Habitat Pinellas and West Pasco is excited to join the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) in celebrating Women in Construction (WIC) Week March 6th – 12th, 2022. WIC Week raises awareness of the opportunities available for women in the construction industry and emphasizes the growing role of women in the industry. This year’s theme is “Envision Equity”. NAWIC’s President chose this theme because she wants NAWIC’s mission to not only focus on bringing equity to women, but to everyone in the industry.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry is comprised of only 11.0% women, making it one of the most male dominated career fields in 2021. Even less than this percentage is the number of women working on the front line of the job sites – only 1 out of every 100 women. In honor of Women in Construction Week, Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas & West Pasco Counties would like to highlight one of the most important members of our organization: Chief Construction Officer, Gaby Camacho. Our affiliate is proud to have such an intelligent and passionate woman leading our day to day construction efforts and project leads.
Gaby has been in her position as Chief Construction Officer for one year and four months, but had been with the affiliate for over 12 years. “I oversee all aspects of the organization’s construction functions up to and including budgeting & procurement, strategic planning, as well as focuses on improving current processes,” Gaby tells us. She helps to ensure that all projects are completed on time, within budget, and according to pre-established specifications. Last year, our affiliate completed a total of 65 homes, with a projection to build another 75 in 2022. Our productivity and success rate would not be possible without Gaby leading and directing the construction team. To reach these numbers, Gaby makes sure to focus on meeting goals set by our CEO and Board of Directors.
Additionally, Gaby is part of Habitat’s Safety Committee. “Part of the responsibilities are to ensure and implement emergency procedures and protocols throughout all the different departments and functions, conduct pre-operational risk assessments, and proactively identify conditions or actions that may cause injury, illness, or property damage and ensure implementation.” Gaby is part of our executive team and enjoys getting the opportunity to work with other non-profits and advance Habitat’s mission and advocate for affordable housing in our community.
“To women considering entering the construction field:
Have faith and confidence in yourself and your abilities to do the work, voice your opinion no matter what. You deserve the same respect and treatment as your male counterparts. Be open to change, adapt and grow. Accept and embrace what you know as well as what you don’t know. Every job and career comes with a learning curve. Accept that there are things you need to learn and take them to heart. Knowledge empowers!”
Gaby’s proudest moment working with Habitat is getting to see the families walk through their home at each dedication. Habitat for Humanity is very important to her because she believes in the mission which helps to drive her passion. Thank you, Gaby, for all of the hard work and dedication that you put into our affiliate. We appreciate you!
“Whether it be a man or a woman, the outcome is the same. At the end you have someone who is going to do their job in a professional and educated manner.”
