Sonia Mantzouridou Onasi
She is a construction and real estate development professional currently working as a Preconstruction Manager in New York City, with a background that bridges both the technical and strategic sides of building.
Originally from Greece, she moved to the United States at 18 years old, an experience that shaped her independence, resilience, and ability to adapt quickly in new environments. Throughout her career, she has been drawn to roles that challenge her to think critically, take ownership, and see the bigger picture beyond just execution.
Alongside her work in construction, she is also a certified yoga teacher. This practice has played a significant role in how she approaches both her personal life and her career, helping her stay present, grounded, and intentional, especially in high pressure environments where clarity and decision making are critical.
She is passionate about bringing that balance into everything she does, combining structure, strategy, and problem solving with self awareness and strong intuition. She believes that how you show up matters just as much as what you deliver, and that the most effective leaders are those who can create both results and environments where people feel supported and empowered.
• Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering
• Masters in Mechanical Engineering
• Professional Women in Construction
• Hellenic Professional Women Group
• Women in Finance and Construction
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of discipline, curiosity, and staying connected to who I am outside of my career.
I moved to the U.S. from Greece at 18 and had to learn how to navigate a completely new environment on my own. That experience taught me resilience early on, but also the importance of trusting my judgment and building meaningful relationships.
Professionally, I’ve always been someone who is willing to step into challenges, solve problems, and take ownership, especially in high pressure environments like construction and development.
At the same time, becoming a yoga teacher has played a significant role in my growth. It has helped me stay present, grounded, and intentional in the way I approach both my work and my life.
For me, success isn’t just about achievements, it’s about alignment. When I feel clear, focused, and connected to my values, I’m able to show up at my best.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve received is to trust my judgment, even when I don’t have all the answers.
In fast paced environments, especially in construction and development, you’re often required to make decisions quickly. Early in my career, I would second guess myself, thinking I needed more experience before speaking up.
What I’ve learned is that your perspective has value, and confidence comes from taking action, not waiting for certainty.
That shift helped me become more decisive, more confident, and more effective in my role.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to never play yourself small and never underestimate your knowledge and intuition.
You may find yourself in situations where people challenge you or question your perspective in ways you didn’t expect. It’s important to stay grounded and not let that shake your confidence.
At the same time, be patient with yourself. Experience takes time, and there is real value in learning, observing, and continuously improving in your field.
But patience should not come at the cost of self trust. You have to be willing to speak up, make decisions, and even make mistakes. That’s how you grow.
Trust yourself, take ownership, and learn from every experience. Over time, that combination of confidence and continuous learning is what will truly set you apart.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the ongoing challenges in the construction industry is that women often have to put in more effort to be recognized and fully trusted in their roles.
There can still be a double standard in how communication and leadership styles are perceived. Qualities like directness or assertiveness may be viewed differently depending on who is expressing them, which can make it feel like you have to be very intentional with how you show up every day.
At the same time, I see this as a major opportunity. Women bring a combination of empathy, intuition, and strong risk awareness that is incredibly valuable, especially in complex, high stakes projects.
As the industry continues to evolve, there is more space for diverse leadership styles, and I believe that teams perform better when those perspectives are not only included but truly valued.
For me, the opportunity lies in continuing to show up with confidence, lead with both clarity and empathy, and help shift the culture toward a more balanced and inclusive way of working.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me, both in my work and personal life, are transparency, trust, collaboration, and positivity.
I believe in open communication and strong listening, making sure people feel heard, respected, and included. Collaboration, to me, is about creating space for different perspectives and working together toward better outcomes.
I also carry a mindset that no matter how complex a challenge may be, there is always a solution. That sense of optimism helps me stay grounded and focused, especially in high pressure environments.
Most importantly, I value creating environments where people feel comfortable being themselves. Whether it’s coworkers or team members, I want them to feel supported and able to speak openly, without feeling like they’re walking on eggshells.
To me, values are not just ideas, they are reflected in how you show up every day and how you make others feel.
Locations
Mega Contracting Group
Astoria, NY