This audio is automatically generated. Please let us know if you have any comments.
When Mindy Uber travels, she likes to observe the architecture of different regions, cities and nations. In particular, he likes to check out Major League Ballparks — his goal is to visit all 30.
Uber must travel frequently as regional vice president of safety for Skanska USA, the American arm of the Sweden-based developer and contractor. As part of construction around the world, it also pays close attention to safety practices, and not just on Skanska jobs.
Here, Uber talks to Construction Dive about how she got into the industry, what safety work she’s most proud of, and how far women in construction have come in their careers.
The following has been edited for brevity and clarity.
Construction Immersion: How did you get started in construction?
Mindy Uber: It was a bit of a fluke, honestly. I got my bachelor’s degree in environmental science. I had been working for a couple of different consulting companies doing asbestos surveys, hazardous materials investigations, lead paint samples, all kinds of things. And I was getting a little bored with it. I was looking for something else.
I didn’t really look for the build. I met a Skanska employee at a class I was taking, and he said, “Hey, it would be great to have someone with your background and your knowledge and skills on our team.” So he took me to a job site and showed me around. That was 19 and a half years ago.
What is different about construction that you like better than your previous job?
Well, I haven’t been bored since I’ve been here, so that’s good.
Mindy Uber
Permission granted by Skanska
I like that construction is always evolving. Literally, as we build things, it’s changing. I like the different types of buildings we build, the different communities we build in, the different teams, the different opportunities. There are always challenges in security.
I like being a part of helping to find solutions and bringing the right people into the team. I think that’s what keeps me here and keeps me engaged.
What security job are you most proud of?
I’ve worked a lot with vendors. Whether it’s toolmakers or PPE, help guide workshops and get feedback, esp around women’s PPE – it was great. Working with a vendor to say, “This is what we need,” and then bringing end users together to test things, give feedback, that’s been very meaningful to me.
I like being able to influence the industry and speak as an end user, but also provide other voices for the people who are in the field all day every day. I want to let them have their say on the tools they use, the vests they wear every day, the helmets they wear.
How has the role of women in construction changed since you joined the sector? what is different
I’ve definitely seen more women in construction, especially in leadership roles at Skanska. It has been meaningful for me to have an example to follow. I think the industry in general has evolved quite a bit in my time. The terminology used now is more gender inclusive.
Certainly, when I first started, I had some difficult conversations with people who didn’t think women belonged in construction or commented on what I could know about construction safety without having experience in the trades.
I think that kind of mentality has changed. People appreciate what women have to offer, that we have good ideas, even though I personally am not out there swinging hammers every day. I think we have more opportunity to have a seat at the table than we did 20 years ago.
What does being a woman in construction mean to you?
It’s kind of funny, I have no other perspective. Yes, I am a woman and I work in construction.
I think it’s pretty unique. In my group of friends, I work in a rather non-traditional role, I would say, for women, and I think that’s very beautiful. I’m proud of it. I’m proud of my career and how I’ve been able to rise and be supported by Skanska all the way.
I hope someday it won’t be a thing. As if it’s not such a unique thing to talk about, because there will be so many women in construction that it’s like talking to men. We are heading there, but I think it will take quite some time.
What advice do you have for other women in construction?
Stand firm. Make sure you make your voice heard. Sometimes we are not the loudest voices in the room. It’s hard to be a different voice, whether it’s a different opinion or bringing different ideas to the table, but stick to your guns.
Also, find some people who can support you and be your champions. I was lucky early in my career, I had a couple of superintendents who took me under their wings and taught me the ropes and were there when I needed help speaking up. So, find some allies.
