How Two Female Construction Management Teachers Are Inspiring a New Generation of Leaders

Molly Smith, a registered architect and construction management lecturer at California State University Fresno, is working alongside her colleague Michele Randel to boost interest in residential construction careers by teaching architectural design and construction courses, volunteering at career days, and coaching student competition teams, the National Association of Home Builders reports.

Smith and Randel recently participated in Explore Engineering, a weeklong summer program that introduces junior high and high school students to the engineering, architecture, and construction programs offered through the Lyles College of Engineering at Fresno State. The two instructors were the only female College of Engineering faculty members involved in the event, one which they hope inspires a new generation of students to seek out careers in the skilled trades.

"One of the most rewarding comments from our last summer camp came from a parent who said that when her daughter and a friend read the program details, they were very excited for our presentation...they wanted to see what we do," said Smith. "As they say, actions speak louder than words. Telling female students that there are rewarding careers in the residential industry for everyone, compared to seeing women successful in that industry, is powerful."

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