Influential Woman · Project Management

Stephanie Buigas

Sr. Associate Project Manager, {{off} VVA Project & Cost Managers

Miami, FL

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Bachelor's in Industrial Engineering Degree 2007 Degree Master's in Construction Management Degree 2009 Cert LEED AP

Her Story

About Stephanie

On a daily basis, we meet and coordinate with all of our clients and partners to continue to push the progress of the project forward, making sure that our schedules and budgets are met. We try our best to progress each project, even if it's just one step at a time, or one little bit, and to understand that our clients' projects and intents are being met - that all the needs are being met of our client. We work with building regulations, lease agreements, and making sure that all the contracts align. As project managers, we set the tone for these projects, and we set the tones for these teams that have never worked together, or sometimes work together daily. We work with a lot of global firms, so we are constantly putting our local flair in these projects while educating our local teams and keeping the standards and expectations of our clients.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Stephanie

01What do you attribute your success to?

I would say being able to find a solution, to be solution-driven. Versus looking for ways of things not making things work or not happen, I would say finding a solution.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

I would say that to complete a team, you need all kinds of people, and team members, and components, and puzzle pieces, and being able to find the best in every person, or every team member, or company that comes across you. So, being able to find purpose in each person and team member will create a successful atmosphere for the projects.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I would say to be confident. Not knowing things is okay, just being confident and capable, you know, to listen, and ask questions with open ears.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

I think the biggest challenge in our field is communicating with all the moving parts, and being able to let our clients know what the entire project entails. So, meeting these deadlines that have been set and making sure every single person knows when and where they need to be to make it happen. We have to control moving building regulations, lease agreements, and just making sure that all the contracts align.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

I would say I value being unique and different, to be able to see projects from different views. I find a lot of value in that. I guess being confident would kind of fall in there, too, and I'd say being open-minded.

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