Angie Ruth WICNM Board Member

I grew up in the flooring industry, my father owned a hardwood flooring company, and my aunt runs a wholesale flooring distributor. Today I am a Commercial Project Manager for Ray's Flooring Specialist Inc. I started at Ray's in 2018 as the receptionist. I have run many successful projects like Isleta Resort Spa Remodel and Netflix Production Offices, along with I am currently working on UNMH Hospital Tower. 

When asked the following questions, she replied:

Did you plan to work in the construction industry?

I never planned on working in the construction industry. I went to college for Business Marketing and realized it wasn't for me. I had been working in the restaurant industry and I hated working nights and weekends, I wanted a Monday-Friday job and Ray's Flooring gave me that. I never wanted to work in construction but now I couldn't see myself doing anything else.

What is your favorite thing about working in the construction industry?

I love to see a project from start to finish. I think it is amazing how a dirt lot can turn into a hospital or a school, and to know that I was a part of that project.

Have you faced any challenges as a woman in construction?

Yes, I face challenges daily. Being a woman in a male dominant career field, you are always being watched and you have to take things with a grain of salt. You will have people that will take you serious and treat you with respect but you will also have people who won't give you the time of day. You must have thick skin to work in construction.

If you could give advice to a young lady considering her future career, what would you tell her about the construction industry?

The Construction Industry is a great career field, and we need more woman in it! My advice to a young lady would be: Know your stuff and be confident! Don't be afraid to ask questions but remember to stay true to yourself.

Tracy Libaridian WICNM Board Member

I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Moved to New Mexico in my 30's. I have been married for 21 years and have two children, two boys, 18 and 16. I love to work out and go for runs. My family and I like to travel, so once a year we travel to a place we have never been. I love to explore new places and learn the history of those places. 

When asked the following questions, she replied:

Did you plan to work in the construction industry?

I have always loved construction. When I was in my 20's I landed at a drywall company as a receptionist and have been in construction ever since. Since then my entire career has been in the industry, from Field Superintendent, Purchasing, Project Management and Production Controller. 

What is your favorite thing about working in the construction industry?

One of my favorite things about the construction industry is taking something that is broken or hasn't even been built yet and watch it become something remarkable. Being able to watch it from the start and seeing the final product. Driving by a final product and thinking to myself I had something to do with that and look how it has become a part of the community. 

Have you faced any challenges as a woman in construction?

I have been in the industry for over 25 years so there were many challenges. As a woman you have to prove yourself, have the ability to take on challenges and rise above them. Move past doubts and prove everybody wrong, that you deserve to be where you are at. 

If you could give advice to a young lady considering her future career, what would you tell her about the construction industry?

My best advice is to learn as much as you can. Learn things you are not even interested in, find out how things are done. The more knowledge you have the more you know how everything is done and a better understanding of how it all fits together. Don't be shy about wanting to learn and be confident in what you are doing - You belong there. 

Next month, we'll meet Sharon Montoya & Stephanie Peña