Her Story
About Vedas
Vedas H. Bey is a government construction project management professional with more than 20 years of experience leading complex public-sector construction and capital improvement projects for the State of Maryland. She specializes in government construction contract management, overseeing large, high-profile projects from planning and procurement through construction, occupancy, and project closeout.
Throughout her career, Vedas has managed projects supporting numerous Maryland state agencies, including the Department of Planning, Department of Labor, Office of the Public Defender, Maryland State Police, and the Maryland Cannabis Administration. She is responsible for coordinating multidisciplinary teams, contractors, consultants, executive leadership, and government officials to successfully deliver state-owned and leased facility projects that support critical public services.
Recognized for her strategic leadership, technical expertise, and collaborative approach, Vedas is passionate about developing innovative solutions while building strong relationships among diverse stakeholders. She is especially committed to expanding opportunities for women in construction and project management, serving as a role model who demonstrates that leadership, determination, and technical excellence can break barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Committed to lifelong learning, Vedas is currently pursuing a law degree and plans to begin law school next spring. Her legal education complements her extensive experience in construction management by strengthening her knowledge of contracts, procurement, compliance, negotiation, and public policy.
Outside of her professional career, Vedas is deeply dedicated to community service. She volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, where she helps reconstruct homes and supports construction projects for families in need. She also volunteers with local food banks and Birthdays for Homeless Children in Baltimore, reflecting her commitment to strengthening the communities she serves.
Looking toward the future, Vedas is developing a construction and project management apprenticeship program designed to equip high school students with practical skills, career pathways, and mentorship opportunities. Through her leadership, service, and commitment to education, she strives to inspire the next generation of professionals while leaving a lasting impact on both the construction industry and the communities it serves.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Vedas
01What do you attribute your success to?
I have a passion for the industry. When you're in construction you see the way men do business. If women designed this then I wouldn't have to walk farther to use the bathroom. I have to stay in this field because I have to be able to motivate those that see me out there doing the work. You never know who's looking at you, it could be a little young girl or any woman that sees you and says I can do that too. Even men who never thought about doing construction say if she can do it I can do it too. You're always motivating everyone.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received was, "Build your reputation before you build your title." That advice taught me that integrity, consistency, and the quality of your work create opportunities long before a promotion or credential does.
Throughout my career in government construction project management, I've learned that leadership is earned by solving problems, building trust, and delivering results. Every project is an opportunity to demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and a commitment to serving others. Those experiences have opened doors to increasingly complex projects and leadership roles.
As I pursue a law degree and prepare for law school, that advice continues to guide me. Education expands my knowledge, but my reputation is built through my actions, the relationships I develop, and the impact I make on my colleagues, my community, and the next generation of professionals I hope to mentor.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
In the industry of construction you really gotta depend on yourself as a woman. Even though we are in a male-dominated field we're not gonna be welcomed into the good old boy network. Being that you're always on the outside looking in you have to develop your own path whether that's continuing your education getting more training and honing in on your real skill sets. Don't jump into the field thinking that someone's gonna give you a hand up. You're going to have to figure it out by yourself which is pursue additional degrees pursue additional training join networks that welcome women in construction and professional networking opportunities where there are like-minded women to give you that support system.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in government construction project management is delivering complex public projects while balancing budgets, schedules, regulatory requirements, and the expectations of multiple stakeholders. Public-sector projects require transparency, accountability, and collaboration, and project managers must be able to adapt quickly to changing priorities, supply chain disruptions, evolving regulations, and funding constraints without compromising quality or public trust.
At the same time, the industry presents tremendous opportunities. Advances in project management technology, digital collaboration tools, data analytics, and sustainable building practices are transforming how projects are planned and delivered. There is also a growing need to develop the next generation of skilled professionals. Creating pathways through mentorship, apprenticeships, and workforce development programs is essential to addressing workforce shortages and ensuring the construction industry continues to thrive.
I believe one of the greatest opportunities is increasing diversity within the profession. By encouraging more women and young people to pursue careers in construction and project management, we can bring new perspectives, strengthen leadership, and build a more innovative and resilient workforce that is prepared to meet the challenges of the future.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my professional and personal life are integrity, service, leadership, and continuous growth.
Integrity is the foundation of everything I do. In government construction project management, every decision impacts public resources and the communities we serve. I believe in being accountable, transparent, and following through on my commitments, even when faced with difficult decisions.
Service is equally important. Whether I'm managing state construction projects or volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, local food banks, or Birthdays for Homeless Children in Baltimore, I believe success is measured not only by professional achievements but also by the positive impact we have on others.
I also value leadership through empowerment. As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, I strive to lead by example and encourage other women and young people to pursue careers in construction, project management, and leadership. I believe true leadership is about creating opportunities, mentoring others, and helping people realize their potential.
Finally, I am committed to lifelong learning. Pursuing a law degree while continuing my career reflects my belief that growth never stops. Every new challenge, educational experience, and project is an opportunity to become a better leader, make more informed decisions, and better serve my profession and community.
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