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CONSULTING ARCHITECTURE
CONSTRUCTION
Lucy Sorrentini , Founder and CEO , Impact Consulting LLC
My career success in large part is due to my upbringing . I grew up the youngest daughter of parents who immigrated from Puerto Rico in the 1960s . My father died when I was only eight months old and my mom instantly became a widow at the age of 33 , with 7 children to raise and a business to run . I learned early on that challenges are just part of life and that perspective and resilience are how we rise and thrive . My advice to women choosing career success centers around five main areas . Choose something you are passionate about and give it your all . Establish a clear and compelling vision for what constitutes success in your life and career . Make sure your career plan considers your various life stages , since each stage has its own set of priorities . Identify mentors and sponsors to support you along the way . Always stay true to who you are and what you care about . As you succeed , bring others along with you .
Kim Vierheilig , Vice President , Managing Principal , AECOM
Early in my career , I got involved in my professional society and other business organizations . I cannot stress enough the value of serving on boards , attending industry events and connecting with like-minded people . There has to be a mix of internal and external networking to build your own brand and become a recognized thought leader in your industry . There will be challenges , but it is this network that can help identify new opportunities , offer suggestions and guide you around the roadblocks . There ’ s a common statement that women are over-mentored and under sponsored — I think this is true . Women need a mentor , but they also need a sponsor who can advocate for their growth . Finding that sponsor , the individual who will stand up for you within your organization is critical . I have been fortunate enough to have had many strong advocates over the course of my career .
Michele Zolezi , General Manager Pure Soil / Earle Companies
Being a woman in the environmental consulting and construction industry has been challenging at times , but a very rewarding career . There were very few women in the industry when I started . So , often , I faced many challenges when I walked onto a job site . Comments such as these were not uncommon . “ What are you doing here ? When are the guys showing up ? I actually had a contractor say to me , “ but you ’ re a woman …” Indeed I am , was my response that day . Even after years of professional experience I have been told that women do not belong in this industry . My advice for aspiring young women professionals ? There are several things that are out of your control , but two things you can control : effort and perseverance . Your effort , hard work and determination will set you apart from the others . Your ability to persevere , no matter what obstacles you may encounter , will lead to career success . When you get knocked down , get back up again . If someone tells you that you can ’ t do something , find a way to get it done .
• Essex • Hudson • Morris • Passaic
Congratulations to YWCA CEO
Helen Archontou
for being recognized as one of CIANJ ’ s standout leaders during Women ’ s History Month !