I Build America – Ohio is dedicated to celebrating the women of construction. Women are a vital part of our industry, and there are female leaders at all levels of construction work. From foreman to company owners and executives, construction wouldn’t be the industry it is without its female employees. Join us and our partners in celebrating the success of women within your own company and across the nation during National Women in Construction Week 2023.
Name: Daphne S.
Company: Gerken Leasing
Title/Position: Asphalt Driver
Years Working in Construction: 23 years
What was your path to a career in construction?
I was an over the road driver, 48 states. Then I wanted to be home more so I got a job hauling doubles out of Toledo to Pittsburg and back also from Toledo to Saginaw Mi. 2 trips a night. Then I saw that the Gerken company was hiring and started working there.
What do you like most about working in construction?
Traveling!
Have you seen changes for women in construction over the course of your career?
Yes, way more opportunities. If women are looking for construction work they will find something. There’s many avenues in the construction business to choose from.
What do you hope to see for the future of women in construction?
I would like to see more women on the engineering side of construction designing equipment to make things more efficient.
What advice would you give to a young woman considering a career in construction?
I would say, if you’re adventurous and independent, you may like to get involved in construction in which there are many types of construction. Such as, being creative with designing equipment, being outdoors, surveyors, designing and or building bridges, new roads. Operating many different kinds of equipment. Also, it would be good to have a good knowledge of mathematical skills and blueprint reading depending on what position you’re looking for.
