We were thrilled to celebrate National Women in Construction Week (March 7-13) with some of the finest women Choate Construction Company has to offer! We joined the National Association of Women in Construction to raise awareness of the women who serve our construction industry. Representing just 10% of the entire construction workforce, we aim to inspire future generations of women to pursue careers in the field.

We considered the impressive, ambitious group of women across our company and wondered, “How’d they make their way to this industry? Did they always want to pursue a career in construction?” While not all dreamt of hard hats and hand tools, as children, it turns out their aspirations delightfully translate to their current role in a variety of ways! Join us as we dive into a fun study of our how our winning women’s remarkable roles compare from “now” to “then.”

SHANNON CULP, IT PROJECT MANAGER

When Shannon was a kid, she wanted to be a professional flute player, traversing the world playing in all-star concertos. Now as part of the Choate family in our Charlotte office, Shannon uses the dedication and commitment required to learn a classical instrument to solve tough IT challenges and find masterful solutions for the team.

Q: Knowing all you know now, what’s one thing you’d tell your younger self?

“Time passes quickly, and we’re not promised tomorrow – slow down and savor every experience life has to offer.”

MONNICA HINES, TRAINING MANAGER

Growing up, Monnica had an instant connection with her third-grade teacher. She sought to inspire others the way her teacher did by truly taking a vested interest in the success and growth of those around her. Now, Monnica serves as Choate’s companywide training manager, overseeing and guiding the training process for new hires to ensure a seamless transition.

Q: Knowing all you know now, what’s one thing you’d tell your younger self?

“Despite what you may see, feel, or think, you ARE worthy. Worthy of success, equity, love, equality, and grace. You don’t have to be or do anything; you are worthy as you are.” Truer words have never been spoken.

EMILY BRITTINGHAM, PROJECT MANAGER

Emily spent plenty of time around the construction industry growing up with her father and uncle. During high school, Emily realized she wanted to pursue a career involving historical homes or buildings. After 12+ years in the industry, she enjoys working with the Choate team in our Atlanta office to find and implement adaptive-reuse projects.

Q: Knowing all you know now, what’s one thing you’d tell your younger self?

“Ask all the ‘dumb’ questions and have grace with yourself!” Emily’s appetite to learn leads her to develop creative solutions for her clients and teams.

JANNA THURMAN, OFFICE MANAGER

When Janna was little, she greatly revered the teachers that guided her through the years. These “superheroes” taught her welcome skills in organization and thoughtfulness which she has carried with her years later into her role as Choate Savannah’s office manager.

Q: Knowing all you know now, what’s one thing you’d tell your younger self?

“Diversity is your friend. Surround yourself with people who are different than you; they will help you grow the most!” Janna’s open-minded approach to daily challenges offers fresh perspectives and strategic solutions to the Choate family.

MELISSA RODRIGUEZ, PROJECT ASSISTANT

Since the first grade, Melissa wanted to be a dancer. Performing everything from ballet, tap, jazz, and modern dance, she took her talents to one of New York City’s performing arts schools. Although a knee injury changed her immediate plans, Melissa carries the grit, time management and dedication she learned through dance into the projects she handles at Choate’s Raleigh office.

Q: Knowing all you know now, what’s one thing you’d tell your younger self?

Keeping her project managers “en pointe,” Melissa would tell her younger self to “keep dancing through life’s challenges – it’ll all pay off in the end.”

HAVEN TURNER, PRECONSTRUCTION MANAGER

Haven grew up around the construction industry, as her father was an ironworker or “erector.” Seeing his projects come to life from the ground up, coupled with his #grit and passion for the industry inspired her to pursue a similar career path at a young age. As a preconstruction manager in our Charleston office, Haven thrives as an integral part of the team and gets down to the granular details on projects – from the design, to boots on the ground, to seeing the final product realized.

Q: Knowing all you know now, what’s one thing you’d tell your younger self?

“Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. Curiosity can be your biggest strength and coming in fresh can offer you a route different from the trodden path. Grow with the evolving changes.”