By Nedelka McLean
Hard Hats. Strong Women. Building the Future.
Follow our blog to hear the stories of women working in construction in New York City at every level as we ask 20 questions to women working in construction.
Nedelka "Mac" McLean, Carpenter Apprentice
What was your first job in construction? My first project was a King Kullen Supermarket in Long Island.
What is your current job? Renovating a school in Staten Island damaged by Sandy.
Are you in a union? What is the best part of being in a union? I am in a union and enjoy the sense of family and guaranteed benefits.
Why did you choose construction? What led you to construction? I chose construction because of a desire to create.
Who inspires you? I am inspired and motivated by the stories of the women who came before me.
What has been the most surprising part of being a woman working in construction? The majority of the men I have worked with judge you on your skills and not your gender
What is your favorite part of your career? When a project is near completion and I know I have made a contribution.
What is the biggest change you have seen in the field since you started? The biggest change is in the number of women in the field thanks to NEW.
What is your favorite tool? My favorite is the screw gun and T-square.
What is your favorite hard hat sticker? My Local 157 sticker.
What would surprise us about you? I started in this field at age 50.
Are you a woman working in construction? Tell us "What is your favorite hard hat sticker"?
Help us prepare more women for these careers -- support NEW on JobRaising.