Name and Company: Lisa D. Sparks, Wright, Constable & Skeen, LLP
Title: Project Assistant
Years in the industry: 12 years
What made you want to join the construction industry?
I actually fell into the construction law practice in my first attorney job after finishing law school and my clerkship. I had no idea that it was an option but quickly realized it was perfect for me. Sometimes, things happen for a reason.
What does being a woman in construction mean to you?
Being a woman in construction means that I get to change minds and tear down stereotypes every day just by working hard and taking care of my clients.
How can you help educate young women that may be considering entering the industry or that don’t know about opportunities in the industry?
The most important way to recruit talented young women is to show them the spectrum of opportunities. There is so much potential for women in the trades, where there is currently a labor shortage, but also lots of ways that women who are pursuing higher education might put accounting, law, information technology, and other valuable degrees to work in this industry. Another attribute that might be overlooked is the variety of projects that a construction professional works on over her career – it’s rewarding to drive around town and see the different buildings and projects that we’ve contributed to.