HAZARD GIRLS

This episode’s guest is the incredible Stephanie Garcia, who’s here in her pink hard hat to tell you not to let anyone dull your sparkle! She’s the Quality Manager for Rogers-O’Brien Construction, has been in the construction industry for seven years, and is currently the secretary for the San Antonio chapter of the National Association for Women in Construction (NAWIC). We’re thrilled to have her join us today as we kick off the conversation with all the exciting offerings that the San Antonio branch has prepared for the 2022 Women In Construction Week, from workshops to Habitat for Humanity involvement, and a whole lot more. Hear about her experience stepping into the amazing leadership community with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) national committee, and the two incredible publications NAWIC has on the go, plus Stephanie sends out a call for writing submissions from single moms in construction! We then touch on Stephanie’s fascinating arc, from an upbringing in the construction world to getting two degrees and doing lots of traveling before entering the world of construction – and she hasn’t looked back since. Learn about her typical workday, her sparkly new entrepreneurial venture, and why plants are such a source of calm and joy for her. Plus the listener will hear some wise words on why she’s a fierce advocate for keeping your humor and authenticity no matter where you go. Tune in to hear another badass conversation from another incredible Hazard Girl in construction.

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Many women, contrary to their male counterparts, hold back from applying for positions because they feel under-qualified. Our guest today is an example of someone who refused to fall into the imposter mindset and went for the position she deserved! Joining us on Hazard Girls is the awe-inspiring Buna George, Executive Director for The Greater Yuma Port Authority, real estate agent, and cancer survivor. Buna is proof that it is okay to learn on the job, and that, with a positive attitude and dedication, you can achieve anything. In this episode, Buna fills us in on the work she’s doing with the Port Authority in Arizona, and her journey to landing her position and thriving in it. We learn how she started dabbling in real estate as a side hustle long before it was all the rave and the effect her upbringing had on her mindset! She candidly shares her cancer journey, and the profound insights it has imbued in her. Tune in to hear Buna’s story and her invaluable advice on mindset, goals, and hard work!

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Many of us think the style of leadership taught and practiced in the military is fairly rigid and uniform. Debunking this myth today, is Dr. Janet Polach, retired marine, executive coach, speaker, expert in developing new managers, and now author. Janet talks us through why she entered the marines, and how the leadership skills she learned through this have set her up for success throughout life. We hear what the difference is between being a leader and being a manager, and why Janet feels stereotypically feminine traits that benefit leaders are not unique to women. We tackle what’s driving the Great Resignation, the role of leaders in it, and why communication between leaders and employees will be crucial in addressing this movement. Janet also gives some great advice on toeing the line between being a friend and a manager, and the qualities (and how to learn them) that a good leader needs. Don’t miss out on this exciting episode!

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Today’s guest is a true pioneer in her field, being both the first woman to hold the Teaching Lab Technician position at Sinclair Community College and the youngest member of the department! Welcome to Hanna Weaver, an ASE certified master tech, full-time lecturer, and now a Master’s candidate. We talk to Hanna today about how she first got into the male-populated field of mechanics, and why she has transitioned into the world of lecturing. We discuss the differences in attitude needed across the different worlds, and her experience of being a young woman in an aggressive, competitive work environment. Hanna gives some great advice on how to improve young women’s confidence and desire to enter the world of mechanics, and what she feels automotive companies can do to increase female representation. Tune in to find out why Hanna is so appreciative of the Hazard Girls community, and so much more, on another glass-ceiling shattering episode!

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Today’s episode of Hazard Girls is the premiere episode interviewing a woman in tech! We are so excited to welcome Catherine Dummitt, VP of marketing at Narvar, and honorary Hazard Girl through her work building diverse teams and bringing women into the workforce. Join us to hear about Catherine’s experience in the world of tech, as well as the challenges she has faced and how she has handled them. From overcoming her fear of rejection when cold-calling as her very first (non-tech related) job, to dreams of setting up a female-founded, female-run recruitment agency, Catherine’s journey to where she is now is an inspiration to women everywhere. Find out how she handles men talking over her and taking credit for her ideas, and how you can pump yourself up before entering a challenging work environment. Tune in for all this and so much more in today’s inspirational episode!

