Celia Veloz has worked as the client, the consultant, and – now – the supplier in the world of transportation projects.

“I’ve come full circle,” Veloz says of her career. “I’ve been involved in everything from feasibility studies to construction plan development and review, and now I get to be out in the field, watching these projects come to life. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the impact of your work at every stage of a project’s lifecycle.”

Veloz is a licensed professional engineer with 21-years of experience in the construction industry.  She graduated from the University of Texas, El Paso, and her first post-degree job was with the Texas Department of Transportation. “I was involved in both developing construction plans and performing construction inspections simultaneously. On one project, I was responsible for both the full design and the construction oversight. That early hands-on experience eventually led me to serve as a District Construction Engineer, where I oversaw construction projects across six counties in the El Paso District.”

In her latest career move, she works for a supplier of concrete, hot mix asphalt, aggregates, and precast bridge elements. “I’m learning the business side and helping to develop properties for future growth opportunities.” She’s only been on this side of construction projects a short time, but in that time, “I see and feel the respect of my colleagues at each level of in the organization. One item that may seem insignificant but is highly appreciated is having women’s restrooms available at all our job sites.”

As a woman in the industry, Veloz has experienced some adversity beyond bathroom availability. “One of the greatest challenges I’ve faced…has been earning respect in environments that have traditionally been male-dominated—a challenge that, in some ways, continues to this day. I’ve often had to prove my capabilities through consistent performance, resilience, and professionalism.” But, she adds, some of her male colleagues have also been incredibly supportive and collaborative and helped to foster a more inclusive environment.

It’s women, though, that have helped the most. “I also have a few women in my life who share the same work ethic and truly support each other’s growth, which has been both rare and invaluable. It’s encouraging to see more women entering and advancing in the field, even though we remain underrepresented,” Veloz says.

The underrepresentation is something she hopes will change, especially as women advance in their careers. “I hope to see a future where women have the confidence to apply for jobs even if they don’t meet every single qualification. They should trust in their ability to learn and grow into the role, without feeling the need to prove themselves as ‘just as good’ or ‘better’ than their counterparts,” Veloz says, and then explains further. “The goal is for women to be recognized for their potential, not just their past experience, and to be supported in developing their careers without having to constantly prove their worth.”

Veloz is actively promoting change in the industry, even as her own career continues. “As I continue to learn and grow in my own career, my goal is to help as many women and men as possible in their own career journeys. I want to be a source of support and guidance, whether through mentorship, sharing my experiences, or offering advice to help others navigate challenges,” she says.  Her aim is to “create an environment where people feel empowered to pursue their aspirations, knowing they have the resources and encouragement to succeed.”

She’s both excited, and wrestles with, navigating the generational differences in the workforce and finding solutions for effective collaboration. “The younger generation entering the industry has certainly challenged me to be more patient and adaptable, especially in a post-COVID world. I’ve had to focus on encouraging communication and the importance of working together in person.”

But, it’s also exciting, Veloz says, because “it presents a new challenge for moving projects forward, whether in design or in the field, as this generation steps into leadership roles and takes on the responsibility of making critical decisions…it’s interesting to see how they’re gradually taking on these roles and adapting to the demands of leadership.”

Seeing the growth and success of those she’s mentored is an accomplishment Veloz takes pride in, she says. “Watching them develop their skills, take on new challenges, and advance in their own careers has been incredibly fulfilling.” Being a mentor has also helped Veloz grow as a professional and a leader. “It’s pushed me to stay sharp, continue learning, and lead by example.”

Veloz leads not just at her “day job” but also as a volunteer with NAWIC. She currently serves as the El Paso chapter’s director, as the regional membership chair, and the national WIC week chair.

NAWIC has opened doors “that I didn’t even know existed,” Veloz says. More than that, “it’s a powerful community of women who genuinely support one another—professionally and personally. The collaboration, encouragement, and shared experiences have been incredibly uplifting. I love the energy that NAWIC brings together, connecting incredible women across the industry.” She’s amazed that there are still so many women who haven’t discovered NAWIC yet and hopes more continue to find it.

When they do, it will help them take Veloz’s advice to women considering entering the construction industry.

“Find your tribe, surround yourself with supportive people, and take that first step with confidence,” she says. “It might feel intimidating at first but hold your head high and trust that you have what it takes to succeed in this industry.”

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