Women in Construction: Amber Massaro

Amber Massaro    
Turner Construction    
Self Perform Operations Manager    
16 years in the industry

Amber Massaro was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio and graduated from the University of Toledo with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. She has been with Turner Construction since May 2002, starting after her freshman year as a co-op on the McKinsey Co. interior fit-out within the (then) BP Tower. After graduation, Amber transferred to the office in Boston, MA, where she spent the following six years in the Special Projects Division, Cost Department, and Estimating Department. In 2013, Amber moved back to Cleveland with her husband, and continued her career on the Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course, CWRU Maltz Performing Arts Center, and the Health Education Campus Project.     

What brought or attracted you to the construction industry? 
   
My parents were always working on some renovation around our house when I was growing up and my dad worked in the industry. My mom encouraged me to go for an engineering degree and I've been loving it ever since.    

What do you like most about your work?    

I love to see the amazing spaces and buildings that can come from working together as a team.    

What would you like to see change within the construction industry?

My favorite projects are when team members are willing to listen to other experiences and build upon those ideas. I would love to see more people within the industry be open to the different perspectives we can all bring.    

What are your long term career goals?    

When I was first starting out, I would have said I wanted to be on a stadium project or high rise building. Now, my long term goals are less project specific and more focused on continuing to challenge myself and growing personally and professionally with the various leadership opportunities that are available.     

What advice would you give to other women interested in construction?  
 
Speak up when you have something to say, but know when to listen and learn. Be open to learning from everyone. Ask the trade workers what they are doing and what were their favorite projects. Ask the design team what inspires them. Ask the construction managers how they approach different projects. Engage with the people you work with, you will appreciate the relationships you build as much as the projects you've completed.    

Describe the kinds of opportunities in construction available to women?    

I have met a woman in just about every role I know of in the construction industry. That varies from laborers, carpenters, masons, iron workers, structural engineers, architects, owner's representatives, operations managers, and general managers. If there is a position or role you want to reach, put in the work, build the relationships, and find the people who will support you on your path.    

What can be done to attract more women to construction?

Keep unveiling the curtain and showing everyone what an exciting, engaging, and diverse industry in which we work.