Oriel Selver: Island Tough
Oriel Selver wears many hats. She’s a former healthcare professional. She’s an educator. She’s the author of the children’s book “Connie Loves Construction” and songwriter. And she wears a hard hat as the owner of her business Selver and Company Construction. On top of that she splits her time between operating her business in Atlanta and the island nation of Turks and Caicos where she is originally from.
Anticipating taking over her father’s HVAC business in Turks and Caicos, Oriel began studying the subject in 2015 in Atlanta and completed her program in 2019. She also earned a certificate in construction management. From there she joined a construction company but experienced several incidents of sexual harassment from both men and women. After her boss essentially pitted her against another woman, she left for a black, female-owned construction company, but was unable to escape unfair treatment there as well. “My boss told me that if I ever left her, I would have to go back to school for more education. So, I quit and went into business for myself,” Oriel says.
Today her company provides estimating, material takeoff, help with vendor services, and provides project management supportive services. It also provides education and workforce development.
She describes some of the other challenges that she dealt with. “It wasn’t ability to get job done. It was balancing my femineity. Things like knowing that I didn’t need makeup to go to work. But also transitioning from being a in healthcare where you’re loving and caring and hugging your patients. In construction some things you do are hardcore.” She chuckles, “I definitely adopted profanity. But what I didn’t know at first was how exciting it would be to see a skyscraper come together from the ground up.”
Was there ever a time when she thought, ‘I can’t do this?’ Her answer is simple, “No. I had my son when I was just 16. I grew up tough.” So, what defines toughness for her? “Never giving up. Learning to pivot. Don’t take it laying down. As long as you’re breathing you have time to figure it out. Find people to support you.”
Some of the best advice she ever received came from a woman who encouraged her to be patient. “She told me that Rome wasn’t built overnight, which is a cliché. But when you’re dealing with the unknown you need to take your time and have patience. That’s definitely a key. I’ve been in this space for 10 years now. On island (Turks and Caicos), there are very few women in construction and men feel that women should be doing other things.
Here she credits NAWIC with being a huge support for her. “Initially I didn’t know about NAWIC, I knew about NABWIC. I was with them first. But I felt like you’re a woman first and then your race. We’re all women, experiencing the same things. NAWIC has been helpful and not just the Atlanta chapter, but everywhere. They become your extended family. I’m grateful for them.”
Asked if it’s harder for women to succeed in construction than it is for men, her response is a little unexpected, “I’m going to say no. I think it’s as hard as you make it. I’ve seen in providing education where men have challenging backgrounds, too. I think it’s challenging for both sides, depending on your background. I know a lot of men who can’t participate in all phases. They can’t get clearance for a military base or airport. Women can go as far as they like.”
Oriel is especially appreciative of her father’s influence on her career. “My dad. So supportive. Even now. One of my builds is a house on a plot of land that he gave me on the island. It really saddens me when my brothers are not around, and people say she must be his favorite. He says, ‘No she’s the best.’ I’m still the girl.”
She also suggests that NAWIC can be a huge help for women looking to build a career in construction. “Join your local chapter. You need support from all aspects training, leadership development courses, and members who have been around and proven themselves. NAWIC prides themselves on the personal growth of their members. The possibilities are endless!”
