RCI's Contracting Department Director shares her story and offers advice to women looking to pursue a career in the industry.
Historically the green and construction industries have been classified as a heavily male-dominated industry. However, over the course of forty years more and more women have taken on roles traditionally held by men. According to a recent study conducted by NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction) approximately 939,000 women were employed in various occupation sectors of the construction industry (as of December 2016). Women now make up 9.1 percent of the construction industry in the United States.
RCI is proud to employ a variety of talented woman within the industry, many of whom serve as experts in their respective disciplines. Included in this group of exceptional female leaders is Rhonda Plucienski, Contracting Department Director for RCI. Plucienski began her career over 30 years ago working in the field of a nuclear plant. From then on she's held a variety of positions within the construction industry ranging from purchasing agent to project manager and now Contracting Department Director.
However, Rhonda’s path to success was not easy. As a woman seeking to gain momentum in a male-dominated industry, Plucienski experienced her fair share of challenges and adversity. "Challenges I personally faced early in my career as a woman in construction would have been gaining the respect of the individuals in the field and office. Being inquisitive, gaining knowledge, and persistence has always advanced my career", shared Plucienski. "As a woman in construction, you have to make it what you want it to be. You can work in the field, office, or own your own business! Then compared to now, with women-owned business requirements on various construction projects - women have even more opportunity at their fingertips!"
While women today have many more opportunities compared to four decades ago, it is still intimidating for many young women entering the industry. For these women, Rhonda Plucienski shares this advice: "Know that you are as capable as anyone else. Be demanding and expect excellence. Do not let anyone discount your ability."
Plucienski joined the team at RCI just over five years ago and in that time has become an indispensable part of the RCI family. "I appreciate being a part of a company which always finds a solution.” Women entering the construction industry in 2019 do so while standing on the shoulders of women like Rhonda Plucienski. RCI is a proud employer of the best in the business and seeks to continue to develop the talent of all those who, just as Rhonda recommends, demand excellence.
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