Daniela Rivera

Sr. Project Assistant

What is your educational background?

I have a bachelor’s in business administration and Masters in Astrophysics.

How long have you been in the construction industry?

I’ve been in this industry for 8 years.

What is your current job role or title?

Sr. Project Assistant

What has been the most memorable moment in your career?

When I realized what niche of the industry I want to be in: commercial — this led me to Swinerton and their welcoming and nurturing environment, a place where there is a lot of opportunity.

What are your future career plans — your short-term and long-term goals?

I plan on being part owner of the company, as well as getting another source of income.

What led you down the path to the construction industry?

The people in this industry. Also, of course, the logic that this industry is led by.

Who inspired you to choose a career in construction?

The first construction company that I worked for, they paved the road for me in regard to what and how it should be.

When did you know that construction was the industry you wanted to be in?

In my first year of being in it already.

Do you have a favorite project you worked on? What obstacles did you go through to complete the project?

My favorite project was a tract home development, as I had a lot of responsibility on it — but sadly, with not too much power, as a lot of the paperwork was done by someone else on the project as well, just to push financials through — and that ended up confusing everyone and messing with the work on site and the contract, in general.

Now that you have been in the construction industry X amount of years, do you have any regrets? Would you change anything about your journey?

I don’t have any regrets; I believe everything happened for a reason. I would probably start school a couple of years ago, here, in the states.

The number of women in the construction industry is continually growing. What do you think are some of the advantages of being a woman in the construction industry?

One of the biggest advantages is that people are more careful in their conversations and interactions. It can be a good thing and a bad thing, depending how you take it and use it.

There are some challenges that come with working as a woman in construction. What challenges do you face as a woman in construction?

When I talk, I find it that people (on the field mostly) don’t listen. This is not particularly related to rejection of power or presence, but more related to looks and appearance.

How has the construction industry changed with regard to women?

There are a lot more events dedicated to women in construction.

The construction industry is embracing the advancement of women. What advice would you give a woman entering the industry now?

My advice would “Get comfortable with who you are and who everyone else around you is. Speak up and when responsibility is given to you, make sure it is accompanied by power, as well.”

How would you encourage women to join the construction industry?

Construction industry is not for everyone. One must have logic and grit. Those who follow the crowd usually get lost in it. I always like to take the path less traveled. They say that man cannot discover oceans unless they are willing to lose sight of the shore.

How can construction attract more female candidates?

Marketing the presence of women in the industry and that we don’t have to have an office job only, but that a lot of women are entering the trades as well.

What does diversity and inclusion mean to you?

For me, diversity means acceptance of who you are, not matter what that means.

Are you in the industry you always pictured yourself in?

I believe in change, so for now, we will say “yes”.

What is your favorite quote that inspired you during your career?

“Don’t assume — you’ll make an ASS out of U and ME”