The Women of Construction

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 2021.

Meet: Melissa Lear

Name: Melissa Lear

Company: Shook Construction Co., a construction company that serves clients in 13 states from its offices in Cleveland, Ohio; Columbus, Ohio; Dayton, Ohio; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina.

Title/Position: Project Engineer

Years Working in Construction: 22 years

How Melissa Started in the Construction Industry: “I was blessed to have a temporary position with the construction manager who built the Cleveland Browns Stadium.”

What Melissa Loves Most About Her Job: “The absolute best of being in construction is being able to leave my footprint or mark in the surrounding communities I work in.”

What Does It Mean to Melissa to Be a Woman in the Construction Industry? “It is empowering, as a mother of 3 children; two of which are girls. They are able to see the fruits of my labor. When they see the projects, I have been on years after completion; they tell me they are proud of me and my hard work. I will personally reminisce about the situations I encountered during construction and am very thankful.”

What Career Advice Does Melissa Offer to Women Considering a Career in Construction?

Working in the construction industry is incredibly rewarding, follow your dreams. Sit back and relish in your accomplishments for many years to come. You can do it!

 

 

Learn More About Careers in Construction

Begin your career in construction today! Explore educational tools and resources right here on I Build America Ohio’s website. Questions about how to start a career in construction? Email us at info@ibuildamericaohio.com to get started in the right direction.

Follow along all week as we continue to share the message about the important role of women in construction, today and all year long!