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: Pamela K.
Company: The Ruhlin Company
Title/Position: Project Manager
Years working in construction: 38
What was your path to a career in construction?
As a youngster I was raised in a family and community of people who were self-sufficient, in that most items were addressed and managed from within. New construction events, repairs, and food was raised or grown on property then harvested. Through a series of events an opportunity was made that I could attend a Vocational School, where many opportunities were made available for consideration. After testing the waters in a few career opportunities, I joined a family-owned construction company, and the rest is history.
What do you like most about working in construction?
I enjoy the opportunity of a new project, to be a part and bring a project across the finish line with a group of people brought together by chance who work as a team.
What changes have you seen for women in construction over the course of your career?
I believe opportunities for women in construction have always been available, what has changed is a movement of encouragement for people to try new things, more educational classes are now offered giving opportunity and resources for women to become more aware of the opportunities that exist.
If you were to give young women (high schoolers) advice about beginning a career in construction, what would you say?
My message to young women would be to open up your mind and embrace the endless opportunities that exist in the Construction industry, they are endless. Almost everything around you has been made possible by construction at some point. Be a part to build America strong.
