Her Story
About Mechelle
Mechelle Zorio is a project manager with 30 years of experience in the construction industry. She manages the construction activities for projects such as a 91-unit affordable housing building in San Jose for veterans coming off the street, an 8-story concrete structure. Zorio earned a degree in mathematics with emphasis in physics and computer science and a minor in English from St. Mary's College in Moraga. She attributes her success to hard work, education, and grit, including walking job sites to demonstrate her knowledge of safety and quality. Zorio is proud of projects providing housing for military families at Camp Park in the Livermore-Dublin area and for 68 homeless women with children in San Mateo. She advises going for opportunities even when unsure and encourages young women to own their work and prove their capabilities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Mechelle
01What do you attribute your success to?
A lot of hard work and education and grit to keep going. Even when people doubt you because you're female, you walk the job site, call things out, put the boots on and show you know what you're looking at regarding safety and quality.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Go for it even if you're not sure. Don't let your doubt and insight think you can't do it. You're more talented and capable than you think.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Own the work and be proud of knowing your information and proving yourself that way. The industry has gotten much better but don't let people tell you you're not capable because you're female.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Not having enough skilled labor to perform the work. Shortage of personnel who know how to be plumbers, electricians, and other trades, and also people who can manage the work with field experience.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
If you say you're going to do something, do it and stick to the timeline. Not lying. Those are the fastest way to upset me because I'm going to find out.
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