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HGC Celebrates Women in Construction Week 2020

collage of HGC women in construction for WIC Week 2020 [1]March 1 through March 7 is designated “National Women in Construction Week.” The celebration is led by the National Association of Women in Construction [2] (NAWIC), which states, “The focus of Women in Construction (WIC) Week is to highlight women as a viable component of the construction industry. WIC Week also provides an occasion for NAWIC’s thousands of members across the country to raise awareness of the opportunities available for women in the construction industry and to emphasize the growing role of women in the industry.”

At HGC, we believe in working with like-minded people. HGC is comprised of us as individuals, as well as who we are collectively as a team. We are the sum total of our parts, and we are grateful to have such talented and driven women on our team.

Get to know just a few of the women who are a key part of the DNA of our company.

Kim Sims, Apprentice Carpenter

Kim Sims at The Seven Hills School

What led you to a career in construction? To be honest, I was in between careers at the time. But with that being said, I had always possessed an unconscious skill with small projects, or putting things together with little to no instruction, or spending hours on puzzles and building blocks. It was just something I enjoyed, so I’m not even thinking, “Why don’t you look into a career in carpentry?” It wasn’t until a couple of years ago, a company I had previously worked for presented an opportunity for me to take a program. It was just a course to sharpened basic Carpentry skills, and it was like something took off in me, like a light came on, and well…the rest is history!

 What is the best advice you have ever received? You never know how strong you are until being strong is all you have.

What encouraging words would you offer other women looking to get into this industry? Don’t ever think you can’t succeed in this industry, because you can. And if there is something you think you physically can’t do, you can put up a hell of a fight trying!

What are 2 or 3 things everyone should know about women involved in construction? There are more of us than you see. We are growing in this industry every single day, and we work just as hard as the guys.

Is there anything you’d like to see changed about women working in construction? We have different needs than men. I’d like to see more women’s facilities on or around the jobs!

What is your favorite part of working in construction? I learn something from each job and project I’m on and take it onto a different job with much more knowledge of that job than I’ve had before. The power of KNOWING HOW is what drives me.

Kim was an integral part of the team at The Seven Hills School.  [3]

Shelley Abercrombie, Project Manager

Shelley Abercrombie, HGC Women in Construction Week 2020

What led you to a career in construction? I grew up surrounded by remodel projects. My parents were always working on remodeling or adding on to some part of our home.   I attended carpentry school while in high school and fell in love with construction even more. I decided to major in Construction Management at NKU shortly after starting my college career.

How did you end up at HGC? And what is your favorite part of being here? I started my career at HGC as a co-op through the NKU Construction Management Program.  My favorite part of working at HGC is that I have had the opportunity to complete some very unique projects with some amazing and dedicated people.

What is the best advice you have ever received? Don’t ever underestimate yourself.  There is nothing that you can’t do if you have the passion and commitment to follow through with whatever goal you are reaching for.

What encouraging words would you offer other women looking to get into this industry? Be yourself, show perseverance, show compassion and respect even in difficult situations.  People in this industry respect this type of attitude way more than the stereotypical harda$$.

Favorite project you’ve been part of? I’ve been a part of too many “favorites” and I can’t pick one in particular!  Zoo projects, including Night Hunters, Vine Street Solar Panels, Cat Canyon [4], and African Savannah [5]; The Meshewa House at Turner Farms [6]; Miami Valley Gaming Smoke Patio; Taste of Belgium Rookwood [7].

What is your favorite part of working in construction? I love how you can physically see your hard work come together one piece at a time.  After 5, 10, 20 years, you can still drive past and remember all of the efforts put into completing that project.

Is there anything you’d like to see changed about women working in construction? I would like to see more women in the industry.  I still feel there is a stigma among women that construction is a difficult industry to be a part of.  With the right attitude and commitment, you will be successful.

Check out an earlier interview with Shelley. [8]

Nicole Mosley, Apprentice Carpenter

Nicole Mosley, HGC women in construction 2020

What led you to a career in construction? The house. Because I have kids, so no weekends.

What is your favorite part of being at HGC? Being able to learn different things.

What is the best advice you have ever received? Learn everything you can. Whatever is being taught, learn it.

What encouraging words would you offer other women looking to get into this industry? No matter how hard it gets, never give up.

What should everyone know about women working in construction? We can work as hard as men and we’re capable of learning harder tasks

Is there anything you’d like to see changed about women working in construction? We’ve come a long way, but could do better at being accepted.

Favorite project you’ve been a part of? The Seven Hills School Schiff Center. [3]

Nicole has also been a part of key HGC projects like The Baldwin [9], The Sheridan [10], and Hyde Park Country Club [11].

Want to work with great people like Kim, Shelley, and Nicole? Check out our job opportunities [12] and join a company that builds community, builds relationships, and builds each other. Join HGC and Build Every Day.