Women in Construction Week
By Crisand Giles
As a woman in construction for the last 29-years, I am proud to be part of the homebuilding industry, supporting the creation of new housing. I started my career in geotechnical engineering, using my Cal Poly degrees in Soil and Environmental Science to work on active construction sites to meet new storm water regulations. This important step in my career led to opportunities with the Building Industry Association of the Bay Area and Sacramento Region. Advancing public policies that help ensure an adequate supply of housing and preserve homeownership opportunities that promote a healthy regional economy.
Finding success supporting housing led to opportunities as a project manager. Where I learned about housing planning, design and processing project entitlements for residential and commercial projects with Greenbriar Homes, Pardee Homes, and Shea Homes. Building new housing in California is complicated, and I have appreciated my relationships with homebuilders, government officials, and state and local staff in order to build much needed housing for people of all income levels.
This combined career experience allowed me to prepare for an active role as the Executive Director of HomeAid Northern California. I’m able to support HomeAid’s unique nonprofit model partnering with builders and trades to give back to the communities we build. Together by donating labor, materials, and expertise HomeAid builds and remodels dignified housing for homeless families and individuals so they can rebuild their lives.
My work at HomeAid has given me the opportunity to use all of my acquired skills through housing, community engagement, and education to maximize relationships between the building industry and local service providers. Together we are creating safe and dignified housing and programmatic facilities for those who are experiencing or at risk of becoming unhoused. It makes me incredibly proud to see how many more women are active in this extraordinary industry. One of my favorite experiences is meeting with young professionals just starting out, and helping them see how much this industry has to offer!