March 2-8, 2025, is Women in Construction (WIC) Week, making it the ideal time to share first-hand experiences of those in the industry.
Caitlin Sevick is the Human Resources Director for Gallo Mechanical LLC, a top-tier mechanical construction company headquartered in New Orleans, LA, offering superior HVAC and Plumbing services in commercial and industrial sectors. For the past four years, she has led the HR team and oversees all HR functions, including recruitment, benefits, training, employee relations, employee engagement, performance management and compliance.
As an HR director, has your role evolved over the years?
“When I first started, my initial focus was on enhancing our HR technology, completing our HRIS implementation with Arcoro, streamlining processes and building a strong HR team to support our rapidly growing workforce. Once these key foundations were in place, I shifted my focus to developing strategies that reinforced our positive company culture, with an emphasis on attracting and retaining top talent. Over the course of the last four years, my role has evolved alongside the company, with our workforce growing significantly and now spanning six states and over 550 employees – it’s been an exciting journey!”
What initially drew you to construction, and how has your passion for the industry developed over time?
“I was drawn to the construction industry because of the leadership at Gallo Mechanical. During my interview with the company, I was truly impressed by the humility and compassion of our executive team, and their unwavering commitment to always put employees first. My passion for the construction industry continues to grow year over year. I have a deep appreciation for the skill, dedication and resilience required in this field. Our amazing team members, both in the field and in the office, are the driving force behind our company’s success. I’m passionate about contributing to a work environment where every team member can feel supported, valued and recognized.”
What are some challenges you’ve faced as a woman in the industry?
“Although construction is traditionally a male-dominated industry, at Gallo Mechanical I’ve always felt respected, supported and that my opinions were valued and taken seriously from day one.”
What are some of your biggest professional accomplishments?
“A few accomplishments I’m particularly proud of include launching new employee recognition software that allows everyone to acknowledge and appreciate each other’s hard work and achievements, implementing employee surveys to assess satisfaction, engagement and employee feedback, and organizing quarterly town hall meetings where employees can submit questions ahead of time for upper management to address. These efforts have helped foster a positive work culture.”
What advice would you give to other women considering a career in construction?
“If you had asked me 5-10 years ago, I don’t think I would have imagined myself in the construction industry, but I couldn’t be happier with my decision to join. The construction industry is evolving and growing, offering plenty of opportunities for women to lead. For me, it’s all about the people that I work with day in and out. No matter what industry you choose, it’s critical to find a company whose culture aligns with your core values, where leadership genuinely cares about both employees and customers and where you can feel at home and excited to come to work each day. Look for a company that values diversity and inclusion, fostering an environment where women can grow and thrive in the construction industry.”
In your opinion, what can the industry do to better support women? (e.g., mentorships, internships, community outreach)
“The industry and employers can do more by actively seeking to recruit and retain women through targeted outreach and partnerships with non-profits and universities that offer construction-related programs. At Gallo, we’ve had great success in preparing and supporting women for construction careers through our Summer Internship program. Thirty percent of our interns who transitioned to full-time roles have been women, and we hope to see that number rise in future years! Additionally, we’ve recently partnered with a non-profit in North Carolina that specializes in preparing and empowering women and gender-expansive individuals to break into the construction industry. This organization provides women with hands-on training, a six-week internship paired with an employer, and offers employers a unique opportunity to hire skilled, motivated talent.”
Learn more about WIC and events happening in your area here.
