2021 Women in Building Services: Zoe Grossman, Bright Power

Name: Zoe Grossman

Title: Manager of New Construction

Company Name: Bright Power

Real estate associations or organizations that you are currently a member of: Urban Green Council, The Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA)

What led you to your current profession?

A passion to incorporate sustainability into the built environment in a way that positively impacts the residents of the community as well as the natural environment.

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

Recently, I’ve been performing construction inspections for 2050 Grand Concourse, a 96-unit affordable and supportive housing development that will house adults with chronic mental illness, as well as adults living with HIV/AIDS. It’s been thrilling to watch the building develop, especially knowing the residential population it will soon provide homes for.

Who was/is your mentor and how did s/he influence/help you in your career?

As a woman in the construction industry, my mentor Stephanie Lopez, helped give me a voice, as well as an example to follow, for navigating the day-to-day of field inspection and project management. We worked on a male-dominated construction project together, and her guidance helped me earn the respect of my colleagues.

What trends will dominate your industry in the coming months?

Electrification!

How do you contribute to your community or profession?

Mentor students from my alma mater, Lehigh University and help develop networking events as the co-chair of the Lehigh Alumni Sustainability Alliance (LASA).

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

I would highly recommend “All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis” by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katharine Keeble Wilkinson for any women passionate about the environmental movement.