I’m currently back working with NYCHA, and this time, I’m in a role that’s opened up an exciting new path for me! 

Right now, I’m working on the Jacob Riis Houses crawl spaces project, a structural rehabilitation effort across multiple buildings focused on restoring deteriorated crawl space conditions caused by corroded concrete. It’s a hands-on, high-impact project that involves removing and replacing damaged concrete, especially around columns and beams, to restore the structural integrity of these critical spaces. 

What makes this project even more rewarding is the added focus on waterproofing and moisture mitigation to help protect the newly restored areas in the long term. We’re also taking every step to prioritize safety and minimize disruption for residents, working in carefully planned phases and following all OSHA and NYCHA standards. 

This role has given me the chance to apply my Site Safety Training (SST) knowledge in real-time, helping ensure that safe work practices are always front and center. I’ve also been learning the ins and outs of e-Builder to track project progress and keep documentation organized. It’s been an incredible learning experience, and I’m genuinely excited about the new doors it’s opening for my career. 

My goal is to fully transition into an inspection role, and I’m well on my way! I recently earned my SST card, and I’m actively working toward becoming an inspector. I’ve come to realize that I thrive in the field. I want to be where the action is, getting my hands dirty, observing the work up close, and truly being part of the process.

Recently, I’ve shifted from documentation-heavy tasks to more fieldwork, and I couldn’t be happier. Being on-site energizes me. I get to see construction unfold in real time, learn from the team around me, and build my knowledge every day. This kind of growth excites me, and I’m grateful to work for a company that has encouraged my professional development while allowing me to stay true to myself.

In the beginning, yes, I definitely felt like I had to prove myself more. I remember showing up to job sites and feeling a little unsure, questioning whether I really belonged. But then, something changed my mindset: a female NYCHA employee saw me in the field and told me how inspiring it was to see another woman doing this kind of work. That moment stuck with me, and it reminded me that representation matters.

Since then, I’ve learned to jump in fearlessly and keep pushing forward. These days, I don’t see myself as “the woman in the room.” I see myself as part of the team. Confident. Capable. Ready to contribute. And I’m proud of how far I’ve come.

The best advice I ever received came from the GFT recruiter who encouraged me to take this job in the first place. She told me, “Even if the starting point isn’t perfect, it’s about getting your foot in the door.” That one piece of advice truly changed the course of my life. 

If I could offer guidance to someone just starting out, it would be this: stay humble, remain curious, and keep asking questions. Learn from everyone around you. Don’t let titles or degrees intimidate you; even the most experienced professionals are still learning. Approach each day as an opportunity to grow. Your career path may not be a straight line, but if you work with passion and persistence, it can take you somewhere amazing. If you’re interested in joining our team, check out our available job openings! 

Spending time with my cat, Wednesday, used to be the highlight of my day. She was my little shadow and my biggest comfort. But I lost her recently due to veterinary malpractice, and my heart has been shattered since.

I’ve also recently gotten back into baking. It’s become my favorite form of therapy. I bake everything from scratch, and my signature dish is banana pudding. It’s a Southern family tradition that’s been passed down and lovingly tweaked from my grandma’s original recipe. There’s just something so calming about the process, and it’s even better when I get to share it. I love bringing treats in for my coworkers, and even the contractors have started requesting more!

I’m also a “plant mom.” My plants are my world!