Camilla began her construction career as a sign maker before advancing to Project Manager at a sign and graphics company. Over the past 10 years, she has grown from Project Engineer to PM, guided by mentors who invested in her development.
People + Culture
Women in Construction Week 2026
Women in Construction Week is an opportunity to celebrate the talented women who help build our projects, strengthen our teams, and shape our industry. At D+H Construction, we are committed to hiring, retaining, and promoting women at every level.
Introduction
Building a More Inclusive Industry
Women in Construction Week is a time to recognize the impact women have across our projects and teams. We believe representation strengthens our work and remain committed to expanding opportunity and advancing leadership in construction.
Spotlighting the Women of D+H
Throughout the week, we’ll feature one woman from our team each day—sharing her journey, career highlights, and perspective. These spotlights celebrate the talent and leadership driving our projects forward.
By the Numbers
Representation matters—and it’s measurable. The statistics below highlight the role women play across our teams and reflect our commitment to hiring, retaining, and promoting women at every level.
By the Numbers
Progress isn’t just a goal—it’s measurable. Here’s how women are represented across our company.
Women in Construction Week Spotlight
Hasti Ahmadi
Hasti’s path into construction began in architecture. While studying design, she became more interested in what it actually takes to bring a project to life. Rather than staying behind a desk working on theoretical designs, she took construction management courses at Laney College and connected with D+H, where she began working on the Homekey program.
A defining moment in her career has been the Homekey Edes project, where she contributed to both the design and construction management. As her first construction project, seeing it come together on schedule—and knowing it would make a meaningful impact on the community—was especially rewarding.
What Hasti enjoys most about construction is the hands-on nature of the work. “A typical day might include walking the site, talking with subcontractors, answering questions, or making quick decisions as things come up.” Being actively involved in the progress of the building—and working alongside the people making it happen—is what keeps the work exciting.
Her advice to women considering construction: be confident in your voice. “Be confident, speak up, and take up space. Your perspective matters.” And one final reminder: “Be bold… and honestly, make them a little nervous.”
Women in Construction Week Spotlight
Taryn Harm
Taryn’s path into construction began after earning her bachelor’s degree in architecture. She volunteered with the local Habitat for Humanity Women Build committee, where she learned the basics of the trades while helping build homes for those in need. That hands-on experience sparked her interest in the field and laid the foundation for her career.
A defining moment for Taryn was celebrating the grand opening of San Cristina alongside local and state officials. Seeing the project completed—and knowing the work that went into transforming the site—made the milestone especially meaningful.
What she enjoys most about construction is witnessing that transformation. “I enjoy seeing the final product and knowing what it looked like beforehand,” she says, whether the project started as a blank slate or a full rehabilitation.
Her advice to women entering the field is clear: “Hold your own and ensure that your voice doesn’t get lost in the noise.”
Taryn also believes women bring an important advantage to the industry. Because women are still less common in construction, their perspectives help introduce new ideas and approaches, both in the field and in the office.
Women in Construction Week Spotlight
Emily Lin
Emily’s path to construction began after 14 years in real estate development, when she was invited to join “the other side of the table.” That transition opened the door to a new chapter in her career. Over the past 11 years in general contracting, she has built a reputation for leadership, curiosity, and a thoughtful approach to solving complex problems.
One of the most meaningful moments in Emily’s career came when she was asked to serve as president of a prior construction company. Just four years after entering the industry, she was entrusted by the founder and a team of 80 employees to lead the organization. Although the role was ultimately short-lived due to the impacts of COVID-19, the confidence placed in her by that team left a lasting mark—and, as she notes, it made her parents “really darn proud.”
What Emily enjoys most about construction is the people and the challenge. The industry brings together individuals from all backgrounds, education levels, and walks of life to solve complex problems and build something lasting.
“It’s an industry powered by people of all backgrounds. You just have to love puzzles.”
For Emily, one of the greatest rewards is seeing the results of that collaboration in the real world and being able to point to a building and say she helped build it.
Her advice to women considering construction is to look beyond the obvious roles. Construction, she says, is far more expansive than many people realize. Opportunities exist across programming, finance, law, engineering, administration, and many other disciplines. And she offers one practical reminder that reflects both pride and perspective:
“Don’t accept ill-fitting gear. You’re not a small man. You’re an awesome woman in construction.”
Emily believes success in construction comes from listening more than talking, paying attention to the details, and supporting the people around you. For her, the strength of the industry lies not only in the structures it creates, but in the teams that build them together.
Women in Construction Week Spotlight
Melanie Woo
Melanie began her construction career as a receptionist at a general contractor similar to D+H. Over the past seven years, she has grown in the industry through mentorship, curiosity, and a willingness to learn from the teams around her.
A defining moment in her career was being part of the construction team for the Harry Potter production in San Francisco, along with the renovation of GAP’s headquarters, which included three new retail spaces. What she enjoys most about construction is the people and the opportunity to keep learning.
“The team camaraderie and learning new construction methods are what keep the work exciting.”
Melanie credits mentors and field teams for helping shape her path and emphasizes humility and respect for superintendents and subcontractors as key to success. Her advice to women entering the industry is to seek out mentors willing to invest in your development.
“Having mentors willing to teach foundational skills and help you make connections is key to growth.”
Women in Construction Week Spotlight
Camilla Vance
A defining moment in her career was leading her first ground-up new construction project, taking it from demolition of existing structures through completion and turnover to the owners. Seeing a project through every phase reinforced her leadership and technical capabilities.
What keeps her engaged in construction is the constant evolution. “Every project poses its own unique challenges. Every day provides a learning opportunity.”
Camilla also challenges a common misconception about women in construction. “You don’t need to be tough to hang with the boys. Respect and communication win out over toughness every time.”
Her advice to women entering the field is simple and powerful: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Asking questions can reframe a problem and open new ways to tackle it.”
Women in Construction Week Spotlight: Jenn O’Hara-Kung
Jenn O’Hara-Kung
Jenn began her construction career four years ago after working in real estate management. While overseeing a major rehabilitation project in her portfolio, she saw firsthand the impact construction can have on communities.
“Seeing a project come to life from drawings to a finished space sparked my interest in building and set me on the path into the construction industry.”
A defining moment in her career was completing the Del Nido project — her first time managing a 10-acre site with extensive civil scope, including major storm drain infrastructure and bioretention systems, all on a fully occupied property. Successfully delivering that work strengthened her confidence and reinforced her ability to lead complex, site-driven projects.
What Jenn enjoys most about construction is the variety. No two days are the same, and coordinating teams and moving parts keeps the work engaging. Most rewarding is turning over a finished project that serves the community and leaves a space better than it was before.
Her advice to women considering construction: Don’t be afraid to speak up and never dim your light. Ask questions, ask for help when you need it, and trust that you belong at the table just as much as anyone else.
Jenn also challenges the misconception that women don’t belong in leadership or field roles.
“Capability isn’t defined by gender — it’s defined by experience, work ethic, and the ability to deliver results.”