so grateful to work here.
Do you think women have any misconceptions about working in construction? If so, what could you set straight to let other women know about the growing opportunities for them in this industry?
Yes, many women think that construction work is so hard that they could not do it, but not everything is application of force. Construction is using your intelligence and being dedicated. Additionally, we receive very good pay and that gives me, despite being a single mother, the opportunity to support my family. It is a competitive job and but of course, as women, we can do it and contribute a lot.