I recently had the opportunity to host a She Built event at Liberty at Lincoln, designed to introduce young girls and their parents to the many career opportunities available throughout the homebuilding and construction industry. Women leaders and professionals representing different areas of the industry participated, giving the girls a chance not only to learn about these careers, but also to meet women who are working and leading in them today.
Throughout The Farmhouse, participants moved through hands-on stations representing different aspects of the building process, including plumbing, road and asphalt construction, design and interior finishes, and other areas of homebuilding. The activities gave the girls a chance to work with materials, ask questions, and gain a better understanding of just how many different skills and career paths come together to create a community and build a home.
Meritage Homes, one of our guest builders at Liberty at Lincoln, also participated in the event. Betsy Barbosa, Vice President of Purchasing with Meritage Homes, shared the story and mission behind The House That She Built and the importance of introducing girls at an early age to opportunities within the building industry.
What I found especially meaningful about the event was that the girls weren’t simply being told that these careers were available to them. They were meeting women who are actually doing the work, learning from their experiences, and getting the opportunity to try aspects of the work themselves.
Carlos Rodriguez is the Business Development Manager at Lewis Group of Companies, where he works across Lewis Planned Communities and Lewis Apartment Communities to strengthen relationships with homebuilders, real estate professionals, industry organizations, and community partners throughout California. As part of his role, he also manages the Lewis Broker Referral Program statewide, connecting real estate professionals with Lewis Apartment Communities and Lewis Rental Homes. With more than 20 years of experience in real estate, Carlos develops partnerships, educational opportunities, and industry initiatives that support both the planned community and apartment sides of the organization, as well as Lewis’ builder partners. His work also highlights the people, partnerships, and programs that demonstrate the many ways Lewis is engaged with the real estate and homebuilding industries and the communities they serve.