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Renae Sams: Building a Path for Women in Construction

In this episode, Diane interviews Renae Sams, founder and executive director of Build-Her.org, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women in construction. Renee shares her journey from dreaming of working for NASA to becoming a leader in the construction industry. She details the challenges she faced, including overcoming imposter syndrome and navigating a career without an initial exposure to construction from site administrator to senior project manager on missions critical projects. Renee discusses the importance of visible female role models and her motivation to help other women feel they belong in the industry. She also talks about her book, which includes writing prompts to encourage reflection and growth, and her efforts to create a supportive community through her nonprofit.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

02:11 Childhood Dreams and Early Influences

03:38 Journey into the Construction Industry

06:02 First Steps in Construction

08:20 Challenges and Growth in the Industry

13:29 Founding Build-Her.org

18:20 The Importance of Representation

38:28 Advice and Future Aspirations

43:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Notes:

 Norman, Don. The Design of Everyday Things. Revised and expanded ed., Basic Books, 2013. 

 The Arbinger Institute. Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box. 3rd ed., Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2018. 

 build-her.org 

 Build-Her. (2024, April 10). Build-Her Be Heard: Creating space for women in construction with Renae Sams.