About the Author

Katie Lewis
Director of HR Operations
Brasfield & Gorrie LLC

In observance of Women’s History Month, Quest celebrates the determined spirit, resilience, and groundbreaking achievements of women throughout history, acknowledging their pivotal role in shaping a more inclusive and empowered world. I am honored to offer my insights on the significance of this month.

I’m a woman who works in technology and a woman who works in construction—both fields where the workforce is predominantly male. Women’s History Month reminds me to examine how I can help other women succeed.

Although I work in an industry where I’m in the minority, the idea of representation didn’t click for me until I read “Why Not Win?” by Larry D. Thornton. Thornton, a Black business owner, recalls boarding a flight and spotting a man who looked like him in the pilot seat. He’d never seen a Black pilot before, and his first reaction was to wonder if the man was qualified to fly the commercial jet.

Reading that anecdote was a light-bulb moment for me. When we see people who look like us, it subtly communicates that the role they’re in is open to us. Until I read Thornton’s book, I didn’t realize that I hadn’t seen room for myself in technology because I hadn’t seen it modeled. But I work in a place where I have access to education and mentorship, and that’s led to not only a career in tech, but opportunities to lead and encourage others.

I work for Brasfield & Gorrie, a general contractor that does more than build buildings—we build people. That mission is clear in our purpose statement: building exceptional people, trusting relationships, great projects, and strong communities. People come first because people are at the heart of Brasfield & Gorrie, and we invest in them through training and mentorship.

As the director of HR operations, I create, build and grow our HR information systems team. We use technology to improve our human resource processes, which can make a positive difference for everyone in the company. These projects offer my team opportunities to grow as professionals and as people. I’ve had many chances to advance thanks to a team that supports and encourages me, and I’m passionate about helping my colleagues do the same.

Sometimes those growth opportunities show up through big company projects. Sixteen years ago, I served on our JD Edwards EnterpriseOne implementation team, which combined my background in accounting and payroll with technology. That experienced allowed me to build relationships with functional teams across the company. Since then, I’ve been able to lead our company through more upgrades and system implementations.

We can also find growth in professional groups, which Brasfield & Gorrie encourages. Through the Human Capital Management Quest Community, I’ve been pleased to find women leaders who have become my technology role models.

These experiences—and insights like those from “Why Not Win?”—have taught me the importance of advocacy and mentorship. I challenge you to find people (male or female) who you respect, who will help you grow, who want the best for you in your career and life, and who will advocate for you. Look for ways to honor the people who came before you by being a mentor and advocate for others.

Celebrating the contributions of women highlights success stories so others see someone who looks like them in a non-traditional role. That increases recruitment in these fields. Let’s continue to celebrate women’s successes in these roles and in the future, they may not be so untraditional anymore.

As part of honoring Women’s History Month, Quest compiled a list of organizations with a focus on supporting Women in technology. Check out these organizations to learn more:

• AnitaB.org: A global nonprofit organization focused on advancing women in technology and increasing the representation of women technologists in leadership roles.
• Girls Who Code: A nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology by providing educational programs and resources for young women interested in computer science and programming.
• TechWomen: An initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs that brings together women leaders in STEM fields from around the world for professional mentorship and exchange programs.