Level Up: Build Strong—March 1-7 is Women in Construction Week!
A day in the life of five of BRPH’s own women in construction:
Lucy starts her mornings reviewing emails, processing submittals and RFIs for the architect and engineer teams, then heading into the field to document progress and update the daily report in Procore.
Her day revolves around coordinating submittals and RFIs, tracking construction progress and leading quality control inspections, safety checks and subcontractor performance documentation.
While the administrative side is critical, she says people might be surprised by how much time is spent solving problems and documenting every detail to keep quality, safety and schedule on track.
The most challenging part of her day? Managing unexpected field issues while keeping work progressing safely and meeting project requirements.
The most rewarding: seeing tangible progress and knowing her work supports critical aerospace operations.
A good day means strong field progress, successful inspections and everyone going home safely.
Lucy was drawn to construction by the opportunity to see projects come to life. Her advice to young women entering the field: Be confident, ask questions and never stop learning. Construction offers endless opportunities.
Lucy Fernandez
Construction Project Engineer, Melbourne
As a construction project engineer, Dana Tripp knows no two mornings look the same. Even with a carefully planned to-do list, priorities can shift the moment she steps onto a jobsite.
She manages contract buyouts, approves vendor invoices, schedules inspections, oversees permitting, runs weekly meetings and supports the on-site team wherever needed. She’s also involved in day-to-day construction activities, interacting closely with subcontractors and superintendents.
Her biggest challenge is time. “Some days you get pulled in multiple directions and wish you had more hours,” she says.
What makes it worthwhile is the team. “They’ve become more like family.”
A good day? Crossing more items off the list than were added — even knowing tomorrow will bring more.
Raised in a family construction business specializing in interiors, Dana says the industry was always in her blood. Her advice: You will never stop learning in construction. It challenges you daily — and what you accomplish is incredibly rewarding.
Dana Tripp
Construction Project Engineer, Melbourne
Carla’s day might begin in the office coordinating with the preconstruction team or in the field walking the site, reviewing inspections and keeping an eye out for safety observations. No matter the location, communication is constant.
Her responsibilities include reviewing submittals and RFIs, coordinating subcontractor scopes, supervising field work and guiding project teams on quality control processes. She monitors Procore logs and inspections to ensure everything is tracking smoothly and addresses nonconformances in the field.
The most rewarding part of her day is seeing progress take shape and knowing the finished project will serve the community.
Carla didn’t initially plan on construction. She began college in environmental engineering before discovering civil and construction through volunteering and professional organizations. She was drawn to the versatility of the field and the ever-changing challenges.
Her advice to women entering construction: Don’t let doubt stand in your way. Find mentors who help you grow, build confidence and remind you that you belong.
Carla Mendez
Field Quality Control Manager, Melbourne
For Bethany Carter, a jobsite is the perfect place for an extrovert. Her mornings begin by greeting teammates and reviewing the day’s priorities — though she knows they’ll likely change.
Her role requires flexibility: managing warranty work, escorting new work at existing facilities, assisting with inspections on new buildings and supporting quality control programs across jobsites. No two days are the same.
She describes general contractors as master problem solvers. While smooth installations are ideal, success often depends on how effectively and quickly problems are addressed.
The biggest challenge? Tracking down the right people — clients, architects, engineers, subcontractors or vendors — who may not even be in the same state.
A good day means maintaining rhythm, checking off more tasks than were added and having a satisfied client.
With a background in structural engineering, Bethany quickly realized she preferred the energy and pace of construction over the quiet of a traditional engineering firm. Her advice: Be level-headed, flexible and fair. Expect respect, extend it in return and focus on building strong relationships.
Bethany Carter
C&IS Sr Construction Quality Control Manager, Melbourne
As a senior project manager, Jennifer Lyons has worked in construction since 2005, leading projects across residential, multifamily, higher education, historic renovation, manufacturing and industrial sectors.
One of her proudest achievements includes volunteering to help deliver an $8 million sorority house for Sigma Kappa at the University of Florida. More recently, she served as senior project manager for Amazon’s Project Kuiper satellite processing facility — a project exceeding $150 million that prepares satellites for launch.
Raised in a family of engineers, Jennifer initially pursued architecture before realizing construction allowed her to “marry design passion with constructability.”
Jennifer credits communication as the solution to nearly every challenge and is deeply committed to mentorship. She emphasizes preparing team members for their next role, not just their current one, encouraging certifications, licensing and professional growth.
When she began her studies in the early 2000s, women made up about 10 percent of her building construction program. Today, she sees more women entering the field — and thriving.
Her advice to women considering construction: Be bold. Break the rules. Know your stuff.
Looking ahead, she hopes the industry embraces the mindset of the master builder — prioritizing craftsmanship, pride and legacy alongside speed and innovation.
Jennifer Lyons
Senior Construction Project Manager, Melbourne
Building the Future
From coordinating RFIs and leading inspections to managing multimillion-dollar aerospace facilities, these five women represent the depth of talent shaping today’s construction industry.
Their stories reflect resilience, collaboration and a shared commitment to quality — proving that when women build, communities and industries rise with them.
