Be a Pillar

Be a Pillar: Celebrating Achievements in Women’s History Month

At DPR, all employees have a voice. Our unique flat-organization, shared-leadership model means that voices not traditionally heard in commercial construction can bring their expertise to all areas of the company and the industry. And DPR is listening, because we know that to build great things, we need diverse perspectives. We’re better able to solve problems and overcome challenges with a blend of different ideas.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, Women in Construction Week and Women’s History Month, we’re listening to the voices of women in construction. From managing sustainable building design and construction to championing mental health and more, these DPR employees are sharing their roles and contributions.

Be a pillar collage of people quoted in this article.
In their words

What Skills Do You Bring to DPR?

Paz Arroyo

“I firmly believe that we all can learn from each other and that diverse teams can better innovate.

I am a very curious person, which has led me to studying and researching for years. I have an academic background. I received a PhD from UC Berkeley in 2014, and I focused on helping project teams make sustainable and collaborative decisions. I am proud of using my academic background to develop quality training at DPR and to help project teams collaborate with owners and design partners to make decisions.

I bring a unique perspective as a former academic, lean consultant and as a Latino woman. I can bring people together and explain management concepts to different roles in different languages.”

Paz Arroyo, Quality


Celia Hoag



“With 15 years’ experience in (and a whole lot of passion for) sustainable building design and construction, I bring a fresh perspective to DPR. Prior to joining the company, I worked as a sustainability consultant. I was a lead engineer on the team that provided sustainability consulting services for three of DPR’s net zero offices in San Diego, Phoenix and Newport Beach. I have also developed prototype models and greenhouse gas emission forecasting tools to assist and support many jurisdictions with their climate action plan development.

These are all accomplishments that I am extremely proud of and have provided me with a unique perspective to help clients achieve their climate adaptation goals. I pursued a career in sustainability because I wanted to make a difference in the world, but since becoming a mom, I have a much more intentional purpose. I want to help create a more resilient and equitable earth for my son and future generations to enjoy, one that we can all be proud of!”

Celia Hoag, Sustainability


Melissa King



“I joke that if my DPR legacy is for being the person who suggests we take breaks in tough or long meetings, I’ll be satisfied. I believe everyone at DPR is a hard worker, and that we could all feel more productive and happier at the end of the day if we take more time to renew throughout the workday. So, the second I start to feel distracted in a meeting, I’ll suggest ‘Hey, let’s take a quick break and see if we come back with a fresh perspective?’ and everyone exhales a sigh of relief.

I’m proud of my communication and other emotional intelligence skills. I try to pay a lot of attention to my interactions with individuals and teams because I feel like I’m always role modeling those skills. I’ve spent my whole career at DPR and have learned so much here—I’m a walking, talking billboard for the development opportunities available to everyone. I know the ‘soft skills’ don’t come easily to everyone, and my sweet spot is growing that skillset in our extremely technically competent people to build the best builders.”

Melissa King, Learning & Development

Sharon Reinhart


“As a member of DPR's supplier diversity team, I am most proud of my unique ability to foster connectedness. Whether engaging with my DPR family, our clients, trade partners, project workforce or other external organizations, I believe all things are connected! Because of this perspective, it is automatic for me to take a holistic approach in any situation. I feel we all impact and influence one another and I love telling the stories that come from that!

When considering the phrase “We’re stronger together,” I interpret that straight through the lens of connectedness—I wholeheartedly agree! Connectedness changes the world one link at a time!”

Sharon Reinhart, Supplier Diversity

How can you

Honor Women?

Support

organizations that empower young women to explore career options (for example, Girlstart, Girls Inc., Girls Empowerment Network, Milagro Center).

Learn

more about the history of women’s rights.

Add

women authors to your reading list or choose shows and movies created by women. As a starting place, explore these resources:


Photos: Amanda Komar, Matthew Pranzo, David Hardman
Be a Pillar of Global Social Responsibility

The Be a Pillar series is dedicated to sharing the perspectives of DPR employees who are helping to inspire, educate and lead us on a journey.