Adelicia Colmenero, Senior Project Manager

What do people say when you tell them you work in construction?

Most people think it is really cool when they hear that I work in construction. I think they are more impressed when they see or hear about the projects that I work on. My family thinks it’s awesome. I come from a family who works in the trades, and so it has allowed me to make a special connection with them that I might not have if I wasn’t in construction. I am able to talk shop with them, and they are more open to telling me about the projects that they worked on. For example, my grandpa did concrete worked on Republic Plaza, which is one of the tallest buildings in Colorado. I just got off of the 11th tallest building in Colorado, so, he still has a leg up on me! 😊

When I tell the younger generation that I work in construction, I think their career options get wider, and that they gain another role model or connection to someone who is in a traditionally male dominated industry.

What do you like best about being in the construction industry?

What I love most about being in the construction industry is the collaboration that occurs across people and disciplines. We have the opportunity to meet so many people, and work together to constantly solve challenges, and build out amazing spaces for people in our community.

How does more diversity on a construction jobsite help teams solve problems better?

I think the more diversity you have on a team, you open up a window to have more voices with different options for solutions. I truly think that there are better outcomes when you have diversity on a project team.

Why did you choose Swinerton?

I chose Swinerton because of the people, and the culture that Swinerton has. It is not easy to describe Swinerton’s unique culture, however, as a national company, we are innovative, forward-thinking, truly invested in our people, and we treat each other like family.

What do you enjoy about your job?

I love the people that I get to work with. I love the collaboration, whether it’s within the various departments within our offices or the architects, consultants and trade partners that we work with on each project. I love building relationships with our clients, and understanding the end-users needs. Working within our healthcare market, it is incredibly rewarding to know that the work that we do is helping improve or even save lives. I am constantly learning, and being challenged. I love being able to work through challenges, and helping build new spaces that our community will enjoy.

What is your advice to women looking start a career in construction?

Construction is a demanding, but extremely rewarding career path. I am always supportive if women who are considering a career in construction. I first always open myself up as a resource for them to reach out to at any time, and usually invite them for a jobsite tour, especially if they are in high school or college and are just looking at construction as a potential career.