Women in Construction Week 2024
In honor of Women In Construction Week, we're excited to highlight the careers, experiences, and contributions of some of the incredible women and femme-identifying folks who work at Dovetail.
Rachel Kyger (pictured right with Project Manager Ashley Sullivan, left) is our Director of People and Culture and the glue of our organization. Rachel is the center of elevating the craftspeople in our company--making sure that everyone's experiences are reviewed, their growth plans are understood, and there is an ear listening to their individual voices within a large company. When asked about what unique skills her time in construction has taught her, Rachel says, "I have learned so much, but I think my teamwork and communication skills are what have grown the most. We have a core value that is near and dear to me: 'Adversity is a given. Use it to unite and elevate.' I always consider, as challenges inevitably present themselves, how we can build trust and growth within our teams. Quality communication, thoughtful collaboration, and low-ego/results driven problem-solving is always top of mind in those moments. Not only do challenges present as opportunities, but teams are built and strengthened through those experiences. It's deeply rewarding."
In the field, Carpenter Katya Case (pictured left) is most enjoying seeing how other people think and approach problems on site. "A hurdle that I've overcome is the evolution of thinking that I can't do something, and turning it into a mentality of 'How can I, or we, figure this out?'"
Carpenter TC Kida (pictured right) is looking forward to seeing the industry continue to evolve, through "continued progress in opening up opportunities for women and femme-identifying people in the industry, extending that opening to queer and BIPOC folks (intersectionality matters!), and instituting more equitable internal policies and processes (wage transparency, etc.)" For the evolution of their own career, TC has plans, too. "I would love to eventually (help) start an endeavor centered around creating a community workspace and entry point for queer, trans, and BIPOC folks into carpentry and woodworking."
What's it like being a woman/femme-identifying person in construction?
"It’s great, especially when people underestimate you," quips Project Manager, Katherine Acheson-Snow. "A colleague told me recently to be patient and wait until everyone in the room realizes they need you." And at Dovetail, we know we need Katherine. Reflecting on the best part of her job, she says, "Dovetail attracts the most intentional, genuine people. I feel fortunate to come to work every day and be around friends."
For Controller Lauren Thompson, this sentiment is echoed. "The construction industry employs some of the hardest working, creative and down to earth people. I learn something new from my co-workers every day and am inspired by the work they do. We are a true team and the support is felt at all times."
When asked what skills Carpenter Emily Trabolsi (pictured left next to Foreman Nico Black, right) has been learning, she replies, "Too many to list! Tool cognizance, ergonomics, a TON of safety, quick math cheats, etc. I'm constantly learning more." In the future, Emily looks forward to seeing her career in construction develop. "I have hopes of becoming a foreperson someday, but need more experience (applicable/overall), knowledge, and practice before getting there. I also want to be able to build level cabinets and renovate/do home improvements confidently on a personal level.
Pamela Black is Dovetail's Construction Project Accountant. Looking back on the skills construction has taught her, she says, "I am proud of the problem solving, whether it is accounting and software related or improving communication to resolve particular issues, listening to new ideas and approaches. I've learned a huge host of skills to help contribute to the success of our projects. Providing support so that those who build can build."
On and off the clock, our team of women and femme-identifying folks are building—whether it be 3D-printed prosthetics, degrees, or their own houses.
Bolstering her construction expertise, Project Engineer Sarah Narrow (pictured left) recently added three new letters to her credentials—AIA. "I passed my Architectural Registration Exams in 2023 and am now a registered Architect! Although I am no longer practicing architecture, I am able to lean on my architectural background and apply it daily." Reflecting on the best part of her job, Sarah looks forward to the diversity of each workday. "Each day is different—for example, some days I’m contracting and processing change orders for subcontractors, others I’m focused on drawing fabrication sets or coordinating with the architects or subs. The work is fast-paced and fun, and I’m supported by a fantastic team made up of my project manager, superintendents, co-project engineer, foremen, carpenters, and the Dovetail team at large.”
When Shop Operations Manager Lauren Rist (pictured right) isn't overseeing communication and management for all projects in the Dovetail Wood and Metal Shops, she's assisting a nonprofit in their development and funding of 3D printed prosthetic limbs. When asked what makes her proud of the work she’s accomplished, she says, “I like when complex things come together with ease and look really beautiful. Most recently, I appreciate the Gamer HQ Stair.”
As a Project Engineer and Marketing Coordinator, Nadine Kohl is a woman of many talents (pictured right with Project Engineer Intern Ojaswita Kolhe, left.) Lately, she's been adding renovation experience to her resume. "Fixing up my home for the last three years has been my largest personal achievement. I used to always say I'm really good at demo but not great at re-building, and now I am starting to see things really come together." When reflecting on being a woman in the industry, she says, "It is something I think about almost every time I enter a jobsite. At times it can feel like a hurdle I am slowly making my way over, but sometimes it really feels like a blessing to be contributing to a new normal, with more and more of us in a variety of positions in the construction industry, and I am thankful for the bonds I have made with other female coworkers who are also part of the change."
In addition to ensuring project teams are properly staffed, facilitating and managing day to day operational needs, and interfacing with each employee to make sure their needs are met, Resource Operations Manager Alex Dahl (pictured far left with Project Managers Ashley Sullivan, center, and Katherine Acheson-Snow, right) has been attending classes at the University of Washington for her Bachelor's Degree. "I just registered for my very last class, and will be graduating in June!" Thinking of ways she'd like to see the construction industry continue to evolve, she says, "My hope is that construction continues to become a welcoming and safe place for anyone who is interested in carving out a career, especially those who want to have their hands on the work. There is constant talk about a shortage of skilled tradespeople, and the way out of that shortage is to welcome as many people as possible, as well as supporting professional growth. My other hope is that there is a collective shift to begin to move construction away from being one of the most wasteful industries, and towards more sustainable design, products and practices."
