Woman in Construction 2025: Jackie Ruhlin
WIC SPOTLIGHT 2025
Name
Jackie Ruhlin
Company
Construction Employers Association
Job Title
Director of Member Engagement
How many years have you worked in the industry?
16 Years
What attracted you to the construction industry and what do you enjoy most about your job?
What attracted me to the construction industry was that there were so many interesting and different topics to learn about. Construction was not something I was familiar with when I went to college for Civil Engineering. With things always changing in the field and as a project comes together, it made every day interesting. I believe it is important to really love what you do, and being in the construction industry with so many changing and challenging parts made it easy to enjoy. What I enjoy the most about my job now is that I get to interact with so many different people and that I get to help our members.
Have you had any mentors throughout your career? If so, who were they and how did they help you in your career.
Yes. Early on, Jason Tucker was the reason I had decided I wanted to get into project management for a heavy civil contractor, because of how easily he managed people and in a respectful way. Additionally, Jeremy Levenson was another one who helped me down the project management path with suggestions, coaching and by being a sounding board the further I got into my career. Jeremy got me involved in a lot of different things and I wouldn’t have gotten where I had been without him.
What advice would you give other women that are considering or new to the construction industry?
Jump right in and be yourself. This industry benefits from people with different backgrounds and mindsets, use your differences to stand out and highlight your strengths. Don't be afraid to meet and talk to new people and keep a team-work attitude. Be confident in what you say and do, while still being able to take advice and constructive criticism well. Also, no one expects you to know everything when you are new at it, so ask questions!
Tell us what you like to do in your free time or give a fun fact about yourself.
In my free time I enjoy reading, cooking, playing with my niece & nephew and checking out new restaurants with my husband. A fun fact... I have a twin sister.