Emily Gamez never imagined a construction site would shape her career—until a visit to her dad’s job sparked her interest. Now working with Harbinger Concrete, she’s proud to have taken on a hands-on role in an industry where women are still the minority. Emily encourages others to follow what excites them, no matter the challenges or perceptions, because the rewards of hard work are worth it.
For Emily Gamez, one visit to a construction site changed everything. “There was this one time where I had brought my dad lunch, and I had just seen the work site—it really caught my attention,” she remembers. Curious, she asked her dad what the different sections of the project would become. “He explained, ‘That’s going to be this part of the building, this is the hallway, that’s the sidewalk.’” From that moment on, Emily’s interest in construction began to grow.
When she heard about an opening with Harbinger Concrete, she seized the opportunity. Stepping into the industry wasn’t easy—Emily admits she was nervous about being a woman on a male-dominated crew. “I thought, what are these guys going to think? Are they going to judge me for being here?” she recalls. But she pushed past the doubt. “Don’t worry about what other people think. If it catches your attention, do it. You only live once.”
Her determination paid off. Emily worked hands-on in the field, learning new skills and proving herself on the job. When she later found out she was pregnant, her team lead supported her transition into an office role, giving her a way to continue her career in construction. “I’m very, very grateful for that,” she says.
Looking back, Emily feels proud of what she’s accomplished. “That made me feel somewhat awesome—like, yeah, I’m the only female. So take the opportunity, work hard, and enjoy it.”
