Together We Rise
March 2-8 is Women in Construction Week, and while this is a week of recognition, Rosendin and MPS proudly celebrates and promotes the role of women in the construction industry this week and every day. Led by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), WIC Week’s theme for 2025 is “Together We Rise.” Join us as we recognize the many talented women in our company.
Meet Sub Foreman Shuangying “Shawny” Lu. Originally from Beijing, China, Shawny came to Arizona with her husband in 2007 and enrolled in trade school to become an electrician. During this time, Shawny worked all day, came home and studied all night, and improved her English language skills in order to pass her classes. Today, she leads a team of eight in Arizona and consistently pushes her team members to excel.
Q: Can you tell us about yourself and your background in construction?
I graduated college in 1985 in Beijing, China and eventually became a Senior Mechanical Engineer. But, in 2007, I came with my husband to Arizona and started trade school to become an electrical apprentice. Because my English was not very strong yet, I had to work twice as hard to learn the material. Throughout my entire career, I’ve always loved to learn and help people improve their work.
Q: What is an accomplishment you’re proud of?
In trade school, I had a 100 percent attendance rate and other students would often ask to copy my homework because I always had it ready. I’m proud of how hard I worked during that time. I would go home after a day of working and study all night.
I’m also proud to work at Rosendin. People care about each other and our safety on the jobsite. My team are good and fast workers. Right now, I have eight people on my team, and I learn from them as much as I teach them.
My husband is also very proud of me. Whenever my neighbors have an electrical problem, he tells me that I can help them, and I’m known in the neighborhood as a good electrician.
Q: Is there someone in your life who helped you or mentored you?
I love learning and learned a lot from my teachers throughout college and trade school. I’m open to different opinions and ways of thinking because that’s how we get better.
Q: Do you have advice or a message for other women in construction?
I’ve seen more women on the jobsite, which is great. I think it’s important to work hard and learn. On my team, I push people to learn from their mistakes and make sure they understand for next time how it’s supposed to be done.
