As we continue our celebration of Women in Construction (WIC), meet Dani Diaz, Project Manager in Austin, TX.
Dani began her construction career as an intern at Rosendin, completing a hands-on construction internship in 2019. After, she transitioned to a semester-long internship with a general contractor and immersed herself in the industry. Upon graduation from Texas A&M, Dani returned to Rosendin and today is a Project Manager in Austin, Texas.
Q: Tell us about yourself and how you built a career in construction.
My path to construction wasn’t traditional. I initially aspired to be an architect and attended a pre-college program in San Antonio. However, I quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit. A subsequent college tour led me to Texas A&M University, where I fell in love with the Construction Science program. A meeting with a professor solidified my decision.
My first hands-on construction experience was an internship with Rosendin in 2019. This was followed by a semester-long internship with a general contractor on the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport project. This experience provided a comprehensive overview of the construction process, from submittals to closeout, and exposed me to the dynamics between owners, owner representatives, general contractors, and subcontractors. After graduation, I joined Rosendin as an Assistant Project Manager and was promoted to Project Manager in October 2023. I’m currently working on an NDA office building and the Austin Airport West Gate Expansion.
Q: Talk about an accomplishment, in your career or personal life, that you’re proud of.
Two accomplishments stand out. First, becoming a U.S. citizen. My parents made immense sacrifices for my brother and me, and earning citizenship not only opens doors for me but also sets a strong foundation for my future family. Second, earning my college degree. Living away from home for the first time, I had to balance academics, extracurriculars, and a part-time job. Despite these challenges, I maintained high grades, secured two internships, and had a job offer before graduation. Sharing my experiences and offering guidance is a true privilege, and I consider it a personal and professional win.
Q: Is there someone in your life who mentored you or helped you rise up in your career?
Several individuals have been instrumental in my journey. My parents have provided invaluable life and professional advice. Professor Edelmiro Escamilla at Texas A&M was the first person I met during my college visit and helped me recognize my strengths within the construction industry. He’s the reason I chose Construction Science. Professor Jonathan Houston, my MEP professor, was a fantastic teacher and mentor. He provided guidance during the job offer process, helping me weigh my options. More recently, David Hurych and Vitali Ruder have believed in my potential and invested in my growth through mentorship and opportunities to expand my experience beyond my daily tasks.
Q: Do you have advice or a message for other women in construction?
Believe in yourself. Trust your ability to learn and overcome any challenge. You’ll encounter incredibly talented people and situations where you might feel like you know the least. Embrace humility, but also empower yourself with the knowledge that you can do it, you can learn, and you can figure it out. It all works out in the end. Being a woman is your superpower – do not let anyone make you believe it is a weakness.
Together, We Rise to celebrate and promote the role of women in the construction industry.
