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It's Women in Construction Week and here at Amoroso we are highlighting two women who have made a successful career in construction. Meet Senior Project Manager, Vicky Cotter and Project Executive, Kim Altamirano, who are recalling their journey working up the ladder and the advice they have for other women in the industry.

Meet Vicky Cotter and Kim Altamirano

Vicki Cotter started her career in the construction industry working for a Texas-based land development company that expanded to California in the early 1990s. While working on one of their projects in American Canyon, Calif., she learned to love construction. She transitioned to Amoroso Construction in 1994 and currently works as a Senior Project Manager.

Kim Altamirano got an early start in the construction industry taking classes on drafting and architectural drawing in high school. She went on to study Construction Management at California State University, Long Beach where Amoroso was remodeling the engineering buildings on campus. Altamirano applied for a part-time job with Amoroso and over the last 26 years, has worked her way up to project executive.

Q1: What position did you start in at Amoroso and what other positions have you held?
VC: I started with Amoroso Construction working as an administrator onsite at the Rankin Pump Station Headworks project in San Francisco. I decided to go back to school and continued my education as San Francisco State. I made my way into a project engineer role and eventually moved up into project management.

KA: When I started with Amoroso I applied for a part-time job my last semester of college. I was hired as an administrative assistant followed by moving into an engineer's position after I graduated. Throughout my career with Amoroso, I have filled the roles of administrative assistant, project engineer, project manager, and currently serve as project executive.

Q2: What has been your most memorable project to work on at Amoroso and why
VC: One of my most memorable projects is John O'Connell Technical High School in San Francisco. It was one of the first projects where I was exposed to scheduling and project management.

KA: The Disney Back of House Project. It was Amoroso's first project working for Disney and it was the first project I worked on after being promoted to a project manager. It was a tough but successful project and I learned numerous great management skills from the Disney Management Team.

Q3: What factors have played into your success in the industry?
VC: I have worked with some of the best people in the industry and contribute my success to their support, training and knowledge. If it was not for these peers, I would not be where I am today.

KA: Having great role models and different opportunities in the industry. In addition, I have had a lot of support from Amoroso.

Q4: What advice do you have to other young women thinking of joining construction?
VC: Be a good listener, do not be afraid to ask questions and hang tough. It is not easy being one of the few females on a project, but it does not have to be something to fear. If you remain confident in yourself and are prepared to learn, it can be rewarding and fun!

KA: You need to have a passion for construction to be successful. Take advantage of every opportunity given to you. If they are not given to you, you need to make them. Go to work every day knowing you will give it your best and that is all you can do. When you walk through the gate or doors every morning, it's not about your gender. It's about working your hardest in the role you were hired for.

Q5: Why do you think it's important for our industry to encourage women to pursue a career in construction?
VC: I have worked in the field my entire career and there is nothing like being a part of a new building, school, or library and being able to drive past and recall that you were part of making it happen. Every new project is like a new job with new people. That diversity is what makes a career in construction appealing.

KA: I think women excel in the industry because of their ability to multitask and their great organization skills. When you combine that with industry knowledge, the ability to visualize a job from paper to reality, and you are passionate about construction, you will succeed in the industry.