Women's History Month

What’s your favorite memory at Barghausen? 

My favorite memory at Barghausen was this year’s employee appreciation party. Getting to know our Board of Directors a little better and seeing them answer questions was really fun!

What woman inspires you and why? 

There are a lot of women who continually inspire me, many of which are involved in the engineering industry. At this time, engineering is largely male-dominated and it’s incredibly inspiring to me to see women who have been in this industry for decades, starting at a time when being a woman in a technical field was even less common and often unheard of. One of my favorite professors, Dr. Sara Ganzerli, was the first female engineering professor at Gonzaga University and continues to teach today. Because of women like them, I’m able to pursue any industry I choose and be treated like an equal. I’m inspired to do the same and continue to make the engineering industry an even more welcoming place for women in years to come.

What does female empowerment mean to you? 

To me, female empowerment is everything. Because of female empowerment, I’ve been able to achieve so much and will continue to do so. Being a woman in a male-dominated field can be lonely at times, but because of female empowerment I’ve had infinite support from the people around me to achieve whatever I set my mind to, no matter the task or goal. To me, female empowerment goes hand-in-hand with feminism and is all about giving women the option to choose their path free of preconceived notions or ideas.

What qualities make a good leader? 

There are so many qualities that make a good leader, but I think that responsibility, empathy, and confidence are three that make a great leader. It’s important to be responsible for the actions you make, whether they result in successes or mistakes, it’s important to be empathetic to those you oversee and those around you, and to be confident in the decisions you make and your abilities as a leader.

What’s your spirit animal and why? 

My spirit animal is a river otter; I find a lot of joy in small things, I’m very passionate about the things that I love, and I always find time each day to do something fun.

What’s something people don’t know about you? 

The summer after my sophomore year of college, I worked for the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and led nature walks at Crystal Mountain! I also recommended hikes and gave directions to any visitors or tourists passing through.

What’s your favorite memory at Barghausen? 

Playing mini golf with the Klamath Falls crew.

What woman inspires you and why? 

I’m inspired by all women in the construction industry, especially those that have held leadership or senior roles.

What does female empowerment mean to you? 

I think female empowerment is teaching young girls and women that gender should never limit opportunity and that any career selection is achievable regardless of perceived stereotypes.

What qualities make a good leader? 

I believe a good leader leads by action and example; always motivates while practicing empathy.

What’s your spirit animal and why? 

Golden Retriever: full of energy, very loyal, loves attention.

What’s something people don’t know about you? 

I played soccer for Cal Poly. Go ‘Stangs!

What’s your favorite memory at Barghausen?

My trip to Seattle when I was considering taking this job was so scary but exciting at the same time. I knew I was starting a new chapter in my life.

What woman inspires you and why?

My mother has always inspired me, she is one of the hardest working people I know. She is anything but typical! She works on cars and can work harder than anyone I know.

What does female empowerment mean to you?

Female empowerment is proving to the world that there are no limits to what you can do with hard work and determination. Being an example for the young ladies in our lives and letting them know they can be anything they want to be.

What qualities make a good leader?

I think a good leader is anyone who inspires their team through their own hard work and dedication while taking the time to make their entire team strong.

What would you do if you weren't in this industry?

I would probably train horses for a living because that is my true passion in life.

What’s something people don’t know about you?

Most people probably don’t know how much I love fitness and training for events. I like setting goals and knocking them out of the park.

What’s your favorite memory at Barghausen?

April Fool’s Day. When I joined Barghausen, April Fool’s Day jokes were not done. I have placed random noise makers in a cubicles, I Rick-rolled the office on the intercom system, and I have set up a full size cut out of a Waldo that is still being moved around the office.

What does female empowerment mean to you?

This is a hard question to answer. I have always felt that female empowerment is best felt when it is not intentional. My capabilities and my strengths have gotten me where I am and empowerment is when my gender has nothing to do with how those are measured.

What qualities make a good leader?

The qualities of a good leader are often the qualities of a good parent. Treat people with respect; even if you are in a superior position, you cannot do your job without the people around you. Explain your rules and decisions; you cannot expect things to be done the way that you want if there is no reason behind your rules and often the rules will not make sense without context. Be consistent; efficiency comes from consistency. If you cannot maintain a set of standards then you cannot expect for the people that you are leading to be able to produce the results you are looking for. Foster people’s independence; it is my goal to make it so that anyone that I “lead” can one day work alongside me. I don’t think leadership should always require someone to only do what they are instructed, fostering independence will ultimately make it so that you have less work to do and are able to lead more effectively. People are always watching, everything that you do will be seen and you are expected to maintain the standards that you enforce. Never be mean, spiteful, or belittle your coworkers, because they will never trust you and they will never know if you are trying to demean them or help them. Acknowledge when you make mistakes and apologize; it makes you more relatable and keeps you accountable.

What’s your spirit animal and why?

T-Rex. I have a long torso and short arms, so I identify with the T-Rex a lot.

What are you watching on Netflix?

Star trek is always on. I also watch most of the stand-up specials.

What’s something people don’t know about you?

I used to play the flute and I was a drum major in high school.

What’s your favorite memory at Barghausen?

Being hired! To my delight, I was given the opportunity to work for an outstanding company right after moving here from abroad.

What woman inspires you and why?

Women who excel in the field of their choosing. Women who are fearless and headstrong show me how big the world is and its countless opportunities.

What does female empowerment mean to you?

Equality.

What qualities make a good leader?

A good leader always leads by example, stays grounded and decides with confidence.

Do you have a hidden talent?

My eyebrows can do the wave.

What are you watching on Netflix?

The Confession Killer. I’m very much fascinated by the psychology that goes behind murder mysteries.

What was the last concert you went to?

Marc E. Bassy – Contemporary R&B/pop artist. I find music very important as it is a form of expression and a great outlet. I listen to all different types – R&B, indie, classical, etc.

What’s your favorite memory at Barghausen?

It is always nice connecting with coworkers outside of the office. Last summer, the Barghausen Long Beach office got to go on a wine safari in the Malibu Hills. Not only did we enjoy beautiful weather, delicious wines, and terrible puns, we got to interact with a variety of animals – farm and exotic. Feeding a giraffe with our team was amazing but getting an impromptu hug from a llama was the best.

What woman inspires you and why?

I am inspired by all women who speak their truths and live authentically. Seeing women supporting and uplifting women gives me hope and courage. My mom is and always has been an amazing example in her career as a college professor and in her daily life.

What does female empowerment mean to you?

Female empowerment is freedom and ability to live the lives we choose for ourselves. The right to pick our own paths of study, work, relationships and lifestyles without the constraints of gender norms or stereotypes.

Do you have a hidden talent?

I wouldn’t call it a “hidden” talent but I grew up singing in churches and later with ensembles and bands live and in studio. Jazz is my favorite but I’ve done pop, rock and blues.

What are you watching on Netflix? 

Ozark, House of Cards, Stranger Things and BoJack Horseman.

What’s something people don’t know about you? 

I LOVE alpacas and llamas. I keep trying to convince my partner we need to adopt one or three, but he insists on reminding me we live in a downtown area loft.

What was the last concert you went to? 

We are fortunate to live in a city full of live music and often go see jazz artists in small venues. The last big concert I went to was a music festival that featured The Lumineers and Snoop Dog.