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DES program manager recalls bias early in career and urges young women to speak up
Summary
Janet recounted early-career incidents of bias in the late 1980s and urged younger women entering architecture and construction to ask questions, stay engaged, and not back down.
Janet described encountering skepticism early in her career: "I had the maintenance fellow ask my boss at the time, what's that girl doing here?" She credited a mentor, Rick McGovern, for putting her on construction sites early and said she later convinced clients of her value when her presence was required on a major high-school remodel.
On advice for young women, Janet said: "Speak up. Be respectful, but don't back down. Ask the questions." She encouraged women to stay curious, volunteer in their communities, and consider diverse roles in architecture and construction, including construction management and trades.
