Julia Santana

I attribute my success to the way I was raised. I grew up in a hardworking environment, and that work ethic has stayed with me throughout my life. I believe in giving my all—showing up fully and giving 100 percent, both professionally and personally. I’ve never viewed success as splitting myself between work and home; instead, I strive to be fully present and committed in every area of my life.

I’m driven not only by professional goals, but by personal ones as well. I set high standards for myself based on my own values, and that’s how I measure success—by meeting the goals I set for myself and staying true to who I am. I believe that approaching life and work this way allows me to grow, move forward, and succeed the right way.

The best advice I’ve ever received was to take ownership of my career growth and not wait for leadership to create opportunities for me. I’m the only one who truly knows where I want to be at each stage of my career, and I’m also the only one who can define and measure my success. That mindset has empowered me to be intentional, proactive, and aligned with my own goals every step of the way.

The biggest advice I wish I had received earlier is not to take everything you’ve been through too seriously. Every decision you make shapes where you go next, but what’s behind you doesn’t have to define what’s ahead. The past should stay in the past—what truly matters is how fully you show up moving forward.

Success is possible at any age, not just early on. I started my career in the construction industry later than most, and I’ve exceeded every expectation—including my own. Growth comes from committing to each decision with intention, learning along the way, and continuing to move forward with confidence. When you do that, success naturally follows.

The biggest challenges are the way the construction is perceived since most women believe this is a male only industry. While it is a male dominated industry, there is ample opportunity for women to make a difference in this industry and to make a career if they put in the work.

The opportunities are in every aspect of construction, it is 2026, and the construction industry is more open to inclusion.

One of the core values I carry—both personally and professionally—is the belief that we should treat people the way they want to be treated, not simply the way we want to be treated ourselves. What feels respectful or supportive to me may not feel the same to someone else, and that awareness matters.

I make a conscious effort to pay attention, listen, and remain mindful of people’s individual needs, cultures, and differences—especially in a diverse place like Texas, where there’s such a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. This is something I practice every day, both at home and at work. It’s a value I’ve instilled in my children and one I strive to live by: meet people where they are, with respect and understanding, knowing that looks different for everyone.