Mothers In Construction (M.I.C.)

Check out Mothers In Construction podcast's Episode 40 - Be Kind To Yourself with Bailey Mitchell. Bailey is a mother of two and a 14-year human resources professional in the DC area. She lives in Maryland with her husband and two daughters. Bailey started in construction working for a DC metro area based general contractor in recruitment for close to 7 years. Prior to working in construction, Bailey worked in higher education for over 6 years in recruitment and training.  While working in higher education, she earned her master’s degree in Human Resources Management from the Catholic University of America.

Most recently, she has joined Casey Construction Group as the Director of Human Resources. Casey is a Commercial Drywall & Floor Prep contractor in the metro Washington area and Raleigh, North Carolina.

Bailey’s passion for helping employees succeed and thrive in their roles is what keeps her motivated in the crazy world of construction! She especially loves being a mentor and motivator for women of all ages who are passionate about the construction industry. She encourages us to be raw, honest and emotional . Bailey also challenges us to put a more positive spin on “Mommy Brain”. So often we use it negatively but as she reminds us, what brain is more powerful and efficient as a mom brain. Listen to her story ! 

Check out Mothers In Construction podcast's Episode 39 - Be Intentional, with M.I.C. Elena Hercule Jean-Francois, the Owner and CEO of HJ Construction Group, Inc. Elena is a mother of two and a 25-year Construction Management Professional with General Contractor experience in the states of Florida and Massachusetts.  Prior to owning her company, Elena was a Vice President for a medium-sized commercial contractor. Her foundation pillars are God, Family, and Community. Haitian born and raised, she immigrated to the United States at 17. Elena has a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and a Master's in Construction Management from Florida International University.

Elena is a goal-driven leader focused on strategic growth, process improvements, and building sustainable industry partnerships. She has diverse experience and expertise in overall project management, strategic planning, construction software implementation, and training that optimize resources, greater operational effectiveness, and efficiency focusing on continuous improvement. HJ Construction Group's vision is  "Builders Building Better Sustainable Communities Together".

Elena’s shares her experience as a native of Haiti who entered into a field that culturally is not a typical choice for women from her country. We also discuss her company’s mission to support subcontractors which are the lifeline of general contractors in our industry.  Listen to her story! @hjconstructiongroup

*Link In Bio* Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe so you don’t miss a beat and if you like what you hear, please leave us a review.

Follow HJ Construction Group, Inc:

https://hjconstructiongroup.com/

@hjconstructiongroup

Brooke is a 35 year old M.I.C. with three children who works full time during the day and attends a plumbing trade school several evenings throughout the week. She's in year 2 of her 5 year program and has been married for 14 years. Brooke started welding at 14 and left the field to start her own non-related construction business at 22 and then went back into the field full time after closing her business at 32. We discuss the personal tug of war many moms in our industry feel when we miss precious moments with our children. 

She shares her experience making the decision to walk away from her business. Brooke has a powerful YouTube video discussing changing our perspective on failure. It’s just an opportunity for growth! Listen to her story ! @meetbrookee

YouTube: https://youtu.be/2yfMyJBTbuQ 

Check out this week's episode of Mothers In Construction Podcast with Andrea Mesis-Bruno, President and CEO of D&A Construction Advisors, a specialized consulting firm focused on business development and marketing in the New York and New Jersey Real Estate and Construction industries. Andrea was born and raised in the New York/New Jersey and has over 26 years of proven industry experience. Andrea has always succeeded in unlikely roles typically held by men. Today, Andrea works with the most demanding NYC developers to build the ever-changing NYC skyline. Working in such a masculine field, she carries herself with a tough unwavering confidence, but always as a lady and role model for young women in her field. She has mastered the delicate balance of being a loving single mom to her son and powerful construction executive.

In this episode we talk about the importance of women supporting each other by holding each other UP and not DOWN.

Check out this week's  of Mothers In Construction Podcast M.I.C. Episode 36 - The Girly Shop Teacher with Tami Gamble.

What do you get when you unpack an impact drill, flat iron, and crayons? You get a Yonce like comedic carpentry combo. Meet the Girly Shop Teacher. This Mom on the move is a nationally certified Building Trades Instructor, Guest Speaker, and Advocate for disruptive thinking in Construction Education. Watch her on Disney+ in Shop Class or catch a glimpse in Duluth’s campaign for Real Women Who Do Real Work.

