AECOM Associate Vice President, Project Manager Roxana Escobar Kariyannis is one of several women highlighted by the New York Real Estate Journal (NYREJ) in its Women in Construction Spotlight.

She discusses her greatest achievements, her influences and her advice to women starting a career in the construction industry.

What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months?

"Working as the project manager on the construction completion of the first net zero STEM building in Long Island, NY for Suffolk County Community College, alongside our talented AECOM B+P team. It has been an honor to work alongside them while also mentoring the local Brentwood High School students through the ACE mentoring program to inspire students to join our industry through this AIA LI award winning building," says Roxana.

Starting out in the construction business, who or what empowered you?

"The one key person that has always supported me was my mother, Vilma Escamilla. There was always such a strong conviction when she advised me when I was younger. She always believed in me and that I could achieve anything I put my mind to in architecture and engineering. We moved to the U.S. due to the civil war in El Salvador, and she knew that the destruction we had endured alone would become a driving force behind my goals, and she was completely right," she adds.

What advice would you offer to other women getting into the construction industry?

"Believe in yourself, create a strong support system around you, mentor others and don’t ever forget those who helped you throughout your career," Roxana concludes.

Looking to further your career in the construction sector?

From flexible work options that help you balance the demands of work and life, to learning and growth programs that advance your career and the potential of working on projects around the world, the career opportunities with AECOM are appealing. 

Find out more