2020 Women Who Build Spotlight: Jennifer Sweet, Haley & Aldrich, Inc.

Jennifer Sweet, PE, LSP, Associate at Haley & Aldrich, Inc.

How many years have you been in your current field? 20 years

Which project, deal, or transaction was the “game changer” in the advancement of your career during the last 10 years? One of the first projects I was engaged to serve as a licensed site professional (LSP) for was a large property with a long history of industrial contamination. The site had been highly publicized and scrutinized by multiple stakeholders including public involvement groups. I worked with the client to develop remedial plans that were minimally invasive and regulatory strategies aimed to improve community relationships. The technical aspects of this project were the easy part. Navigating overlapping state and local regulations and the complex stakeholder interests was the challenging part. The unique challenges of this project have advanced my personal growth as an LSP. 

What would you tell your daughter about entering this profession? Seek out an organization that is supportive and provides advancement opportunities for women. The design and construction industry has long been a male dominated industry with inherent challenges for women. I have found that working within an organization, such as Haley & Aldrich, that provides a collaborative work environment and values diversity among technical teams enables individuals to grow and do their best work. Invest in relationships with your female peers and business partners and support each other. In doing this, you will confidently overcome challenges and make important contributions to this profession.