Joyce Barnes

Joyce Barnes has built a distinguished career spanning nearly 39 years in engineering and construction management, specializing in roads, highways, and infrastructure projects. She launched her professional journey right after college at the Illinois Department of Transportation, dedicating 10 years to field experience on Department of Transportation projects, which she describes as foundational training. After that, she transitioned to Baskor, a woman-owned company that was later acquired by Tylin International, where she has contributed for the past 28 years in inspector and construction management capacities. A graduate of a technical school in Chicago followed by college, Barnes initially aspired to architecture but gravitated toward on-site work. She is a member of the Women in Transportation organization in Chicago and was honored with the Rosa Parks Diversity Award. Barnes attributes her success to strong communication abilities and emotional intelligence that allow her to navigate male-dominated environments while remaining authentic, and she stresses the importance of finding a supportive tribe both professionally and personally. She actively mentors young women through high school programs and lunch-and-learns, advising them to know their craft, seek strong mentors, and prioritize workplaces where they can be themselves and find happiness.