Her Story
About Barbie
Barbie Bostwick, PMP, is a construction project management professional with approximately 19 years of experience in the construction industry. She specializes in commercial building projects, project coordination, field operations, construction documentation, permitting, estimating, and financial administration. Her career began in construction accounting, before progressing through assistant project management and project management roles to senior project management. She currently serves as a Senior Project Manager at , Jaxi Builders, where she brings extensive experience in managing complex construction projects and coordinating the teams and processes required for successful project delivery. Bostwick earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management from Florida International University and an Associate of Science in Business Administration from Johnson & Wales University. Her educational journey also included culinary school before she transitioned toward business and construction, ultimately pursuing construction management at FIU. During her time at FIU, she and her team earned first place in the Senior Project Competition in Spring 2013. She also earned the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification through the Project Management Institute and holds a Procore Certified: Project Manager at GC (Financial Management) credential. Her professional experience includes work with Jaxi Builders, Lemartec Corporation, Suffolk Construction, H&M Builders, ASR Construction, and Moss & Associates. Bostwick attributes her success to her passion for construction and her genuine enjoyment of the work, particularly the coordination required to bring projects together and the lasting nature of the structures she helps create. She credits her father’s advice to follow her dreams and never give up as an important influence on her career. As a woman working in a traditionally male-dominated industry, she has also faced the challenge of having her passion and assertiveness interpreted differently because of gender stereotypes. Her advice to the next generation of women entering construction is to pursue their dreams, remain resilient when faced with obstacles, and move forward even when they are afraid. Her career reflects a combination of technical construction knowledge, project management experience, persistence, and a strong passion for creating work that leaves a lasting impact.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Barbie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my passion for what I do. I genuinely enjoy my work and love getting up in the morning and going to work. I especially enjoy the coordination involved in construction and the opportunity to bring together the many elements required to complete a project successfully. I also take pride in the fact that the work I help create can stand for years. I think of each completed project as my “museum”—something tangible that represents the work, effort, and passion I put into my career. I have also had great mentors throughout my career, Adelino "Augie" Agostinho whi gave me the opportunity and Elizabeth Lamborghini for taking me under her wing.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to follow my dreams and never give up, no matter what challenges I face. My dad always told me that even when I am scared, I should keep going and finish what I started. That advice has stayed with me throughout my career and has encouraged me to continue moving forward even when the path has been difficult or uncertain.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering the construction industry to follow their dreams and never give up, no matter how difficult the journey becomes. There will be challenges and moments when you are afraid or uncertain, but those moments should not prevent you from pursuing what you want. Even when you are scared, go for it. Stay committed to your goals and keep moving forward, because at the end of the journey, there can be something incredibly rewarding waiting for you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I have experienced as a woman in construction is being heard and having my passion for the work recognized appropriately. Women can sometimes be perceived differently when they are assertive or passionate, while the same behavior from a man may be viewed simply as passion or leadership. One of the hardest parts is making sure that my determination and enthusiasm for my work are recognized for what they are, rather than being dismissed through stereotypes. I believe that being seen and respected for my abilities, contributions, and passion is an important part of succeeding as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is very important for me.
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