Kimberly Norman-Rosedam

I attribute my success to my father. He’s 94 years old now, a former union mason and contractor, and he was my first teacher. At a time when it wasn’t common to bring daughters into the trades, he never saw limits for me. He didn’t separate what was “for boys” and what was “for girls”—he simply said, “Come on, I’ll show you.”

He taught me everything he knew, from the fundamentals of construction to the value of hard work and pride in what you build. More importantly, he treated me as an equal. That foundation shaped not only my skillset, but my confidence. It gave me the belief that I belonged in this industry and could succeed in it.

Everything I’ve built in my career stems from that early experience—being given the opportunity to learn, to grow, and to step into spaces where women weren’t always represented. I’m deeply grateful that he never limited me because of my gender. Instead, he empowered me, and that made all the difference.

I ever received came from a dear friend of mine Virginia (Ginny) who has since passed away from cancer. She told me, “Don’t let your age stop you—just keep moving forward.”

At the time, I had been accepted into building official school at 44 years old, and I hesitated. I questioned whether I was too old and whether I truly belonged as a woman entering the field at that stage in my life. But she didn’t let me stay in that doubt. She reminded me that you never know how taking a step forward can change not only your own life, but the world around you.

She encouraged me to go after it if it was something I truly wanted—and I did. That moment changed everything for me.

Her words stayed with me: don’t let anything hold you back, not even your age. If you want it, go for it. That advice didn’t just guide a decision—it completely transformed the trajectory of my career and my life.

Find a mentor—and don’t be afraid to ask questions. One of the most valuable things I’ve done throughout my career is learn from those who came before me. Their knowledge and experience are invaluable. In this field, someone has already faced the challenges you’re navigating, and learning what worked—and what didn’t—can make all the difference.

I also believe in the power of collaboration. As building officials, we don’t have all the answers, and that’s okay. What matters is being willing to learn, grow, and lean on your peers for guidance. I’m the first to say I don’t know everything, but I will always take the time to find the right answer and do things the right way.

Most importantly, don’t feel like you have to change who you are to succeed in a male-dominated industry. You don’t need to act like anyone else to earn respect. Be confident in who you are. I’ve built my career by standing firmly in my identity as a woman, and that authenticity is a strength—not a weakness. Respect comes from your knowledge, your work ethic, and your integrity. Stay true to yourself, and let that speak for you.

One of the biggest challenges in this field is that it remains male-dominated. There are still moments when people question your presence—“What are you doing here? What do you know?”—and feel the need to test your credibility. But I’ve learned to meet that with confidence. Once I start talking through the work, the job site, and the code, it becomes clear that I know exactly what I’m doing. Over time, I’ve learned not to let those moments intimidate me—they come with the territory, but they don’t define it.

At the same time, the opportunities in this field are tremendous. We are facing a significant shortage of building officials, particularly in Connecticut, where many professionals are nearing retirement. Departments are stretched thin, with inspectors often working across multiple municipalities just to keep up with demand. That creates a real need—and a real opening—for the next generation to step in.

That’s why I’m so passionate about advocacy and outreach. Many people don’t even realize this career path exists or understand how to enter it. I make it a point to speak with and encourage anyone who shows interest, because you never know who might thrive in this field if simply given the exposure and opportunity.

I especially want more women to consider this profession. It’s a field that has been overlooked and underrepresented, but one where women can truly excel. My goal is for others to see what’s possible, to feel inspired, and to recognize that there is space for them here. With the right support and visibility, more women can step into this industry—and help shape its future.

The values that matter most to me are integrity, accountability, and doing things the right way. In construction and code compliance, there’s no room for shortcuts—everything has to be done properly, safely, and with attention to detail. That standard carries over into how I approach both my work and my life.

Honesty and uplifting others are just as important. I believe people should feel confident coming to me, knowing they’ll receive clear, honest guidance they can trust. Whether it’s a contractor, a homeowner, or a colleague, I take that responsibility seriously. Being someone others can rely on—especially when they’re making important decisions—means everything to me.

I also believe in maintaining a strong personal code of ethics and leading by example. When you operate with integrity, people see it, and over time, that builds trust. For me, that trust is one of the most meaningful parts of what I do. When someone reaches out for advice and genuinely values my perspective, it reinforces the importance of doing this work with care, consistency, and respect.