Hello and welcome to the VCC women in construction spotlight mini-series I'm your host, Michelle Dawn Mooney, and I'm thrilled to bring on today's guest. Michelle Luce-Gilson is the corporate project scheduler for VCC. Michelle, Thank you so much for being with me today. Thanks for having me. Why did you decide to pursue a career in construction? What basically led you on your journey to VCC? Well, to construction specifically was family. Both of my parents were contractors. My Dad's father and grandfather were both contractors. So I found myself in nursing school, working full time in construction, making about as much as an LPN and loving what I was doing. So I put school on hold, my nursing school on hold and decided to run with construction. And here we are 30 years later. So let me ask you this, because 30 years in a career for anyone, it can sometimes get a little difficult. I mean, you have your good days, you have your bad days, but what really drives you every morning to kind of get out of bed and want to show up for work 30 years later? I absolutely love the process of taking an idea and putting all the details of that idea together and then watching it manifest into something that people use and benefit from every single day, which is what we do. We build things that people occupy, places that people occupy and use for a purpose every single day where they live, their work, their play, it's a place that people are hopefully enjoying or being productive in life. Let's talk about that process for somebody who doesn't really understand what happens, can you give us an example, a typical day in the life of what you do? We are involved usually from very early on, preliminarily, usually before design is complete and we are trying to figure out what's the best way to build this thing and documenting that plan, that process from beginning to end. And then while the project is going on, we're sort of documenting where we're at against that original plan. So are we ahead of schedule or are we behind schedule? And if we're behind, how are we going to make up that time? So do we need to revise our plan? Do we need to recover some time? So it's kind of in a nutshell what our department does in this role. I spend time doing these things. I do have a couple of projects of my own, but I spend quite a bit of time teaching, mentoring and kind of keeping tabs on where everything is at globally. It's no surprise that over the years, typically male dominated field. And when you think of the construction business, you think of men. So what has been the most rewarding experience to be a woman working in the construction field? By far the most rewarding thing is encountering a man, most men that I've encountered who are maybe apprehensive about working with the woman, they just haven't before. And so I love coming in sort of ignoring that fact. Ignore that I'm a woman. I work really hard because I really want to win them over. I want to work as hard, maybe a little harder than my male counterparts prove myself. This has been me historically for the sole purpose that man who maybe was a little apprehensive in the beginning, is no longer apprehensive the next time they encounter a woman in the workplace. So that's kind of been one of my main objectives working in this industry personally. Have you encountered surprise from someone who, when they learned that you work in construction, they're a little taken aback. And then how did you kind of handle that situation? I've encountered quite a few people who are surprised to learn that I work in construction and my history, like, you know, how far it goes back and that I've worked as a laborer and, you know, all of these other assistant surveyors like all of these other roles, I think a lot of times because our. My job right now is behind the desk. But I do have quite a bit of experience also in the field. And so, yes, there's lots of surprises when people learn that. There isn't one really in particular that stands out. People don't really say anything when they learn that. They're just more open to asking more detailed questions, I guess, about the work. So once they know that you have a great enough comprehension of the work itself to have a technical conversation with them about the project that they're building without having to define every little piece. And part of it. Then things go well from there on. What changes have you noticed over the years being in this industry? It's definitely a better environment for women. By far, I mean just over the last 25 years, 20 years, it's night and day. The last 10 years, it has grown to be a place where I don't hesitate at all to recommend or suggest that a female step into this career path or any career path in construction. It's just welcoming. And I think a lot of people, most teams welcome whoever is filling the role, regardless of gender. There's a lot less of that. Those apprehensions. A lot of the stuff that I was talking about before, that's from a long time ago. There's not as much of that these days. It's definitely a much better environment for women. Let's talk about that with your experience. What one piece of advice would you offer are the women in the construction field? Find something you like to do and pursue it. I mean. Try and stay on that one path if it's the thing you like to do. So I'm a little unique in that I don't... I love scheduling so I don't, I don't want to laterally move into another department or, you know, I don't really even. I just love what I do. And I can't imagine the last. 30 years, 20 years in scheduling. I can't imagine doing anything else now. I don't know, I can guarantee you I would not have been as happy. You know, do something you really love –– in construction! To get started, do anything in construction and try and figure out where you place is. I love that. As we wrap things up here, Michelle, let me ask you this. What would you say to inspire your peers who are maybe looking to pursue a career in the industry, particularly if they are a little hesitant about working in construction? If you have a passion for it, don't let whatever preconceived notions you have about being female in this industry or any male dominated industry, really. What's the worst that happens? I mean, you become a trailblazer? breaks some glass ceilings? You know, not such a bad deal. So it's been one thing I've really enjoyed is seeing the progress, you know, and. At least –– maybe I'm fooling myself that I had something to do with helping make those paths easier. But my mom did it. I watched her do it. And so I know what she did. For me personally watching her. It was a long time ago, but watching her deal with a completely different environment than I'm working in right now. And I know it's because of women like her persevering and working in the industry because they love it! That's a great story, Michelle and I love how you mentioned that it was in the family, you know, in talking about it. It's one thing to have a male family member go before you, but when you talk about your Mom, then it's real because you can't have this conversation with talking about some of the obstacles, I guess you could say, over the years. But clearly things are changing. And I'm sure the future you're hoping to look even brighter for more women to come into this field. So it's been a pleasure to hear your story. And Michelle, it has really been such a pleasure to highlight your story and to hear about your experiences and offer some insight and those very specific skills that you've been able to bring to the table. And more importantly, just as I said before, the joy that it brings you and I'm sure it's a joy for others to work with you now, too, because you do love your job so much. And it really was exciting to hear where things are headed. And congratulations to you and all your accomplishments. Awe, thanks, Michelle. I appreciate it. Thanks for being here today, Michelle, and thank you to all of our listeners and viewers out there. Of course, we are talking about the women in construction spotlight miniseries. And today our guest was Michelle Luce-Gilson. As I said, corporate project scheduler. If you'd like to learn more about VCC, you can go to vccusa.com. I'm your host, Michelle Dawn Mooney. Thanks again for joining us and we hope to see you soon.