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Imposter syndrome isn’t something that people are simply born with. More often than not, it’s a consequence of a wounding experience. Joining us today to talk about this and so much more is musician, culture consultant, and leadership and life coach, Dr. Nancy Williams. Dr. Williams has an impressive musical background, with a doctorate in musical arts, clarinet performance, and musicology, and many years of experience as a self-employed performer, educator, and ensemble leader. Most recently, she has taken her skills in music education into the business world and beyond, starting her own culture consultancy business as well as working as a leadership and life coach for high-achieving women. In our conversation with Dr. Williams, she reflects on the patriarchy in the musical field and her personal experience of unconsciously altering her behavior to make her male colleagues feel comfortable. We talk in depth about imposter syndrome: what it is, what causes it, how to overcome it, and how it differs from a lack of confidence. Dr. Williams explains what gaslighting looks like in a professional environment, shares some of the challenges that high-achieving women are faced with, and defines the subsequent overwhelm of overachieving. In closing, we hear what it takes for women to set compassionate boundaries and value their own time and energy, without the guilt! Tune in to find out what you can do to define and protect your limits and learn to say, “No!”

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From raking leaves into floor plans as a teenager to being nominated as Cape & Plymouth Business’s 40 Under 40’s, Krista Manna’s success has been meteoric. Join us today as we talk to Krista (architect, property developer and flipper, and interior designer) about what inspires her, and how she started working in this industry. We hear her advice to young architects choosing between joining a big firm or going it alone, and how her parents’ careers influenced her choices. Find out why Krista is so motivated to include disability-access design in all her projects and how from the pain of losing her mother came something fantastic. We discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the retail industry, and how corporate design now requires so much more than simple desk space. Don’t miss out on this inspiring episode!

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Growing up with a carpenter dad who built their family home gave Danielle Schroeder a solid foundation from which to explore her interest in math, science and construction, which eventually led her to find her niche in transportation related civil engineering. Being the first engineer in her family, Danielle had to learn a lot through trial and error, and she is hoping to make the journey easier and more accessible for other women in STEM fields through sharing her story and her invaluable advice on her social media platforms, and through her educational program, STEM Changemaker. Danielle’s contribution to the field has not gone unnoticed, and she has recently been honored as one of the American Society for Civil Engineers’ New Faces of Engineering, and she is featured in Reinvented Magazines 2022 Princesses with Power Tools calendar! Tune in today to hear Danielle’s story!

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Many women in the construction industry come to the sector via another career, and today’s guest is no different. When Janet Bates studied theater and dramatic literature, she never envisioned she would be the trailblazer she is today. Currently, Janet is a Client Solutions Manager at JE Dunn and is also involved in a number of organizations in Charleston. In this episode, Janet talks about her career journey and shares how she uses her theater skills in her work today. We discuss Janet’s desire to change the face of the construction industry, and she shares some of the actionable strategies we can take to normalize careers in construction for women. Once women are in all roles in construction, we get closer to a more equitable industry. Our conversation also touches on the issues with childcare in construction, Janet’s incredible morning routine, and the power of planning.

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How does being a high school rodeo champion prepare you for becoming a welder? This week on the Hazard Girls we get together with Kaylin Leas to talk about her journey into the male-dominated industry of welding; why she first was attracted to it, and what receiving the Empowerment Women in Industry Tradeswoman of the Year Award 2021 has meant to her. Kaylin is a journeyman pipe welder fitter for TDIndustries in Fort Worth, Texas and recently became their first Lead woman. We discuss how her upbringing amongst cowboys, cowgirls, and powerful animals gave her the confidence to pursue work in a male-dominated industry and how Western culture treats men and women equally. Tuning in, you’ll gain eye-opening insights into the construction industry and the hard work and dedication it takes to become a welder. You’ll also hear Kaylin’s advice for anyone looking to enter the industry, like being physically tough, and nurturing a dedication to hands-on learning. We hope you’ll join us for this inspiring conversation with the force of nature that is Kaylin Leas!

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