WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION SPOTLIGHT


on your journey. I am currently very interested in


the concept of the importance of white male allies. I’ve had certain white male executive level mentors who have believed in me and have been key to my success. Teir unwavering faith has really helped me not be stopped by obstacles. Whether it was their ability to see through a situation that had bias and have my back, or current owners and managers who were not afraid to promote a female into an executive leadership role because they believe I’m the right person – they didn’t get hung up on fact that I’m female.


California Constructor: What are the biggest challenges that women face in this industry, and how do you see it changing to become more welcoming and equitable for women today from years past?


Talin Espinoza: I think as women professionals there is so much working against us. Tere is a very old, historic bias that those field jobs are not an appropriate place for women, and they are treated a certain way. And then the fact that we


don’t have enough representation in executive leadership roles is an obstacle, which goes hand in hand with the historic bias. It’s a problem


“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 on your journey.” – Talin Espinoza


that our executive leadership groups and the boards of directors of many construction companies are often not reflective of the general population demographics they serve. Sadly, we’re still very far away


from being near an equal voice in our industry. I feel like sometimes as young women, in history class we learn about women’s suffrage and we grow up thinking that it’s all equal now. But that’s not how it is, unfortunately. As a female professional it’s very common to be dismissed out the gate and have to


prove myself sometimes over and over, when I’m already just as competent as my male counterpart or more so.


California Constructor: What kind of change would you like to see in the industry to respond to the disparity?


Talin Espinoza: In my lifetime, I would love to see companies become more aware when their boards of directors are all white men, that it’s not ok and to be actively working against it.


Right now, it’s accepted as the


norm. But if there could become a prevailing social sentiment that we need to do something about this, that would be something I would be very proud of having helped accomplish.


California Constructor: What specific advice do you have for young women trying to get a foothold in this industry?


Talin Espinoza: My advice not just to women but to all young professionals would be to have some humility. I have noticed that culturally, especially with younger people they want to have the glory quickly. But you can’t actually get to glory without practicing humility first. Listen to people above you, below you, alongside of you. Be open to ideas that are not just your own. 


ASSOCIATION HIGHLIGHTS AGC Welcomes New Build California Manager


Program Manager. In this role, she is responsible for the development, coordination and delivery of resources, events and markets for the Build California program. Prior to joining AGC, Palomares


A


most recently was program director with ConXion to Community Bright


www.AGC-CA.org


bigail Palomares recently joined AGC of California as the new Build California


Futures in San Jose, where she was responsible for managing the program to recruit, enroll and support youth in their career and educational goals. She holds a bachelor of arts in sociology and is working towards a master’s in public administration from San Jose State University. Based in AGC’s West Sacra-


mento headquarters, Palomares can be reached at PalomaresA@agc-ca.org.


Associated General Contractors of California 21


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