Female Leaders
Name	Industry / Emphasis Area	Background / Education	Location	Role/Responsibilities	Guidance/Advice for EmpowHER Participants
Kacie Lynn James Project Engineer & Assistant Pre-construction Manager, Hoar Construction 3.1.22 - BCS ABC Student Chapter Presentation - Kacie Lynn James.pdf	Construction	Mississippi State U - Bachelor of Science in Building Construction Science	Birmingham, Alabama	Developing estimates for healthcare projects, soliciting bids and building relationships with trade partners, quantity surveys, cost data analysis.	1. Try to find an industry professional to help you as a mentor (ask around at church, ask if your teachers know anyone, ask your parents who they know in this industry) and ask that mentor all the questions about this industry you can think of. There is no such thing as a dumb question. 2. Don't be scared to be the only girl. If you show up to a college tour for construction and you're the only girl, just make friends with the guys. I have been the only girl on every jobsite I have worked on, and now I am the only girl in my office. I have built hospitals leading crews of men old enough to be my grandads - and they followed my lead. You can find your place to shine as the only girl; don't be scared to be the leader - I promise you can do it. 3. This industry values hard work and grit, but also a positive, problem solving attitude. 4. Learn how to get organized. This is a data driven industry (whether that be a set of drawings, a specification book, job reports, etc.) and there is a lot to keep up with. Learn what works best for you keeping your schoolwork organized now - it'll build the foundation for how you stay organized in your career. 5. Always remember to listen before you speak. 6. But don't be scared to speak up. You have a lot of value as sometimes the only girl in the room. 7. I wrote this blog on recruiting women to construction, this may be easier to read: https://hoar.com/envision-equity-recruiting-more-women-to-construction/

3.1.22 - BCS ABC Student Chapter Presentation - Kacie Lynn James.pdf