Ep 8: Build-Her, Be Heard: Creating Space for Women in Construction with Renae Sams

The construction industry has been a launchpad for transformation for Renae Sams. Raised with limited resources, and shaped by early loss and toxic relationships, Renae found strength, purpose, and financial independence through building. What started as a temp job turned into a decade-long career leading mission-critical construction projects for the military and major tech companies. That experience and the barriers she faced along the way, inspired her to launch Build-Her.org, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing visibility and creating real pathways for women, especially women of color, in construction and the skilled trades. She’s also the author of Build-Her, Be Heard.

In this interview we cover:

> Her early life story and journey, and how a temp job at an engineering firm led her into construction

> Her role and work building mission critical building and military infrastructure all around the world

> Finding financial independence in construction and what that security did for her

> Launching Build-Her.org and writing her book

> Representation, respect & real talk on the culture shift needed in the industry

> The importance of sharing your story

> What it takes to succeed in construction

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Guest info:

• Renae Sams, Executive Director & Founder, Build-Her.org

• Grab her book – Build-Her, Be Heard (also available in Spanish)

• Follow on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn

Connect with The Skilled Project:

• Founder, Amanda Luchetti; ✉️: amanda@theskilledproject.com

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