Maritza Reyes

I started my construction career over 20 years ago as a consultant for a temporary agency working with the School Construction Authority, where I began as an administrative assistant helping project officers with documentation for the reconstruction of New York City schools. From there, I worked on the Build It Back project after Hurricane Sandy, and then on the Delta terminal at LaGuardia Airport in Queens, New York. What I do today is basically assist project managers by keeping documents in order and ensuring that engineers, architects, and contractors are using the latest and greatest drawings, specifications, and RFIs. I handle submittals and everything that has to do with construction documentation. One of my most challenging and rewarding accomplishments was about two years ago when I was assigned to review invoices for contractors during emergency construction for the School Construction Authority. It was the first time I had to review invoices, making sure employees were paid the correct hourly rate for the union and that everything matched - the people working, the hours they were claiming, the signing logs, the time and material records, and the timesheets. I had to verify materials used and hours worked for large invoices over $500,000. Though they say it's not accounting, you have to make sure they're charging the right amount. It was a huge challenge for me because it was new, but thankfully I overcame those challenges and learned what I had to do. What I love most about my work is that we are building things that are needed - people are going to be using them and feeling more comfortable. For the schools, it was making sure the building is always safe for the children and teachers. For the terminal at LaGuardia, it was about more convenient and safety and easier access for travelers.