Her Story
About Sunny
I started in this field out of necessity after getting out of a domestic violence situation. I needed insurance and good pay, and as the daughter of a farmer I knew I could work hard. I decided to be the best I possibly could. I worked my way up, becoming a foreman and then general foreman. Recently I was the general foreman over low voltage for one of the nation's largest construction projects, running multiple crews. I was the only female general foreman on that project. I also help mentor younger women in the trades who are struggling with the male-dominated environment.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sunny
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to trying to prove people wrong. My stubbornness and my ability to take it as a personal challenge when people tell me I can't do something. I don't fight back with words, I just prove it with my actions.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received was you don't have to be the loudest one in the room. You have to be the one that can prove your work ethic. The guys just want to know that you can do the work, and if you do the work, then they'll give you the respect you're owed.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say, keep your head down and do the work, just like everybody else, and you will find your way to the top of the ladder. Your work speaks for itself. Watch where your foot placement is to get to the top of the ladder, not where your head's going.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge a woman faces in our industry is other women not being champions of other women. Women want to prove themselves so much they tend to step on each other instead of raising each other up. Men are hard to get along with, but when the women are fighting amongst themselves, it makes it even harder.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My family is the one thing I value the most, and respect just for your other humans. Those would be my two biggest values.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.