2021 Women in Construction: Christine Kennedy, Project Manager, Shawmut Design and Construction

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What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months? I was in the middle of construction on a tenant fit-out when the pandemic hit. Our project team was able to successfully navigate the changes and challenges that came with it. We implemented enhanced safety protocols and mitigated material delays due to shutdowns. In the end, we delivered the project on time to a happy client.

Why should women consider a career in construction? I think a lot of young women may not realize that construction is a career path that is open to them. In reality, there are so many amazing opportunities in the construction field for women. I love the team mentality that goes into completing a successful project. Your career is a big part of your life—you should be passionate about what you do.

Starting out in the construction business, who or what empowered you? One of my first jobs in construction was at a small firm in CT. I worked closely with their staff architect and did a lot of CAD drawings. The first project I worked on was a large doctor’s office. While the project was under construction, we made a site visit to field measure for some changes that needed to be made. That was the first time that I ever saw what I put on paper come to life—and it was a fulfilling experience.