Sandya Dandamudi, President of GI Stone

Sandya Dandamudi’s inspiration to pursue a career in construction comes from her mother.

“My mother started this business and has always been my biggest motivation,” she said. “When I joined her, little did I realize that I would fall in love! My passion became stone, and the joy that I receive when the job is well executed continues to motivate me in reaching new heights.”

When Dandamudi started in this business 30 years ago, it was rare to see women on construction jobsites unless they were in administrative positions. “It’s definitely improved over the years,” she observed. “There are a lot more women as engineers, general contractors, architects, project executives and in the trades, but as women we still have a long way to go.”

Dandamudi believes the barriers are sometimes simply a lack of exposure. “It is very important that we expose young girls to all the possibilities that are out there;  while there is occasional pushback from men, it’s not that pervasive,” she said. “In fact, I personally have always received guidance and support from men. I would like to reiterate it is now up to us as women to encourage and participate in programs for young girls and also do our best to be responsible role models.”

Dandamudi considers herself very fortunate in the types of iconic projects in which she has been involved. “In recent years, we completed the Tribune Tower, McDonald’s headquarters, renovations of The Four seasons, the Ritz, One Chicago and One Bennet Park, and now we are in the middle of completing all of the interior stonework of the Obama Presidential Center — an incredible honor,” she said. “What a privilege it has been to be part of one of the most incredible skylines in the world.”

As for those who were helpful to her in advancing her career, Dandamudi says early on, her mentors were men and women who inspired her and helped her on the way. “There were not too many organizational resources that I was aware of,” she said. “But now I have been exposed to and am also a part of several great organizations: Professional Women in Construction, The Chicago Network, Chief and Vistage. “All of these have provided both inspiration and education to help me become the best version of myself.”

Dandamudi advises industry leaders that “we need to create accountability in a genuine way and not just check boxes to fulfill diversity goals. There is a difference between encouragement, mentorship and just being a pass-through. Also, to provide a pathway to success and advancement that takes into account that everyone’s path cannot also be a linear line. Women do not need or require coddling but an understanding of everyone’s individual needs.”

Dandamudi’s company has always had a diverse workplace not just in terms of gender and race but also of backgrounds. “I believe that diverse groups bring diversity of thought and add to a creative environment,” she said. “When members of a team have different perspectives and experiences, they approach problems differently, spot potential issues others might miss and often come up with more innovative solutions. “My mother started this business, and I worked alongside her and took over. We are a woman-owned business. Besides having women project managers, we also sponsored the first women into our union in 20 years.”

Outside of work, Dandamudi’s first priority is her “wonderful employers,” Chance the Puppy and Sal. “They have no misconception of who works for who! I’m a people person and love meeting new people but also value my long-term relationships.”