Gabby Gambino Lyon was the first guest for the “Distinguished Speaker” Series that the Austin Higher Education Institute of Houston launched to bring professional experiences in various fields to students.
Because Webber Commercial is currently remodeling the historic building at this institute and Gabby is working on this project just around the corner from the temporary building where classes are currently held, the school’s directors thought that she was perfect to kick off the series geared towards students in their last semester.
So Gabby shared her story with more than 30 students on how she got into the construction industry, focusing on her experience as a woman in this field. This caught the students’ attention, and they asked her about the challenges she had to face and how she dealt with them to find her place in the industry.
For me, it’s about trying to adapt to different work styles, always keeping an open mind and accepting the positive contributions that people from different backgrounds bring to the construction and engineering fields. It requires a conscious effort on everyone’s part.
Gabby emphasized her passion for construction and used her experiences on the Catalyst project as an example.
I’ve never been a big fan of heights, so I didn’t really love the idea of having to go up to the top floor of the Catalyst building while it was still unfinished. A slab of concrete over Houston? But in the end, it was one of the best experiences I’ve had in my life. I witnessed the creation of a place where people are going to live, laugh, and make memories.
Along with the school’s director, Steve Guerrero, professor and organizer Mark Kerrissey, and other faculty members, students carefully listened to the talk. Gabby invited them to consider a career path in civil engineering and construction, highlighting the importance of these fields for community development.
In order for us to rebuild infrastructure in the United States in the next 30 years, we’ll have to draw on all of our talent. Gabby has brought us the inspiration. The next step is building our East End workforce while we rebuild the new institute.
Said Mark Kerrissey while thanking Gabby and Webber Commercial for their participation in the series.
It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, there will always be a place at the table for you, and the world will be a better place because of you. If I can do it, so can you.
Was Gabby’s closing remark to the students.
