Nadia Holm's career got off to a rough start, but she quickly demonstrated that obstacles were not going to stop her. "I began working in environmental compliance," she says, "but it became clear early on that the company I worked for wasn't aligned with my values—especially after a supervisor told me that 'some things just need to be done by men.' That moment pushed me to seek an environment where I could grow based on my abilities, not my gender." 

She transitioned into environmental work within the construction industry. Construction was completely new to her, and she admits there was a steep learning curve. But she loved the energy of the industry, noting, "I thrived in the fast‑paced, ever‑changing environment and knew I had found the right path. Over time, my focus shifted toward safety, where I discovered my true professional passion." 

Today, Nadia is President of her own company, Oceania Safety and Environmental, which is based in Guam and provides industrial hygiene, safety, and environmental solutions to construction companies across the region. "Living on Guam comes with its own unique challenges," she noted, "In construction especially, you have to plan more carefully than you would almost anywhere else. Resources are limited, shipping takes time, and long lead times are simply part of the job. But it's work that challenges me, motivates me, and allows me to make a meaningful impact on the industry." 

For Nadia, it wasn't easy getting where she is today. She reflects on some of the obstacles she has run into. "Misogyny has been one of the most persistent challenges I've faced in my career," she says, "Sometimes it shows up in obvious, overt ways; other times it's subtle—quiet, almost invisible, but just as damaging. Stepping back and recognizing that expectations, workload, benefits, and compensation often don't align with those of my male counterparts is not only frustrating, it's unacceptable. Naming it for what it is has been an important part of refusing to normalize inequity and advocating for the standards all professionals deserve." 

She describes how she was able to fight against the tide. "When confronting gender inequity, I've often had to step back and evaluate my options—whether it was worth staying to fight the fight or whether it was time to move on. Each time, I ultimately chose to pursue better opportunities that offered fair compensation, a healthier work environment, and real room for growth. I've learned that if you're in a room full of people who don't recognize your worth, sometimes the most powerful move you can make is to walk into a different room." 

Nadia relates how NAWIC became a source of resiliency and inspiration. "NAWIC has helped me build a strong network of women who have navigated the same challenges I face in this industry. Having a community that understands the realities of gender inequity—both the obvious and the subtle—has been invaluable. We support and mentor one another, share strategies, and create space for each other to grow. That sense of solidarity makes the hard days easier and the victories even more meaningful." 

"I've often felt like I had to prove myself twice over to be taken seriously in construction. Because of that, I pursued additional education, earned more credentials, and pushed myself to be undeniably competitive. NAWIC reinforced that drive by surrounding me with women who are equally committed to excellence. That combination of support, knowledge, and confidence has been instrumental in giving me the courage and capability to start my own business." 

Advice also came from the home front. "My husband always reminds me not to take things personally and to avoid getting emotionally invested. It's good advice, and I'm learning how to integrate it into my life. In an industry where challenges can feel personal—especially for women—it's easy to absorb every slight or setback. But stepping back, separating emotion from intention, and choosing where to place my energy has helped me stay focused, protect my peace, and lead with clarity rather than reaction." 

So what does tough mean to Nadia? She describes it this way, "Being tough means being able to adapt in a constantly changing environment. It's about staying resourceful, innovative, and resilient so you can find solutions to the challenges we face every day. Toughness isn't about being hardened—it's about being flexible, thinking creatively, and having the determination to push through obstacles and deliver results. 

She recalls a good example of what she means. "I had been flirting with the idea of starting my own business for years, but I didn't yet have the courage to take the leap. Then a situation at the company I was working for left me feeling undervalued and disrespected, and it became the catalyst I needed. It pushed me to stop waiting for the 'right time' and start creating the future I wanted for myself. I walked into another room." 

Running her company is tough, but Nadia loves it. "Owning a business comes with its challenges, and I'm on a steep learning curve—but I'm embracing it. Every day I'm building something that reflects my values, my standards, and my vision. And even with the challenges, I have full confidence that I will be successful." 

Is it still harder for women to succeed in construction, or is at least getting better? She ponders for a moment, "I do think it's harder for women in this industry. We're often expected to work harder to prove ourselves and to be taken seriously, and we're challenged in ways that men simply aren't. The expectations, the scrutiny, and the pressure can feel heavier on our side of the table. The industry is improving, and I've seen real progress—but we still have a long way to go before gender equality becomes the standard rather than the exception." 

Still she's bullish on women joining the industry. "Real change has to start at the top. Leadership sets the tone for the entire organization, and without commitment from upper management, equity will never be more than a talking point. Companies need real systems—not just statements—to ensure fairness in opportunities, compensation, benefits, and expectations. When leadership establishes clear standards, holds people accountable, and builds a culture with zero tolerance for inequality, that's when meaningful progress happens. 

Asked who has been especially influential in her career, she can think of several examples and one in particular. "I've been fortunate to have many people influence and support me throughout my career. NAWIC has been instrumental in helping me connect with other women who understand the challenges of this industry, but I've also had strong advocates who are men. If I had to name the person who has had the greatest influence, it would be Johnny Cruz. He's an old friend and colleague who mentored me on my very first construction project and encouraged me to pursue a career in safety. That guidance changed the entire trajectory of my career—and my life—in a very positive way. I'm deeply grateful for his support, his belief in me, and the push he gave me at exactly the right time." 

She advises women entering the field to own their space, even when others don't make room. "You will be underestimated by some people," she warns, "but don't shrink to make them comfortable. Sometimes you have to be loud to be heard—use your voice, stand your ground, and don't apologize for taking up space. And just as important, learn to set healthy boundaries so you can stay committed to your work without being consumed by it. Boundaries protect your energy, your confidence, and your longevity in this industry." 

"Construction is still viewed as a "man's world" by some people, and there are those who believe women don't belong in this industry. But what this industry truly needs is intellect, skill, and talent—not stereotypes. Women are fully capable of doing everything that men can do, and we bring strengths that elevate teams, improve communication, and drive better outcomes. The idea that construction is gender‑specific is outdated. What matters is competence, commitment, and character—and women deliver all of that and more. 

Her closing advice is to never stop learning. "My parents are both educators, and they instilled the value of education in me from a young age. They taught me to use every opportunity to learn—about anything and everything—because knowledge is something no one can take away from you. That mindset has shaped my entire career. Education gives you the foundation you need to be successful in whatever you choose to pursue, and it has been one of the most important tools in my journey."