In honor of Women in Construction Week, we’re excited to celebrate one of the women leading the way in the field: Maria Ruiz. She’s someone we’ve consistently recommended and nominated, and her name never fails to come up when people talk about strong leaders on the jobsite.

Maria has always called Federal Way home. Today, she lives in Frederickson with her family, where she enjoys outdoor adventures like hiking, snowboarding, and exploring national parks with her 12-year-old son. She also loves cooking, tackling home projects, and sharing downtime with her family.

Before joining the trades, Maria worked in accounting. 

"I remember having a career wake-up moment and realizing I wanted to do something more hands-on and dynamic," she says.

She wanted work that was active, hands-on, and allowed her to see tangible results. A friend in the trade suggested she try pipefitting, noting that it would challenge her mechanically, keep her moving, and let her work on diverse projects. Maria didn’t know what she was getting into at first, but she quickly realized it was the right path and she loves every moment.

In her role as a Pipefitting Foreman, Maria thrives on the complexity of mechanical construction. 

“Every project has deadlines, multiple teams, and different systems. Bringing all of that together has helped me grow and continue learning every day,” she says.

She enjoys seeing projects come to life and says the work constantly shapes her into a better organizer and a better person.Maria is currently leading the South Point Tukwila project and counts the Panasonic battery plant in Kansas among her favorite past projects. She values the chance to collaborate with crews from across the country while managing technical work and tight schedules.

“Being a woman in this trade, I always feel a little imposter syndrome,” Maria says. “But it’s not just women, anyone in the trades can feel it at times. It never fully goes away, but what makes the difference is showing up, working hard, and letting your skills and dedication speak for themselves.”

With this in mind, Maria emphasizes the importance of mindset for anyone starting out in the industry.

“The industry is always evolving, and there’s always something new to master. It's important to work hard, stay curious, and keep an open mind. Don’t be afraid to take on new opportunities, ask questions, or tackle challenges you haven’t faced before."

Thank you, Maria, for leading by example and inspiring the next generation with your dedication, mindset, and hands-on expertise!