Women in construction may once have been rare, but today they are helping shape job sites and boardrooms alike.
In Houston, a mother and her two daughters are doing just that at Skanska USA Building. They are helping build major projects and careers rooted in mentorship, growth and family support.
Laura Flores has spent nearly 20 years with the company. She began as a receptionist with no construction background and worked her way up to executive assistant supporting three national groups.
As a single mother, she sometimes brought her young daughters, Veronica and Daniela, to the office during late nights. The girls helped organize supplies and greeted employees, unknowingly getting an early introduction to the construction world.
Skanska's emphasis on mentorship, Laura Flores said, made the difference. Early guidance from experienced administrators gave her the foundation to grow, and that culture of support continues today.
Both daughters eventually forged their own paths into the business.
Veronica Urquidi joined the company in 2023 as a field admin before transitioning into an assistant project accountant role. Coming from a medical background, she faced a steep learning curve but gained broad exposure to field operations, contracts and accounting, which is experience that prepared her for advancement.
Daniela Urquidi, who previously worked in insurance, joined in 2025 as a field admin supporting projects at Rice University, Harris County Central Fill Pharmacy and Riverside Hospital. She works closely with superintendents and project managers, embracing the fast-paced environment of active job sites.
All three women acknowledge the industry's male-dominated roots but say they have seen meaningful change. From stronger female leadership representation to growing recognition of the value women bring — including communication skills, empathy and cultural awareness — the evolution is evident.
For the Flores-Urquidi family, construction is more than a profession. It's a shared opportunity built on hard work and pride in building something bigger than themselves.
(All photos courtesy of Skanska.)
