Influential Woman · Federal Construction

Drashti Mistry

Assistant Project Manager, P&S Construction, Inc.

Tampa, FL

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Diploma in Architecture Degree Undergraduate Degree in Architecture from India Degree Master's in Construction from University of Florida

Her Story

About Drashti

My day starts early, often at 6:30 or 7:00 AM with calls from the site, as I lead three projects simultaneously as an Assistant Project Manager. Everyone from the site calls with questions, concerns, and follow-ups, which sets the tone for my day. I typically have one or two meetings throughout the day where I tackle client issues and bring solutions to the table. My key responsibilities include talking to subcontractors and getting them on board, processing and reviewing pay applications for subcontractors, creating payment applications for our clients, and preparing meeting minutes. I also handle submittals and requests for information, digging into questions to see if we can find answers ourselves or if we need to forward them to someone else. I review design drawings during the design process, commenting on them and checking if they're accurate or lacking something based on the proposal request. Throughout the day, I'm constantly following up with multiple stakeholders, architects, and subcontractors, calling all day and bringing solutions to the table. It's a demanding job that requires me to show up every day and go to site, but I love what I do throughout the year and don't want to go back to architecture.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Drashti

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to two things. One is my family, who supported me immensely - every day, every second, they motivated me and helped me in every way possible. The second thing is my determination and my strengths that led me to where I am currently. Having that family support while also maintaining my own inner drive has been crucial to my journey, especially as a new immigrant learning everything from scratch in a new industry and country.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

I was an architect by profession with my undergrad in architecture, and someone told me, 'Hey, try management.' I think that was my turning point. I looked it up and thought, 'Yeah, let's give it a shot,' and then here I am, loving my job and what I do throughout the year. I don't want to go back now. That simple suggestion to try management completely changed my career trajectory and led me to discover a field I'm truly passionate about.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

It's a welcoming industry for women. I think now there has already been a shift from a man-focused industry to a more co-ed kind of industry, and you're gonna love it. It is a demanding job, especially if you have family and stuff - you might have to leave them for some time - but it's challenging every day if you love challenges. You'll meet so many wonderful people, and it's gonna be a beautiful journey as a career in construction. Just know that the opportunities are endless, and even anyone with little to no knowledge in construction can get into construction. With consistency and persistence, they can be a great manager, a great construction person, or anything.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

Being a single mother, I find this industry does not offer mother-friendly options. You cannot be in both shoes - it's a demanding job where you have to go to site, you have to go to work, and show up every day, and there's little flexibility to it. That's the most challenging part for me. As a woman and first-time mom, I want to spend more time with my daughter, and there are little to no opportunities to address those needs. Finding the balance is challenging because of how demanding the job is. On the opportunities side, even anyone with little to no knowledge in construction can get into construction, and with consistency and persistence, they can be a great manager or construction professional. The opportunities are endless, even though there are challenges, especially for working mothers.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

Consistency is very important to me, both in my work and in my personal life. Following up and saying it's important - that's a very important value to hold, no matter how many times you fail. You have to be consistent about it. This value of persistence and consistency guides me through challenges and helps me maintain my commitment to both my professional responsibilities and my personal goals.

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