Celebrating the diversity of our workforce, Women in Construction (WIC) Week is an opportunity to highlight the amazing women changing the industry, paving the way for others, and making a lasting impact on our communities by building roads, parks, community facilities, and more. Meet a few of the many Alpha women working in construction!
Cathy Claveria
Transportation Engineer II
5 years
I’m a Transportation Engineer and have been working in the industry for five years and eight months. I’m currently working at MD 187 (Old Georgetown Road) for the safety and resurfacing project. These improvements will benefit the traveling public.
Why did you pursue a career in the construction industry? What do you enjoy most?
When I was young, I enjoyed helping my father build a bird house; that’s where my passion started. My dream was to build my own house, so I worked toward a civil engineering career. Being a woman working in the construction industry gives me a sense of fulfillment. It’s my passion and I love my work. I enjoy every detail of it. It feels rewarding to be able to share my knowledge and skills, and I was able to build my dream house!
Do you have any advice for other women interested in working in the industry?
I advise all women wanting to pursue engineering career to go with their passion; focus on their strengths; work hard; release their skills and creativity; be determined; and don’t be intimidated. Go for it and just do it.
Cathy Claveria
Transportation Engineer II
Joy Henderson, EIT
Civil Project Designer
19 years
My role as a Civil Designer is very diverse ranging from project coordination, plan review, civil design, and construction phase services. I have been a member of the Alpha Corporation team for 15 years and in the industry for 19 years. Currently, I’m heavily involved in construction phase services for the Bethesda Campus Safety Improvements project at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland. The NIH Campus contains 31 roadway intersections and/or pedestrian crosswalks. The goal of the project is to improve safety conditions for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers.
Why did you pursue a career in the construction industry? What do you enjoy most?
One of the reasons I began pursuing a career in the construction industry was because I enjoyed mathematics. Also, at the time, I associated Civil Engineering with site visits and working in the field. The idea of being a part of projects during construction was exciting and challenging to me. Once actually in the career, I realized the difference between construction and design. I discovered that I much prefer working inside the office on plan review, document control, and design. The variety of projects at Alpha ensures continued learning and experience while also keeping things fresh.
Do you have any advice for other women interested in working in the industry?
If you have the opportunity, participate in high-school mentoring and STEM camp programs where you can learn about the industry firsthand by talking with other women in the field and experiencing firsthand what they do.
Joy Henderson, EIT
Civil Project Designer
Rachel Inzer
Assistant Construction Manager
4 years
I am an Assistant Construction Manager and have been working in construction management, and third-party testing and inspection for four years. I’m currently working on county projects, including a community park. These projects are funded by local governments and constructed primarily to serve the local community—from providing an efficient fire house for our firefighters to providing a safe and fun park for everyone to come together within the neighborhood.
Why did you pursue a career in the construction industry? What do you enjoy most?
I wanted to be involved in something that directly changes and improves how cities, towns, neighborhoods, and communities work, live, and thrive. I enjoy the fact that this industry is very much a team sport. It allows you to tackle daily challenges by working together with folks of all backgrounds and specialties to get the job done. It’s through this teamwork that you build long-lasting relationships as well.
Do you have any advice for other women interested in working in the industry?
Be sure to join industry-related groups or local chapters and continually network and learn as much as you can on how to lead and impact others in a positive way in your workforce and community. Be confident and always believe in yourself!
Rachel Inzer
Assistant Construction Manager
