2021 Women in Building Services: Karolina Castro, Metropolis Group Inc.

Name: Karolina Castro

Title: Senior Project Manager

Company Name: Metropolis Group Inc.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A professional volleyball player.

What led you to your current profession?

After a victorious high school and collegiate athletic career, I decided to proceed in anything that stayed in tune with my competitive nature and work in a male dominated industry. Graduating with a BA in Economics led me to my first profession as an executive assistant where I swiftly grasped an interest in building codes and zoning laws.

What trends will dominate your industry in the coming months?

In light of the pandemic, most procedures have required to be accessed or attained electronically. This advanced e-filing system appointed for all city agencies, was quite alarming in its own distinctive manner. Yet once we alleviated the concern for error, we adapted to it in a flawless way. Plan examiner appointments and responding to objections have been in a constant state of flux. The DOB Now and the FDNY Business Portal contributed an excess amount to our development in accomplishing our duty and meeting all criteria expeditiously.

In the past year, what project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of?

I applauded the opportunity to work on the Disney Galaxy project at Hudson Square which consumes an entire city block in which a total of five buildings were demolished in order to proceed with a plan of action. To begin the excavation work on the east side of the lot, while demolishing the remainder of the buildings to the west was at its highest focal point in order to preserve structure in a timely manner. Neither of which, would be accomplished without our endless commitment to receive approval from the Dept of Buildings. In our endeavor to fulfill this proposed 19-story gem, I led a team of engineers, architects, owners rep’ and contractors through the most onerous project I have yet to come across.

Who was/is your mentor and how she/he influence helping you in your career?

My parents had a dream, saw an opportunity, clawed at it and never looked back. Their strength and courage to leave their native land of Poland for a healthier and more educated life for my brother and I may go unnoticed but never under appreciated.

How do you contribute to your community or profession?

In this male dominated industry, I take enlightenment into helping all women reach their fullest potential.

What books or social media influencers would you recommend to other women?

Since I’m pursuing a MBA in Real Estate at Rutgers Business School, I spend most of the free time reading textbooks, cases and articles for class.