Benita Nve Nnegue’s passion for construction was sparked early when her father took her along to see the new house he was building for their family.
“From the initial site clearing and excavation to the final finishes, I witnessed every phase and often peppered the architect with questions about the process and purpose behind each step,” she said. “Those experiences planted the seeds of curiosity and excitement about how projects come to life, and that sense of wonder is what drew me into this field.”
“What keeps me engaged to this day is the thrill of shaping real, tangible structures and the energy of the dynamic work environment. Construction is never static: Every project presents new challenges, and I find the opportunity to keep learning and improving both exhilarating and rewarding.”
Reflecting on the projects that have been most meaningful for her, Nnegue remembers a time when she managed a project that consisted of the installation of a new sidewalk 3,000 feet long, five feet wide and 4.5 inches thick.
“My responsibilities included estimating, procurement management and overseeing field operations,” she said. “Despite receiving a punch list with three items, the project was completed on time. I take great pride in this project because it was an opportunity to demonstrate my management skills and to grow by learning from my mistakes.”
She also notes a critical moment when her mentor told her that you cannot solve for what you cannot see. “At that time, I did not understand the meaning until a year later,” she said. “This lesson is critical in problem-solving, and I always apply it.”
If she could give her younger self one piece of advice about succeeding in this industry, it would be this: “Talk less, listen and observe more. This is a way to cultivate emotional intelligence and attention toward others.”
Nnegue said a common and strong misconception about women in construction is that they do not belong in this field or cannot handle construction work.
“Construction is not just about physical strength or skills, but mental skills that require planning, problem-solving and leadership,” Nnegue pointed out. “I believe women bring valuable perspectives and leadership that can improve projects and teams. In fact, women often complete assignments with great attention to detail and thoroughness, contributing significantly to successful outcomes.”
Nnegue advises industry leaders that to retain women in construction, they would do well by providing better support and create an inclusive workplace where they feel valued by enforcing policies about discrimination and harassment. “Invest in women to prepare them for leadership and executive roles,” she added.
In helping to foster the next generation of women in the workforce, Nnegue said: “I am putting myself out there to demonstrate that women can also excel in construction. By being visible and confident, I hope to inspire others and show that it is possible.
“I also help by being supportive and encouraging women to showcase their capabilities so they can break barriers and thrive.”