Story Feature: Renae

Here are a few highlights about Renae’s story:

Quote:

“The kind of beauty I want most is the hard-to-get kind that comes from within – strength, courage, dignity” – Ruby Dee.

Renae says that… “Im drawn to this quote because too often we get hyperfocused on beauty standards pushed on women, or the idea that women need to fit into a specific box, that we forget the core elements that can make us remarkable people”.

Highlights from Renae’s Story:

In the early years of her career, Renae saw female leaders in the AEC realm that influenced her entire career path in Construction. Prior to that, she went through her childhood and younger adult years not knowing that the Construction industry was an option. Renae shares that she is continuing to encourage others to share their story to be that same influence on younger women and women early in their careers. 

She states, “There are always thoughts and worries that can hold us back but think of how much someone else can be encouraged by your story”.

Although taking more of the construction management path, Renae shares that spending time on site not only keeps her fully engaged with the activities on site, but also allows her to connect with various team members and build relationships at all levels. “My favorite times on the job were always outside with the foremen and superintendents, understanding their challenges on the project helped me to better support them from whatever role I was fulfilling at the time… ”

Renae did not have the opportunity to attend college until several years into her career, and learning firsthand on the job, moving with the punches and pushing through failure has given her a strong sense of ownership and perseverance in anything she sets out to do. She states “…its been a slow road trying to work full time and also try to obtain my degree, but I am determined to complete the program to achieve a college degree”.

Next achievement in progress:

Being the Founder and Executive Director for Build-Her.Org, and being a first time Author of “Build-Her, be heard” Renae wants to be able to showcase other women from various backgrounds, education, and roles and show that the Construction Industry can be hard work, but can develop into a rewarding career. She is currently partnering with individuals and organizations to seek more advocates and sponsorship of women in trades and construction management. She wants to encourage a more accesible means of connecting and highlighting women’s stories right from where they are at.