#Duckumentary - Alexis Nanovic

What is your current role at EDA, and what does it entail?
I am the vice president of risk, responsible for everything from reviewing and signing contracts to protecting EDA. This includes managing potential lawsuits, workers' compensation claims, corporate insurance, warranties, and overall risk management.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
The most rewarding aspect of my job is being able to work with the awesome people at EDA.

What advice would you give to other women thinking about a career in construction?
My advice to other women considering a career in construction is to seek out other women as resources. Many have already paved the way for us. Support one another, and don’t be afraid to step into the industry.

Have you always been in the construction industry?
No, I came from a corporate real estate background, another male-dominated field. I then transitioned into construction operations for an industrial real estate firm—again, in a predominantly male industry.

I’m part of a women’s networking group for real estate and construction, which has been invaluable. The founder ensured that it includes only women who uplift and support one another. Women already face enough obstacles; we don’t need to be adversaries. Having a strong support system is crucial, especially in historically male-dominated industries.

If you had to work in a completely different trade or department at EDA, what would it be?
I’d love to see how estimators do their work. My team collaborates closely with estimating, so I get glimpses into their process, but I think it would be fascinating to see the full scope. Estimators must balance winning bids while ensuring profitability, maintaining safety, and delivering on time—it’s a lot of moving parts!

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career thus far?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to keep going. Setbacks and failures are inevitable, but the key is to pick yourself up, learn from the experience, and keep moving forward. The only way to lose is to stop trying.

If you could have any superpower to help with your job, what would it be?
If I could have any superpower to help with my job, it would be the ability to see the future and prevent injuries before they happen.