Her Story
About Jessica
Jessica Haynes is a Project Manager at Terracon in Longmont, Colorado, specializing in construction materials testing and inspection. She began her career with Terracon in 2001 as a construction inspector, entering a field where women were less commonly represented at the time. Over more than two decades with the company, Jessica has built broad experience across construction inspection, scheduling, proposal coordination, client development, marketing, and project management. Her career progression reflects her adaptability, curiosity, and willingness to take on new challenges. In her current role, Jessica manages approximately 30 to 40 projects across a diverse range of sectors, including multifamily residential, commercial, transportation and infrastructure, educational, medical, industrial, office and warehouse, and water and wastewater facilities. Her responsibilities include preparing proposals and cost estimates, managing project budgets and change orders, coordinating schedules, conducting pre-task planning and safety reviews, maintaining client relationships, and overseeing the quality of testing and inspection reports. Her strong commitment to client service was recognized with Terracon's Client Service Award in 2015, as well as an Outstanding Contributor – Administrative award in 2017. Beyond project management, Jessica is passionate about mentorship, leadership development, and supporting women in the construction industry. She has co-led one of Terracon's Increasing Women in Leadership employee resource groups and previously participated in the National Association for Women in Construction, where she contributed to the professional development of women in the field. Jessica credits her success to persistence, curiosity, continuous learning, reliability, and teamwork. She encourages women entering the construction industry to use their voices, take up space, and challenge themselves beyond their comfort zones while building dependable relationships and continuing to grow professionally.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jessica
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a strong sense of perseverance, an innate curiosity, and a growth mindset. I enjoy learning new skills, tackling unfamiliar challenges, and finding innovative ways to improve processes and outcomes. Just as importantly, I am a reliable and accountable team player who builds trust through consistent performance, open collaboration, and a willingness to support others. I believe that being someone others can depend on has been a key factor in both my personal success and the success of the teams I work with.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received has come from the mentors who have supported and challenged me throughout my professional journey, including my current manager and individuals I’ve connected with through the Increasing Women in Leadership program. Their guidance has helped me build confidence in my abilities, challenge myself professionally, and recognize opportunities for continued growth. These experiences have also shaped the kind of leader I want to be, inspiring me to provide the same encouragement, guidance, and support to other women that I’ve received throughout my own career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Make sure you recognize that your voice matters. Don't be afraid to take up space, share your ideas, and step outside your comfort zone. Growth happens when we challenge ourselves, and often it only takes one small success to build confidence. Once someone is given an opportunity to stretch beyond what they thought they could do and succeeds, they begin to realize they have the strength, resilience, and capability to keep pushing forward.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is advocating for ourselves, knowing how to negotiate like men do, and having the confidence to ask for what we want, such as recognition, raises, or promotions. Women often don't do it unless 100% sure.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Reliability, growth through continuous learning, teamwork, curiosity, family, and supporting others especially women in the industry.
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