Women in Construction (WIC) Week aims to celebrate, educate, and promote the role of women in the construction industry. In honor of WIC Week 2022, Raymond will be featuring our very own women employees and highlighting their strengths, career paths, and visions for the future.
To kick things off, our next Employee Spotlight features Bonnie Netkin, Project Engineer in Las Vegas. Bonnie has been in the construction industry for 19 years, and with Raymond for two. Her advice for women: Have a voice. Don’t be afraid to voice your opinions or concerns, ask for what you want, and express where you want to go. Join organizations in your industry to connect with other women. These organizations, like the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), often offer education opportunities, career advice and support.
We sat down with Bonnie to learn more about her, and her life in construction.
What brought you into the construction industry? Luck and hard work – I was hired as a receptionist for an architect in 2003 and worked my way through, and up, all avenues of the industry.
Which Raymond project are you working on now? I am currently working on three Raymond projects, including Fountainebleau Las Vegas, which is a 67-story resort and casino. We are out there with W.A. Richardson performing exterior demolition, framing, drywall, and EIFS, as well as interior demolition, framing, drywall, and finishes.
Have there been any challenges on the project? Schedule is always a concern with longer lead times every day and supply chain shortages, but we work with what we know and get it done when we pre-plan.
What’s the best thing about your job? The best thing about my job is that I genuinely get along with my coworkers and I have quite a support system here at Raymond.
What is the most challenging part of your job? I’d say how fast paced the days are, and making the time to learn new things.
What do you like doing when you’re not at work? I like to volunteer for various organizations as well as dog-sit quite often for friends and family. I’ve been a foster parent for the NSPCA and Animal Foundation for seven years on and off. There are so many pets that need temporary homes, these organizations hold a special place to me.
Have you had any challenges in your life? The people closest to me know that I was at Route 91 when the shooting occurred in 2017 and I have some lingering post-traumatic stress. It was over four years ago, but it is something I still struggle with at times.
What inspires you? I am inspired by strong women that have made their own way in life.
What’s one thing you couldn’t live without? Wine😊
What is something people are surprised to learn about you? That I’m 41! I surprise most people with this fact, and it always makes me feel young.
Is there anything else you would like to tell us? My favorite thing about this industry has always been seeing a project built from the ground up, or seeing its design go from concept to fruition.