In Her Boots: Blanca Santos and Consuelo Herrera

Through Q&A articles and Instagram/Facebook Takeovers, our "In Her Boots" series is designed to showcase and provide an inside look at what a day in the life looks like in the shoes (or boots) for some of the exceptional women at Clark. 

Our projects wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and dedication of the trade workers that make up the Clark team. Simply put, these professionals are the backbone of our business.

Today we're highlighting Blanca Santos and Consuelo Herrera, two Clark Concrete carpenters on the Reston Gateway project in Reston, Virginia.

Maria Rivas, a safety manager at Clark, sat down with Blanca and Consuelo to learn about their backgrounds and their roles at Clark.

When did you get started in the construction industry?

Blanca: 21 years ago

Consuelo: 21 years ago

What led you to pursue a career in construction?

Blanca: I love working outside and having the opportunity to build something that is a part of the community where I live.

Consuelo: Ever since I was a kid, I loved to work with my hands. Additionally, I’ve always found construction very interesting. It is awesome to see something being constructed from the ground up.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Blanca: Construction has a "family" feel to it. I’ve created relationships with my colleagues that extend beyond the jobsite. We go to each other’s houses for cookouts and spend time together outside of work. It’s very nice.  

Consuelo: In my role as a safety carpenter, I construct and install safeguards that help ensure workers on site are safe. It’s extremely rewarding and fulfilling.

What do you enjoy most about working at Clark?

Bianca: Clark puts safety above all else. They want to make sure that at the end of the day, you leave in the same condition that you arrived. This means a lot to me. 

Consuelo: Clark cares about your well-being and you and your family’s future. They offer good benefits and academic scholarships for the children of their field employees.

What woman has had the most influence on your life and why?

Blanca: My mother has been the biggest influence on me. My father passed away when I was a young girl and my mother had to take care of me and my four siblings by herself. She is the hardest working person I know.

Consuelo: My mother. I had my daughter at a young age and my mother helped me to raise her. She made sure that my daughter and I were always taken care of. She is an amazing woman.

What is your advice to a woman looking to pursue a career in construction?

Blanca: Work hard, keep a positive attitude, and always maintain a ‘can-do’ attitude. It will pay off.

Consuelo: Know that construction is hard work, but also rewarding work. Focus on quality and maintain a commitment to safety and excellence.