My journey into construction wasn’t a straight line—it was built over time, experience by experience, driven by necessity, curiosity, and a growing passion to create something lasting. I was first introduced to the world of construction at 19 years old, helping with small renovation projects. At the time, I had no idea this path would become such a central part of my life. What began as simply learning to use tools and manage budgets soon became a fascination with the entire process—from raw concept to finished structure. I realized I wasn’t just building spaces; I was solving problems, managing relationships, and shaping how people live and work within the built environment. As life unfolded, I stepped away from formal education to become a mother. While some might view that as a pause, I see it as the beginning of my real education. I learned how to lead, adapt, and sacrifice for something greater than myself. Over time, I co-founded a design-build firm and became a hands-on project manager, juggling everything from client meetings to subcontractor coordination. In that process, I became intimately familiar with the realities of the construction industry—its complexities, its demands, and its potential to bring ideas to life. The satisfaction of seeing a completed building, knowing the hours of labor and care that went into every detail, is something that never gets old. However, as a woman of color, and particularly as an Iranian woman in a field that’s still male-dominated, I often found myself in rooms where I had to earn credibility before I could speak. That challenge didn’t deter me—it motivated me to become even better. It’s what ultimately inspired me to return to school and pursue a degree in Construction Management. I recently earned my Associate of Science degree from City College of San Francisco, and I’m now working toward completing my bachelor’s degree to deepen my technical knowledge and open more doors for leadership and impact. Construction is not just my career—it’s the vehicle through which I’ve grown as a leader, as a problem solver, and as a mentor. I want to continue pushing boundaries—not only by building physical spaces but by creating opportunities for others, especially women and minorities, to succeed in this industry. My long-term goal is to lead complex development projects that contribute to equitable, sustainable communities—and to pave the way for the next generation of builders.