When Tami left the classroom, this NCCER nationally certified Trades Instructor reached into her tool bag and started a new career. Tami is on a personal mission to put tools into the hands that need them. She hosts workshops for women and children that inspire building through STEAM education. There is no mistaking, she is a carpenter first and a teacher second.

Tami reminds us that “NO” is a universal word understood in almost any language. We must practice using the word more often to protect our inner peace. @girlyshopteacher .  Listen to her story!

Check out this week's episode of Mothers In Construction Podcast with Elana and Jordan Day. Elana aka Lil’ Miss Fix It @lilmissfixit2012  is a 4th grader who loves math and science.  In her free time, she also enjoys video games and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. 

Elana wants to be an engineer when she grows up but also has a strong interest in the skilled trades.  She installs toilets, dishwashers and more ! She’s amazing. Her dad Jordan is a licensed master plumber, licensed low voltage contractor and certified HVAC tech. Jordan noticed a talent in Elana and nurtured it. Imagine a world when all of our girls are encouraged and supported to do whatever they want to do. Elana is our future . Elana is hope . Listen to her story!!

You can follow her on YouTube at :

Check out M.I.C. Episode 34 - Pivoting Through The Pain with Jilandre Linton. Jilandre is a Pre-construction Project Manager with two children.  As a child Jilandre dreamed of being an Architect.  Having a mother that dabbled in construction gave her the opportunity to experience blueprints and an appreciation for the wonderful aromas that accompanied design.  She graduated from the illustrious Howard University and right after started a career as a Junior Architect.  For the past 6 years she has worked for a panelized construction company starting out as Design PM, to PM, to her now current position as Pre-construction PM. 

14 years ago Jilandre’s daughter was diagnosed with Congenital Generalized Lipodystrophy , a rare genetic disorder. Jilandre was forced to make tough decisions throughout her career and was even laid off from a company due to the demands of caring for her child. She held true to what was important; being a mom and putting her family first. Today Jilandre excels in her career and her beautiful 14 year old daughter is a thriving , award winning , competitive gymnast who has even competed on American Ninja Warrior Junior. Her story is a true testament to the strength of a woman. Jilandre tells us to “Breathe, take care of yourself and everything else will fall into place.” Listen to her story! 

Check out M.I.C. Episode 33 - Put Yourself First At All Costs with Jennifer Todd. Jennifer Todd is President of LMS General Contractors, DBE and WBE demolition, and environmental contractor. She is also the Founder of A Greener of Tomorrow, a 501c3 nonprofit geared toward the skill trade advancement of minority youth & young adults. Todd is a 2021 ENR Top 20 Under 40 Professional, 2020 Top 25 ENR Newsmaker, and 2020 CBO Outstanding Women in Construction finalist. Todd is an ASU Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law graduate. Jennifer Todd is a member of ASCE’s Industry Leaders Council and National Association of Black Women in Construction.

 In her fifteen years in the industry, Jennifer has reached so many heights and has made admirable accomplishments. She’s an award winning entrepreneur, boss, advocate, public speaker , advisor, wife, friend, ear, motivator . Sometimes having a huge plate doesn’t include us listening to our bodies. Jennifer shares her testimony on how a serious health scare changed her perspective on work life balance. Jennifer tells us to “Stop, Look and Listen” to our bodies and “Put Yourself First At All Costs” . Listen to her story !

Check out this week's episode of Mothers In Construction Podcast. M.I.C, Episode 32 - I’m Not Supposed To Be Here is with Daniela Velasquez. Daniela is the CEO of Velasquez Construction Solutions,  an industrial and commercial electrical contractor in Wharton, TX.  She has been a member of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) for the last three years. She is the past NAWIC Safety Chair and is currently serving as Recording Secretary. Daniela won the NAWIC Executive Award in 2021. In her free time, Daniela serves as a troop leader for Girl Scouts of America. She aspires to be a good role model and play a supporting role in advancing women in construction and women everywhere. 

Daniela discusses her plight from being a teen mom and high school dropout all the way to now being the CEO of a company ! When we’re in the thick of life’s struggles or unfavorable circumstances we can often get caught up in those moments not knowing why we have to endure. We are here to tell you to hang in there. There’s always a purpose . When you get to the other side of the storm it becomes your testimony to help others. Daniela is doing just that. Her goal is to continue to help others provide for their families and  to inspire other young women, the young “Danielas”,  to explore endless possibilities.  Daniela tells us to look at the step in front of you because it's all that you need to propel forward.