Her Story
About Patricia
Patricia Belina Cruz is a Project Controls and cost management professional with extensive experience in construction program delivery, contract administration, and project accounting. She currently serves as a Project Controls Manager with Petteway Management Group, where she supports cost controls, project coordination, and contract oversight across active projects. Having previously worked with the organization in 2019–2020 before returning in 2026, she brings continuity, deep institutional knowledge, and a strong ability to align financial and operational project requirements in fast-paced environments.
Her journey in construction began in 1994 when she came to the United States from the Philippines on her own with only $20, starting at the very bottom as a telephone operator working with trunk lines. From there, she steadily advanced through multiple roles, including administrative support, document control, and project accounting. Each step built on the last, shaping her hands-on understanding of construction project workflows. She credits much of her growth to mentors and leaders who recognized her potential and gave her opportunities to learn, ultimately allowing her to develop a full-spectrum understanding of project delivery without a traditional construction background. Her career has included major assignments such as the Port of Long Beach Project with Arcadis.
Over the course of her career, Patricia has developed deep expertise in administration, contracts, project controls, billing, pay applications, program management, construction management, and document control. She is known for her ability to build systems, establish efficient processes, and train teams so that workflows can function independently once properly structured. Patricia thrives in dynamic environments, often seeking new challenges after several years in one role to maintain growth and engagement. With a strong foundation in both technical project controls and operational leadership, she continues to contribute to complex projects while bringing discipline, adaptability, and long-term value to every organization she supports.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Patricia
01What do you attribute your success to?
To people who took a chance on me. Also to excellent bosses who mentored me. I've learned a lot from them. There was a time when I was on a project, and I felt that people were not as bright and smart as I expected. So I talked to my ex-boss, and I told him, I don't know if learning from you, or learning what I know now, is a good thing or a bad thing. And he started laughing. Because, I mean, you don't want to be condescending, you know? But at the same time, you're in a higher position, and I expect more from you. So that's where I was like, why do I know this and you don't? And you're an Executive Vice President, or you're a principal. I said to him, I don't know if learning from you was a bad thing or a good thing. And he just cracked up.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Things are not always gonna go your way. And sometimes, something will happen that's the least of your expectations. Just get up and move on. Like, it's just, you know, added to experience. I had one that was really bad, and I moved on. I blocked everybody on my phone and moved on. I'll FedEx everything to you and be done with it.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Try not to be overwhelmed. Try to learn everything as much as you can. Those are all for your benefit. Those are all to your advantage. And don't get intimidated, because when you say construction, you'd think that it's male-dominated. So don't get intimidated by it, because most times you know more than they do.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Every time I start a project, or on a new job, that's always a challenge, you know. Of course, you're gonna get your feet wet, and try to learn so much in such you know, sometimes it's rushed, sometimes it gives you time, so it's all different, but getting into something new is always a challenge. But once you get to it, you know, I found out that I can only do 3 years. Three years in one task, unless you move me to another project, because it gets boring to me after a while. My mind gets - sometimes you get to the point, like, stagnant, you know? Sometimes, you know, attend a training, attend a seminar, attend a conference, or take on something new that's just keeping it more exciting, or, you know, challenging for me. Especially document control - if you're starting it, it's a challenge. But once I've set up policies, or what people need to do, it's gonna run on its own. People do what you train them to do. Otherwise, if there's no document control police, then it's all gonna be a mess at the end.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Ethics are the most important value in both my professional and personal life. I strongly believe that integrity guides every decision I make, even when choices are difficult or come with sacrifice. I often say that I may not end up wealthy, but my ethics will always remain with me. Staying true to my principles, being honest, and doing what is right regardless of circumstance are non-negotiables that define how I work, how I lead, and how I live.
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