Women in Construction Week Spotlight: Sara Villegas
Ames Construction is proud to celebrate the extraordinary women on our team during Women in Construction Week—and every day of the year!
As we celebrate WIC Week and Women’s History Month, we’ll shine a spotlight on some of the women who contribute to the present and future of Ames and the entire heavy civil and industrial construction industry.
Sara Villegas
Senior Project Engineer
Southwest Region (California)
Projects: BNSF Ono Lead Track and BNSF Muscat Spur Development
1 year at Ames
→ What do you like best about working in construction?
I like how the work constantly challenges you. Navigating each project’s unique obstacles creates opportunities to learn every day. I’m honored to be part of an industry that teaches you so much, while building something tangible that will benefit people for years to come.
→ Did you face any challenges when you first started in the construction industry? If so, what types of challenges, and how did you overcome them?
When I first joined the construction industry, I knew absolutely nothing about it. I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I knew the math I had learned in my engineering classes, but nothing about building an actual project. That was extremely uncomfortable for me. I wasn’t used to being so behind the curve. To fix this, I started with what little I did know: studying. I would get in early and leave late to try to catch up by reading the contracts, specifications, and standards. Any time my superintendent would go out, I’d ask him to take me along and explain how the plans translated to what we were looking at. I asked everyone I came across what they did and how their work was tied to the project. Then I’d tie it back to the plans and the contracts. Eventually, I caught up and became integral to the work. I became the person people turn to when they have a question.
→ What makes you proud to work in the construction industry?
I genuinely love what I do for a living. I get to be constantly challenged in a positive way. I work with people who are invested in the work as much as I am. And, I’m part of building the infrastructure we live in.
Learn more about WIC Week, March 3-9, 2024.
Are you motivated to launch a rewarding career? Come join us! Learn about Ames job opportunities.
Ames Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
