This audio is automatically generated. Do us know if you have comments.
This article is one of the series of conversations with women leaders in the construction industry. Click here for past discussions.
As a first-generation university student, Patricia Solorzano dreamed of becoming an architect.
After a year studying architecture at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, Solorzano was introduced to the school construction program, leading it to realizing that he wanted a more practical role in building buildings.
He decided to make the change in construction management where he was one of the seven women in his 2006 graduate class.
Since then, she has become an expert in the aviation industry and has worked on projects at the country’s most important airports, as well as mixed use development and hospitality work.
Here, Solorzano talks to Construction Dive about his passion for airport projects, as well as the importance of mentors.
This article has been edited by brevity and clarity.
Construction division: What do you do at the current job and where do you meet?
Patricia Solorzano: As the vice president and executive of projects at Dallas’s Suffolk, I direct the project teams and oversee our field operations. I also help create our relationships with customers and to keep me committed in our next projects.
Since joining Suffolk in 2023, my focus has been helping to grow and manage our aviation portfolio. More recently, I have overseen our third project at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, including the construction of the New Central Electric Utility Plant (ECUP), which will go to the zero emission electricity to warm up to become the first neutral carbon central floor in the Americas.
Then I have the opportunity to manage the construction of a large mixed use project in the heart of Dallas, which will include a lower grade garage and three high towers.
Why do you enjoy the construction of aviation?
The construction of aviation offers complexity and scale that continually challenges me professionally. These projects have a great impact on millions of travelers and require sophisticated coordination and technical experience.
Working at Premier Airports before my career such as Los Angeles International, San Diego International, Sacramento International and now Dallas Fort Worth International has allowed me to face large -scale infrastructure that transforms how to experience travel.
What are some projects that you liked most about working and why?
Previously, in my career, I had the opportunity to contribute to major aviation projects such as the Lax Bradley West International Terminal and the American Airlines Trinity Complex. These experiences helped shape my leadership and communication skills.
More recently, I am especially proud to have been working on the DFW Ecup project because it represents a step forward in creating sustainable aviation infrastructure. It is exciting to help deliver a project that not only serves for immediate operational needs, but also establishes a new standard for the way airports can face the challenges of climate variability.
What are the benefits of working on construction?
The construction offers incredible opportunities to create a tangible and durable impact on communities. The industry provides professional growth and personal satisfaction as you see that projects advance from the concept to the end.
Throughout my career, I personally enjoyed the variety of work in different states and sectors, from hospitality to aviation. I also valued fostering relationships with customers, commercial partners and colleagues to create a support network to help us all successful.
What tips would you give to young women considering construction as a career?
Do not be intimidated to be in the minority and instead use it as a motivation to un excellent. Create a strong technical basis and constantly look for opportunities that challenge you, even if it means moving -you or out of your comfort zone.
Find mentors who believe in your potential, as I was fortunate enough to have support leaders who encouraged me to take more and more complex projects. Finally, as you move on, take time to advise others, regardless of whether they are on your team or even your company.
At Suffolk, we have a saying that we do not build buildings, we build people. I think investing and advising the next generation of women under construction can help change the mentality of the industry so that women are viewed as expert builders, not just women with success in construction.
