Career Paths: Women In Construction

 
In this episode of The AppleOne Podcast Career Paths series, host Brett Howroyd sits down with Shawna Alvarado to explore the evolving landscape of construction. As the second generation at O’Donnell Plastering, Shawna’s career path—from cosmetology to construction—reflects the industry’s expanding opportunities and the growing presence of women in roles ranging from tradespeople to executives.

Shawna highlights the diverse career paths available in construction, emphasizing that passion and dedication matter more than background or gender. She also discusses the balance between formal education and hands-on experience, noting that success in the field often comes from a mix of both.

A longtime advocate for women in construction, Shawna shares insights from her 28 years with the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). She sheds light on how organizations like NAWIC are helping to bridge the gap, increase awareness, and support women entering the industry.

Curious about a career in construction or know someone who should hear this? Don’t miss this insightful episode. Pass it along, and subscribe for more conversations that open doors to new career paths.

For more information or to connect about this episode, please click here.

Recent Episodes

AI is shifting marketing from experimentation to operational integration. In this episode, Aby Varma speaks with Palmer Houchins, VP of Marketing at G2, about embedding AI into workflows, rethinking org design, and navigating rapid change across the MarTech landscape. From LLM copilots to agentic workflows, they unpack practical adoption lessons and the increasing importance of…

Leadership pipelines are under pressure. Companies are moving faster, roles are becoming more cross-functional, and high-potential talent is expected to deliver beyond narrow job descriptions earlier in their careers. At the same time, the World Economic Forum estimates that 39% of workers’ core skills will need to evolve by 2030 to keep pace with…

When a résumé is filtered out, a loan is denied, or a piece of content never reaches its audience, artificial intelligence may be the unseen hand behind the outcome. As these systems spread across the tools and institutions that shape daily life, the assumptions and priorities of their designers are carried forward into decisions…