In celebration of Women in Construction Week, we’re highlighting some of our powerful Preston women to gain some insight into how they began their careers in the construction industry and what they’ve learned along the way.

Let us introduce you to Project Engineer Sara Mohamed. Sara graduated from California Polytechnic University Pomona and started at Preston right out of school as an intern before quickly being promoted to a full-time Project Engineer.

What inspired you to pursue a career in construction?

Construction has a huge impact on our community and communities all around. There are not many professions that allow you to have a positive and concrete effect on our community like construction does, which inspired me to pursue and continue a career in construction.

What makes you continue to work in the industry?

Construction offers you a fantastic, stable career that allows you to avoid the fate of being trapped in an office for eight hours straight. As someone who enjoys interacting with others, being able to have that option is amazing. Also, this industry offers a great opportunity to progress and develop in your career.

What is your favorite part about your job?

My favorite part of my job is the work environment. I love how genuine and straightforward the people I work with are. Also, I enjoy how I’m expanding my mind by constantly learning something new every day. I love that I get to show people they are wrong about a woman in a “man’s world”.

What advice would you give to a woman who is considering a career in the construction industry?

The most important advice I would give to any woman considering a career in the construction industry, and myself earlier in my career, is that confidence matters. As women, we often underestimate our abilities despite the fact that we may be overqualified or overprepared because of that little voice in our heads saying the opposite. Once you release all of the self-doubts and become confident in yourself, you can strengthen your belief that you bring value to the table.

What does the 2023 International Women’s Day campaign theme #EmbraceEquity mean to you?

For me, the theme #EmbraceEquity means first acknowledging that in our society, we all did not start from an even level playing field. So, if we all embrace and work towards equity, we can provide opportunities to those who were institutionally left out, marginalized, or oppressed. Equity is a continuous process, which means how can we ensure we all have equitable opportunities for ALL.