Her Story
About Venitra
Venitra Davis serves as a Safety Manager at The Conlan Company, where she oversees comprehensive safety operations for a new construction project in Newnan, Georgia. In this role, she manages a team of 17 safety professionals, ensuring safety compliance across 44 subcontractors and approximately 483 on-site workers. With 17 years of experience in the construction industry, Davis has developed extensive expertise in safety management, regulatory compliance, hazard prevention, incident investigation, and building a strong safety culture across complex project environments.
Davis began her career in Louisiana as the only female blaster painter in the South before transitioning into occupational health and safety following an on-the-job injury while working in the oil and gas industry. She gained six years of experience in the oil and gas sector, followed by five to six years in the nuclear industry, before advancing into construction safety leadership. Her first new construction assignment was at an electric vehicle battery plant in DeSoto, Kansas, where she further expanded her knowledge of large-scale project safety management. She holds numerous industry certifications, including NCCER, CSST, STS-C, CSM, CHST, OSHA 500, OSHA 510, OSHA 30, HAZWOPER, EM 385, First Aid/CPR/AED, and NFPA 70E training.
Throughout her career, Davis has been guided by mentorship and a commitment to continuous learning, crediting her mentor with helping shape her professional path, pursue key certifications, and develop a balanced approach to safety that integrates OSHA, ANSI, and client-specific requirements with a coaching-focused leadership style. Beyond her professional responsibilities, she is passionate about empowering others, particularly women entering the safety and construction industries. Through her social media platforms, Davis provides free support with resume development, job applications, and professional formatting, helping aspiring safety professionals build confidence and advance their careers.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Venitra
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the guidance and mentorship I have received throughout my career. My mentor played a significant role in shaping me into the safety professional I am today by encouraging me to pursue the necessary certifications, continuously expand my knowledge, and understand the differences between OSHA standards, ANSI requirements, client-specific regulations, and overall safety expectations. Beyond technical knowledge, she taught me the importance of building a strong safety culture by recognizing that effective safety leadership is not about simply enforcing rules. It is about coaching, mentoring, communicating, and understanding the diverse personalities and perspectives of the people I work with to create a safer and more collaborative work environment.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering the industry to understand the importance of professionalism and maintaining clear boundaries between personal and professional relationships. It is essential to recognize that being approachable and personable is valuable, but it must be balanced with confidence, credibility, and a strong understanding of the business side of the industry. Building respect requires demonstrating expertise, accountability, and professionalism while ensuring that relationships in the workplace remain focused on collaboration and achieving shared goals. By establishing themselves as knowledgeable and capable professionals, women can earn the respect and recognition they deserve in the field.
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