Women in Construction Week celebrates and promotes the role of women in the construction industry. Countless events and promotions during the week highlighted the strengths and knowledge of women and the vital role they play in shaping the future of the industry. The number of women in the construction industry has continued to increase over the last decade.
The construction industry provides many different career paths for women. This week, we highlighted some of those roles that are lead by invaluable women at Immel Construction.
Kate Sheblak, Project Manager - Kate has been with Immel for the last 3 years managing projects from office renovations to manufacturing buildouts. Having been in the industry since 2016, Kate has always been interested in construction watching both her parents work in the industry.
"I enjoy the variety each day as to whether I'm in the field or at the office. I also like learning new things with the different types of projects I get to work on and apply that to the next job."
Kate's advice to women starting their careers in the construction, "Support other women in the industry! I've had several female Project Managers that were mentors and helped push me to get the same opportunities."
Lori Hansen, BIM Specialist - As BIM Specialist, Lori is responsible for creating, managing, and implementing 3D digital models for Immel's projects. She works with our business development staff, estimating team, project teams on site, and even directly with our clients to ensure accuracy in our plans. She excels at creative problem solving and is also our pre-engineered metal building expert.
Lori's interest in the construction industry started with a nudge from a college art professor who suggested she go into architecture. It wasn't until an unexpected turn in Lori's life had her going back to school at NWTC for Architectural Technology to pursue a greater passion of hers.
When asked what her favorite part about her job is, Lori explained that it's the ability to be creative when working with coworkers or directly with clients on a new project. From updating an existing building to crafting a whole new project idea that turns into a strong, interesting, and beautiful structure is incredibly rewarding knowing the building will be around for future generations to enjoy.
"Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty!", is Lori's piece of advice to up and coming women in construction - literally and figuratively!
Ashlee Everson, Estimator - Ashlee started her career in the construction industry 15 years ago and has been an integral part of Immel Construction's Estimating team since 2019. She applies her extensive knowledge of construction techniques as well as relationships with subcontractors to put together accurate bids for our clients. Her successful bids can be seen on projects throughout the Midwest from new clinics to manufacturing expansions.
Ashlee was introduced to the construction industry in her childhood, watching her dad work as a custom cabinet maker the majority of her life. She fell in love with architecture and construction while going to see her father's work during the Parade of Homes tours.
Ashlee has always excelled and thrived in team environments. Her favorite part of her job is her coworkers and building relationships with subcontractors and suppliers that nearly turn into friendships. Her advice to up-and-coming women in construction is, "Be confident. You know just as much as those boys!"
Ali Court, CPA, Controller - Ali is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of the company and works closely with the Immel Construction leadership team to establish our financial objectives. Her detail-oriented, strategic thinking, and analytical skills allow Ali to excel in financial planning, management of financial risks, record-keeping and reporting, and analysis of data to make financial predictions for Immel.
Starting her career in public accounting, Ali was introduced to many different industries. The construction industry was one she continued to gravitate back to, enjoying the atmosphere during client visits and seeing them excited to talk about the projects they are working on.
"Every day is different with new challenges. I enjoy working with all of our departments from business development to estimating to project management and field operations to see the project come together from start to finish while keeping a close eye on the numbers," Ali mentioned.
Ali's advice to women in the industry is, "Have confidence. It does not matter whether you are a male or female, we are all capable of learning the same thing. If you believe in yourself, you can accomplish anything. I’ve worked with and met many women in construction who are thriving."