Level Up, Build Strong: Women Supporting Forgen Projects in the Field
March 2, 2026
From March 1–7, Forgen is recognizing Women in Construction Week and honoring the amazing women at Forgen and throughout the AEC industry. This year’s theme, “Level Up, Build Strong,” highlights growing careers, tackling industry challenges and supporting the next generation of construction leaders.
At Forgen, that growth happens every day on our job sites. Women across our projects are building, testing, operating, and leading in the field—strengthening both our teams and our work.
This week, we’re highlighting two women helping move Forgen projects forward.
Meet the Women Behind the Work
Ashley Scott | Quality Control Technician
Ashley Scott serves as a Quality Control (QC) Technician on a high-demand geotechnical construction project where operations run on a 24-hour schedule. Her role requires technical precision, coordination across crews, and the ability to step into multiple positions when needed.
Building a Path into Construction
Ashley’s entry into the industry wasn’t traditional. Before joining Forgen as an employee, she worked as a service provider, documenting projects through photography and drone surveying. Spending time on job sites sparked her curiosity.
“I asked a lot of questions,” she says. “I wanted to understand what we were doing and why.”
That curiosity turned into a career shift. With exposure to slurry walls and heavy civil operations, and encouragement from mentors and colleagues, Ashley transitioned into field operations and quality control.
A Day in the Field
As a QC Technician, Ashley begins each shift by reviewing progress with superintendents, construction managers, and engineers. She plans testing around crane operations and trenching schedules, then heads into the field.
Her responsibilities include testing materials at the pond and batch plant, monitoring bentonite production, and pulling samples from the trench. She casts cylinders for strength testing, maintains the on-site lab and curing room, and tracks results in the panel database to ensure materials meet project specifications. She communicates observations and concerns to project leadership to keep work aligned with performance standards.
In addition to QC duties, Ashley has operated batch plants, supported bentonite production, and stepped in as an equipment operator when crews were short-staffed.
“If someone’s out, someone has to step in,” she explains. “Cross-training makes us stronger and keeps production moving.”
Learning from the Team
Ashley credits much of her growth to the people around her. From experienced field leaders to engineers and mentors who encouraged her transition into QC, she says support has always been available.
“There’s not a single person I feel like I can’t call and ask for their opinion.”
She also points to the value of staying open to learning.
“This industry is growing and changing every day. The more you learn from different people and different approaches, the stronger you become.”
Advice for Women Entering the Field
Construction remains a male-dominated industry, and Ashley believes balance is key.
“You have to stand your ground,” she says. “But you also have to keep learning. Never assume you know everything. There’s always something new to understand.”
For Ashley, growth comes from curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to step into new responsibilities when needed.
Carolina Silva | Safety Specialist
Carolina Silva serves as a Safety Specialist, supporting field crews across a large, multi-area job site. Since joining Forgen, she has focused on both compliance and connection, ensuring work areas are safe while building trust with the people doing the work.
From the Tools to Safety Leadership
Carolina began her career in oil and gas, working in the field as a scaffold builder, boilermaker, and structural welder. Her experience in hands-on roles shaped her perspective on safety.
“I wanted to be a voice for the people,” she says.
She saw situations where workers noticed hazards but hesitated to speak up. Some feared retaliation or job loss. That experience motivated her to transition into safety, where she could advocate for crews and help prevent incidents before they happen.
Her path into safety wasn’t linear. She began networking, observing experienced safety professionals, and earning the certifications and training required for the role. Over time, she progressed from Safety Technician to Safety Coordinator, and now to Safety Specialist.
A Day in the Field
Carolina’s day begins with communication. She shares positive safety messages tailored to the day’s focus and then heads into the field.
The project Carolina is currently working on spans a wide area, requiring constant movement between work zones. She drives between scattered locations, reviewing documentation, ensuring track cards and permits—such as hot work, lift plans, and confined space permits—are properly completed and signed.
She also monitors job sites for potential hazards, checks for proper PPE use, and works directly with supervision, superintendents, and project managers to mitigate risks. At the end of each day, she documents her audits and observations through EHS Insight, maintaining detailed reports that support overall project safety performance.
Building Trust in the Field
While compliance is critical, Carolina says the most meaningful part of her job is building relationships.
“I enjoy getting to know the people,” she explains. “Not just work—children, spouses, family trips. Making connections.”
Her approach reflects her belief that safety is built on trust. When workers know they’re supported, they’re more likely to speak up, ask questions, and look out for one another. Carolina also credits mentorship and faith for helping her grow in her role. She recalls an early supervisor who guided her through mistakes without judgment and encouraged her development.
Advice for Women Entering Construction Safety
Carolina’s advice is simple and direct:
“Never give up. Whatever goal you set for yourself, keep going. Always do the right thing.”
For her, success in construction safety comes from persistence, integrity, and a genuine commitment to protecting the people in the field.
