Building a Future Together: Gray Celebrates the Impact of Women in Construction

We proudly recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of women in construction. We recently spoke with several women nominated by their peers for their dedication and impact on various projects. They shared their journeys into the industry, what they love most about their work, and the advice they would give to other women pursuing similar careers. Their stories highlight the passion, resilience, and expertise shaping the future of construction. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in construction? 

Courtney O’Brien, Safety Ops Manager: I always thought the construction industry was super interesting. You start out with an empty piece of land and by the end of a project, you have a fully functional facility. The best part is accomplishing this with a team that feels like family. Not only that, but I also come from a long line of construction and steel workers and I’ve always had a deep respect for tradespeople. I knew I wanted a career where I would be surrounded by people like them. 

Ashley Davis, Field Engineer: I remember riding down the highway as a kid and seeing construction projects and workers. It always looked so cool—but I never thought I’d actually be able to work in the industry. That changed when I took a physics class in high school that started me down this path. As graduation approached, my mom and I researched career options and found the civil engineering program at Georgia Southern. I decided to major in physics at Georgia College and then transfer to Georgia Southern for civil engineering. 

Sara Bahri, Assistant Site Manager: My uncle inspired me to pursue a career in the construction industry. I spent summers working alongside him on residential jobs. Between watching him work and working hands-on with the process, these jobs sparked my curiosity for how things come together to form something as complex as a home or facility. Over time, I started thinking about all the technology, materials, and planning involved in creating the things we use every day. It made me want to understand the mechanics behind it all, and I realized that construction was the perfect way to dive deeper into that world and contribute to creating the structures that shape our lives. 

Diana Urbina, Assistant Site Safety Manager: I’ve been with Gray for nearly 12 years, but I didn’t start in safety—I originally worked in HR. I joined a staffing service and was placed on a project in Anderson, SC, where I handled administrative tasks, including orientation. Since I’m bilingual, I stepped in to help with Spanish orientations, which caught the attention of a safety manager who encouraged me to consider a career in safety. With no prior experience, I took a leap, learned on the job, and have been in the field ever since, traveling to different sites and continuously expanding my knowledge. Safety is an ever-evolving field, and I enjoy the challenge of keeping up with new regulations while making a difference on job sites. 

Tammy King, Field Engineer: My husband, Ricky, has worked for Gray for over 40 years, so in many ways, I’ve been connected to it my whole life. When our last child got married, I began traveling with him to job sites. We weren’t allowed to work on the same job site because we were married so I started through a temporary service before eventually being hired permanently. In December, while working under a different site manager, I officially became a Gray employee. That’s how I got my start with the company, and it’s been a big part of my life ever since. 

What has been your most rewarding experience working in construction so far? 

Sara: The most rewarding thing about construction has been seeing a project come to life from the ground up. Watching a blueprint transform into a functional space is rewarding, but what I enjoy most is the teamwork. I’ve really enjoyed the sense of collaboration within the industry. Working alongside skilled professionals and learning from others has been a rewarding experience. Every finished project, whether it’s a home, a production plant, or any other structure, is a testament to the hard work and effort that went into it. It’s satisfying knowing that I’m contributing to something that will last for years and have a positive impact on the community.  

Courtney: My first project in Lansing, MI, was a distribution facility for a major online retailer. It was the first time I truly felt like I was part of a workplace family, not just a team. Despite the challenges we faced—weather, demolition work, and other obstacles—everyone remained positive, supportive, and focused on growth. The bond we built was so strong that even four years later, we stay in touch. That experience solidified my love for Gray and its culture, and I continue to find that same sense of camaraderie on each new project. 

Tammy: What I have found most rewarding is my growing confidence in this industry. I was raised to believe women should be seen and not heard, so speaking up has always been difficult for me. At Gray, I’ve had the opportunity to learn so much about construction—and with that knowledge, my confidence has flourished. 

Ashley: It’s hard to pick one specific experience, but I’ve loved getting to know my team. We have a large and diverse group, and I appreciate how we spend time together and bond outside of work. As an introvert, stepping out of my comfort zone can be daunting, so I’m grateful for how welcoming my teammates have been. I’ve also appreciated learning from the more experienced team members. It’s encouraging to have team members who are willing to teach me about foundations, underground work, and more. Their support has truly been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.  

Diana: The most rewarding experience has been meeting so many different people. Each new project brings new teams—you will have different site managers, safety people, and field engineers, etc. It can be hard to say goodbye sometimes—you spend a lot of time with your teams, so you really get to know them and develop friendships. When the time comes to join a new project, you find yourself missing the team you worked with previously. 

What advice would you give to other women considering a career in construction? 

Diana: Don’t be afraid to fail—it’s a part of learning. Also, take the time to build relationships with your team. This job can give you opportunities to travel and see new places, but that also means spending time away from your family, which can be tough. Cultivating relationships with your team is an important part of the job. 

Ashley: Be confident in yourself and don’t be afraid to take up space. If you know the answer, stand by it. One of the great things about being on a diverse team is that everyone brings their own perspective, and your voice matters just as much as anyone else’s.  

Courtney: Treat everyone with respect. Our third core value is to treat everyone the way you would want to be treated. Titles and gender don’t matter—we all share the same goal of producing high quality facilities for our customers and exceeding the expectations outlined in our job descriptions. 

Sara: Do not be intimidated by the industry’s traditionally male-dominated nature; stay confident in your abilities. The skills and knowledge needed in construction are not defined by gender, and there’s a growing recognition of the value that diverse perspectives bring to the field. I also recommend seeking out mentors who can offer guidance—never be afraid to ask questions. 

Tammy: My advice is don’t be afraid to ask for help. Regardless of your gender, no one expects you to come in and know everything right off the bat. The willingness to help one another is what makes Gray such a great place to work.