Construction firms of all types and sizes celebrated National Women in Construction Week (March 5-11, 2023). Keeping reading to see all the ways Hermanson celebrated WiC Week, including a special tour of Climate Pledge Arena, and sharing stories from the women who make us successful and the construction industry stronger.

Women of Hermanson Tour of Climate Pledge Arena

On International Women's Day, Hermanson and the Women of Hermanson (WOH) group coordinated a behind-the-scene tour of the beautiful Climate Pledge Arena, an iconic project that many of the attendees worked on first-hand. 

More than 50 women toured the 740,000 square-foot historic landmark and home of the Seattle Kraken. Getting an up-close look at the mechanical systems that keep the building functional and comfortable, guests were led through the boiler and chiller rooms, behind the Living Wall of native plants, beneath the ice rink, and more. 

Thank you to everyone who was able to join and to those who helped coordinated this exciting opportunity! 

     

Women in Construction Week Profiles

Joan Gravseth – Senior Project Accountant

For Hermanson’s Senior Project Accountant Joan Gravseth, she spent years working in the public accounting sector after earning her degree. But, over time, she recognized that it wasn’t the right work environment for her.

“I wanted to find my niche so I could make a bigger impact, and I knew I wanted to work in a blue-collar industry,” reflected Joan. And it was then, in early 2020, that a longtime friend encouraged her to apply for a role with the Hermanson finance team.

Read Joan's full feature on LinkedIn

Sarah Nygren – Third-Year Sheet Metal Apprentice

Sarah has been working in construction for about four years after starting as a material handler in 2019.

A few of her girlfriends had gone through the ANEW program and worked in the trades. ANEW offers high-quality, pre-apprenticeship training programs that help individuals obtain careers in construction trades. Heeding her friends’ advice, Sarah went through the pre-apprentice program, where she could work hands-on while exploring a dozen different trades.

“That’s where I found sheet metal,” said Sarah, “I immediately enjoyed it and felt that’s where I needed to be. I’ve always been super crafty, and working with my hands has always been my forte.”

Read Sarah's full feature on LinkedIn

Mackenzie (Kenzie) Shedd is here to help. As the Front Desk Operations Administrator, she’s the first face of Hermanson as soon as someone walks through our doors, and many of her colleagues depend on her support every day.

“I’ve always liked knowing I’m helpful,” shared Kenzie, “people can come to me and rely on me to get whatever needs to be done taken care of.”

Read Kenzie's full feature on LinkedIn

As Hermanson’s Senior Plumbing Engineer, Emily Strobridge, CPD evaluates the building and tenant needs to design functional and constructible plumbing systems. She’s a big believer that the most important aspect of plumbing design is health and safety.

"Plumbing is an ancient invention. It’s one of our earliest and most effective forms of healthcare. Clean water and waste removal are critical. When you do it well, you’re contributing to the greater health of our communities,” said Emily.  

Read Emily's full feature on LinkedIn

WiC Week Foreman Focus - Allison Adams, RTS-Trimble Foreman

Allison Adams runs Hermanson’s Trimble Robotic Total Station (RTS) department. She does the layout for all the trades (plumbers, fitters, and sheet metal) with the help of a robot, lasers, triangulation, and sometimes GPS. 

“It’s really great to be on the edge of where construction is going. I like being involved in the techie side of construction,” said Allison. “I love my trade; there are so many areas to specialize in. I feel incredibly lucky to have found my niche and to be sought out for my knowledge and expertise.”

Allison got into the trades in her late 20s. Before that, she explored various careers, including being an insurance agent, a nurse’s aide, and an Art teacher. Then, one day while remodeling her house and constructing a chicken coop with YouTube’s help, she thought, “I wish I could do THIS every day.” READ MORE