MEET THE WOMEN SHAPING OUR INDUSTRY
Helix Electric is proud to celebrate and support women as they pave their way in the construction industry!
Brenda Carinio
Honolulu, HI
1. What is your role at Helix?
Safety Professional over Department 32 in Hawaii.
2. How long have you worked with Helix?
Since 2019
3. How has Helix advanced and supported you career in construction?
Eric Simmons is a very supportive boss and mentor. Providing training and encouragement to strive harder in training, education and mentoring.
4. What do you like most about working in construction?
The ability to learn interesting and exciting subject-matter, see various types of construction and earn good wages. I have been in construction 19 years and 23 years in Safety. I was in Electrical Utility for 4 years.
5. What advice do you have for women seeking a career in construction?
Don't be afraid to step into construction. It's a challenging and very rewarding career field especially for women looking for a greater challenge and opportunity to expand your professional horizons, especially as a Construction Safety Professional.
Kimaya Gandhi
Las Vegas, NV
1. What is your role at Helix?
Project Manager
2. How long have you worked with Helix?
Started as an intern in 2014 when I was a student at Purdue University.
3. How has Helix advanced and supported you career in construction?
Helix continues to push my limits both personally and professionally with a tremendous amount of support along the way. We are a well-represented company, and we work hard, take care of each other and most importantly our clients. It's great to be a part of the team that's dedicated to excellence.
4. What do you like most about working in construction?
The favorite part of my day-to-day job is that no day is the same, every day brings up new challenges but is constantly exciting as the same time.
5. What advice do you have for women seeking a career in construction?
Take the initiative and don't let anything stop you.
Laura Friar
Commerce, CA
1. What is your role at Helix?
Project Manager
2. How long have you worked with Helix?
7 years in July
3. How has Helix advanced and supported you career in construction?
I have amazing mentors that have helped teach, guide and support me throughout my time at Helix. I have had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects which has allowed me to gain experience in many different types of construction.
4. What do you like most about working in construction?
The people - it is fun to work with people of different backgrounds and personalities. Everyone works so hard and takes a lot of pride in their work, it is truly inspiring. It is also very rewarding to have a physical product or building as the outcome of our work. Results you can actually see and share.
5. What advice do you have for women seeking a career in construction?
Just go for it and don't sweat the small stuff! I have seen a lot more women in the industry than when I started, and it is so exciting to see our presence grow.
Heidi Galla
Oakland, CA
1. What is your role at Helix?
Executive Associate - aka Jane of all Trades
2. How long have you worked with Helix?
11 years
3. How has Helix advanced and supported you career in construction?
I came to Helix with little to no experience in construction, just the desire to work hard. In my time here I've been given the opportunity to grow my skillsets and advance my career.
4. What do you like most about working in construction?
The endless opportunities to continue to learn and grow every day.
5. What advice do you have for women seeking a career in construction?
Don't let the fact that this is a male dominated industry scare you away - instead see it as an opportunity to bring fresh perspective to the industry.
Lisa Sharpe
Salt Lake City, UT
1. What is your role at Helix?
Assistant PM
2. How long have you worked with Helix?
3 years
3. How has Helix advanced and supported you career in construction?
Offered classes to support my advancement, invested time & money in helping me achieve my career goals.
4. What do you like most about working in construction?
We get a leave something that will stand long after we are gone. A place where other people's lives will play out as they make memories.
5. What advice do you have for women seeking a career in construction?
GO FOR IT! Helix supports women more so than any other company I have ever work for.
Neevisha Deshpande
Sacramento, CA
1. What is your role at Helix?
Project Engineer
2. How long have you worked with Helix?
Been with Helix and Construction industry for 3 years
3. How has Helix advanced and supported you career in construction?
Helix has encouraged me to excel in everything and has given me power to perform.
4. What do you like most about working in construction?
Being a Women in Construction should be normal and not an exception if you have the confidence and drive to build something huge.
5. What advice do you have for women seeking a career in construction?
Break free from stereotypes and empower each other.
Cynthia Lopez
San Diego, CA
1. What is your role at Helix?
Marketing Manager
2. How long have you worked with Helix?
14 Years
3. How has Helix advanced and supported your career in construction?
I feel like I've grown up with Helix. There is so much I have learned, which has made me more confident in myself.
4. What do you like most about working in construction?
Construction is a very fast-paced environment. I enjoy the strategically focused climate, especially when we push ourselves for extraordinary results. I am constantly learning about all the different markets we participate in.
5. What advice do you have for women seeking a career in construction?
My best advice in this industry is to invest in yourself. Confidence matters, and we build confidence when we constantly strive to keep up with all that is changing around us.
Jennifer Lesko
San Diego, CA
1. What is your role at Helix?
Controller
2. How long have you worked with Helix?
Two years next month
3. How has Helix advanced and supported your career in construction?
I have access to key players, people with tenure who have built and shape Helix, and the benefit of their insight and industry experience is invaluable. Also, participating in our Leadership Program last year focused my determination, reaffirmed why I do this, after a chaotic first year relocating during Covid. Growth comes with being challenged.
4. What do you like most about working in construction?
The work. Projects are inherently dynamic and collaborative in nature, at the end of which there is a tangible product you can revisit that contributes to our communities. Working in construction connects you to the world around you in a substantive way. I also like that you get to interact with everyone-laborers to executives.
5. What advice do you have for women seeking a career in construction?
Stay curious while steadfast and strategic in your pursuits. When you're asked, "do you want to learn, cross-train," say yes. Ask questions so you can speak from a place of authority. Progress and change do not come from sitting back and waiting for someone else to do it. I tell people: "there has to be a seat at the table, but it's up to me what I do with it." Use your voice, and not only for yourself.
Brenda Carinio
Honolulu, HI
Kimaya Gandhi
Las Vegas, NV
Laura Friar
Commerce, CA
Heidi Galla
Oakland, CA
Lisa Sharpe
Salt Lake City, UT
Neevisha Deshpande
Sacramento, CA
Cynthia Lopez
San Diego, CA