Influential Woman · Construction Technology

April McKnight

Python, SQL, VBA

Project Controls and Analytics Manager, Kitchell

Phoenix, AZ 85016

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Business Administration degree from Colorado Technical University Degree Computer Science degree from Colorado Technical University Degree Accounting degree from Colorado Technical University Cert Python Cert SQL Cert VBA Member Lifetime Minutemen member of the Utah National Guard association

Her Story

About April

I began my construction career in the Army in 2013 as a heavy equipment operator. After deciding to go part-time military, I was working in manufacturing as a scheduler when someone pointed me to a scheduler position in construction - I didn't even know it existed. It turned out to be a path back to construction, so I guess luck landed me back where I am. Now I work in construction technology, which is a niche industry. We do construction analytics and project management systems, building a lot of our own stuff. I work with a general contractor and a capital management group, taking construction information from the field and putting it into computers to help people better use the information they have. Construction is still very paper-pencil, so getting them to put stuff in the computer and gain insight from it is kind of a new thing. Especially with AI, they're super far behind, so getting them caught up in a way that makes sense so they can start using what other industries are using is where I landed. I just got medically retired after 13 years in the military.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with April

01What do you attribute your success to?

Being loud and opinionated. Throughout my career, especially being both technical and in construction where there aren't a lot of women, I've learned that you have to take up space and not be afraid to be who you are. You're probably the smartest person in the room, so don't hold back. That mindset of being vocal and standing firm in my opinions has been the key factor to my success over the years.

02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

Take up space. Don't be afraid to be who you are. There aren't a lot of women in this industry, especially in both technical and construction roles, and I think it's important to just say, hey, we're here. Don't be afraid of some of the stereotypes that are around. You're probably the smartest person in the room, so be confident in that and don't hold back.

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