As Women In Construction Week wraps up, we want to take a moment to thank and celebrate each and every woman who works for Reed Construction. Building the next generation of extraordinary is a task that takes a diverse team, innovation, and excellence in all that we do. In this historically male-dominated industry, highlighting the women who work in construction keeps the industry moving forward.
The incredible contributions to the industry and to our company from women have been key to our success. We are committed to creating a work environment where everyone can thrive and grow. We are proud of the women in construction at Reed for the many ways they’ve trailblazed, and for the amazing work they do every day.
Here at Reed, we work with a sense of urgency to deliver projects on time and in budget. We know that our clients rely on us to deliver quality work quickly and efficiently. With this sense of urgency, there’s no time for ego or outdated ideas of who can do the work. That’s bolstered by our transparent approach, which leads to open and honest communication with our clients, partners, and employees. We set a culture where everyone, regardless of gender, is treated as a respected member of our team who contributes to reaching our goals. Through our solutions-oriented approach, we find creative, practical solutions to complex problems. The women on our team play an essential role in this process.
While it should go without saying, the women of Reed Construction have contributed to our most successful projects and have helped us build a reputation as a trusted partner in the construction industry. We wouldn’t be the company we are today without them.
For 2023’s Women In Construction Week, we highlighted the stories of three amazing women who work at Reed Construction: Vicki Lezon, Ashley Polino and the all-women Accounting Department, and Olivia Faydenko.
Vicki Lezon, Project Manager:
“Since I grew up in a house under construction, acting as my father’s de-facto laborer, I’ve always had a soft spot for design and construction. Yes, I have faced challenges based on my gender, but people are usually willing to judge you on the basis of your contributions. Sometimes that is not true and you have to look for another sandbox. I have had many mentors over the years – most of them have been informal but the one thing that they have all had in common is a willingness to share their knowledge and experiences. I try to pay it forward by offering others the benefit of my experience, being open to requests for assistance, and simply listening where appropriate. At Reed, there are no cliques or silos to limit my potential and everyone working together to ensure projects are a success. A lot of that has to do with the tone and expectations set by management.”
Ashley Polino, Chief Financial Officer:
“I started as an office manager for a small fire protection company on the south side of Chicago. I know that the construction industry is male-dominated, but in no way did I feel like I couldn’t work in the industry. I prove myself every day with my construction industry knowledge and hard work. I’ve always felt like an equal to everyone at Reed, including everyone on the Leadership Team. It’s a great place to grow your career and advance your skills, regardless of gender. After so many years working in each finance department seat, I knew I had ideas and could improve our processes. After being asked to take on the Controller seat, I knew that a leadership position was something I was headed for. My mentors are every person on the Reed Leadership Team. They all have unique abilities, and I learn something new every week by just watching them excel. In return, I always provide the best mentorship I can to everyone on the Finance Team and help them grow professionally.”
Olivia Faydenko, Assistant Project Manager:
“Construction runs in my family, so I’ve always had a natural inclination toward it. Halfway through my marketing degree, I realized I couldn’t ignore fate any longer. As I learned more about green building and sustainable design, I felt like that was the direction I was meant to go. I interned with a local homebuilder as I wrapped up my senior year (and still graduated with that business degree!) and landed a job with a general contractor. I find this industry so interesting and dynamic, and I haven’t looked back since! Building something that stands the test of time, something physical and real – it’s much more powerful than watching numbers move on a spreadsheet.”
While Women In Construction Week is drawing to a close, Women’s History Month isn’t over yet. We hope that you can hear the untold stories and find the hidden contributions of women, in this and every industry, all month long!