2023 Women in Construction: Jane Marie DeSimone, H2M architects + engineers

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Which professional associations or organizations would you recommend to women who are starting out in the AEC industry? The industry has many valuable organizations. It is important to understand what you are looking to achieve by joining and finding the right fit. For me, I was looking for networking with other professional women. LIBI (Long Island Builders Institute) and CIBS (Commercial Industrial Brokers Society) have the right cultures. LIBI’s diverse membership offers networking opportunities through their committees and women’s group. CIBS’ women’s group’s culture and events foster a community of business growth for professional women. I wish someone had told me earlier how beneficial joining these organizations would be to my career development.

What was a pivotal point in your career? As a sole proprietor for 10 years, I relied on myself for everything, from client contact to project completion. While overwhelming, it allowed me the flexibility to raise my family. Once my children grew up, I joined H2M to expand my career. It was an adjustment to lead, mentor, manage and delegate. H2M offers employees Learning and Development directly with the C-Suite. This investment gave me the confidence to advocate for good design and sustainability and earn my WELL AP. This pivotal experience allowed me to develop into the experienced architect I am today.