WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION SPOTLIGHT Q&A with Industry Leader Talin Espinoza


Twining Executive on Breaking Down Barriers in California Construction Industry


By Carol Eaton M


arch 7-13, 2021 is Women in Construction week across the United States.


Begun years ago by the nearly


70-year-old National Association of Women in Construction, the week is dedicated to challenging stereo- types, celebrating the achievements of women who work in construction and highlighting the many opportunities that abound in an industry in which women often earn more than those in many other market sectors – but still only make up about 10 percent of the workforce. Talin Espinoza, Chief Strategy


Officer for AGC of California member company Twining, Inc., exemplifies what strong female leadership can look like in the California construction industry. At 38, she has already logged 15 years in the A/E/C markets, breaking down barriers and embracing leadership roles both inside and outside her company. Espinoza leads the mergers and


acquisition, branding, marketing and sales operations at Twining, a mid-sized Long Beach-based engineering, testing and inspection company with several offices throughout California. She also holds board positions and leadership roles in multiple industry organizations, including serving on AGC’s Los Angeles District Board of Directors and as a member of AGC’s Diversity & Inclusion Task Force. She recently completed her term as President of the Construction Management Associ- ation of America (CMAA) Southern California Chapter – one of just a handful of women to ever have held


20 March/April 2021


stands in terms of diversity and inclusion, and her advice for women looking to build a career in construction.


California Constructor: You clearly devote a lot of time and energy to being a leader not only in your own company but in industry organizations like CMAA and AGC. Why is that important?


that position. Having grown up around the


A/E/C industries her entire life (her father and brother were both engineers and her grandfather was a developer), it seemed logical that she would follow in their footsteps. Tat wasn’t her initial plan, however. She attended the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena with the goal of pursuing a career in the advertising industry. During college, Espinoza was hired


at the engineering consulting company that her father headed, IMEG, Corp. (formerly TTG Engineers) to cover a marketing position for a co-worker on leave. She proved to be a quick study. After graduation, with student loans to pay, Espinoza made the choice to continue in the well-paying construction industry. She started her career in a senior marketing position at AECOM before moving to the executive ranks at Twining, Inc. California Constructor recently spoke


with Espinoza about her journey, the challenges and opportunities she sees for women in the still male-dominated industry, where the industry currently


Talin Espinoza: First, it’s good for my company, because it keeps me in step with the trends that are happening in the industry and helps me develop the network that is useful for my company. Aside from that, I really feel like for anyone in leadership, it’s our social obligation to use the influence and the platform that we have to do good. Tat’s one of the things that motivates me.


California Constructor: What do you see as the keys to success for a woman in this industry?


Talin Espinoza: I think the first thing is that you have to be competent in your area. You can’t expect to be respected if you’re not competent, so that has to be a priority. Second is to not be distracted by minor obstacles – keep pressing forward. Obstacles are going to be there for everybody, not just minorities and women. Tat’s just the nature of life. Don’t be bitter, be better. Put one foot in front of the other, be competent in your trade and keep pressing forward. And the third key to success is to


develop allies. Developing allies with people who are like minded – any sort of mentor or ally, is key. Someone who believes in you who understands why you are passionate about what you’re passionate about and wants to help you


California Constructor


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