As we step into 2025, Offsite Dirt is thrilled to celebrate remarkable women in construction. This year, we honor Maria Kaufman, a trailblazer whose journey continues to inspire and pave the way for others in the industry. Our connection with Maria began several years ago through her podcast, and today, we reconnect to reflect on her incredible story of resilience, transformation, and growth.
A Journey of Transitions and New Opportunities
Maria’s career exemplifies the adage, “When one door closes, another opens.” As an engineer, her path has seen its fair share of transitions, but Maria’s ability to embrace change and turn challenges into opportunities has been her superpower.
“Even though one dream ended, it paved the way for new opportunities,” Maria shared. “Saying yes to what doesn’t always look like a shiny pebble has led to successes I couldn’t have imagined.” This optimism and tenacity have guided her through the past year, leading her to her current role as Senior Automation Engineer for Carlisle Construction Materials.
In her position, Maria oversees capital projects, both large and small. Her unique role allows her to act as a consultant within the company, navigating between supporting local campus projects and contributing to national engineering initiatives. Maria’s ability to adapt and excel in diverse roles highlights her resilience and resourcefulness.
Leading the Way for Women at Carlisle
Maria’s contributions extend beyond her engineering role. She is the chair of Carlisle’s Women of Carlisle Employee Resource Group (ERG), a position that leverages her previous podcasting and networking experience to foster a supportive community for women. This role has been both challenging and rewarding, involving “heavy lifting” to create impactful programs and initiatives.
“The ERG provides a space to share experiences and voice challenges,” Maria explained. “It’s about creating innovation and fostering a sense of community that inspires growth and progress.”
Through events like a recent summit in Boston, Maria’s leadership has brought senior leaders into conversations about gender equality, sparking meaningful changes within the organization. “Sometimes leaders don’t realize the challenges we face until we share them,” she noted. These dialogues have inspired action, creating ripples of change that continue to impact the company culture.
The Importance of Community and Growth
Maria’s journey underscores the importance of community in overcoming challenges and achieving growth. Reflecting on her experiences, she emphasized the value of persistence and courage. “Real growth comes from taking action, having hard conversations, and being willing to lead in challenging times,” she said.
This sentiment resonates deeply in industries like construction, where women often face unique hurdles. Maria’s work with Carlisle’s ERG and her broader advocacy reflect her commitment to creating spaces where women can thrive. “Together, we can create change that no one could achieve alone,” she affirmed.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As Maria looks to the future, she envisions a year of innovation and impactful leadership. “I want to allow innovation to work for me,” she shared. “By focusing on efficiency and flow, I can create more meaningful impacts without expending unnecessary energy.”
Maria’s goals align with a broader movement towards conscious leadership and collective growth. Her story is a powerful reminder that challenges often bring the greatest opportunities for transformation. “At the end of the day, it’s about leaving the world better than we found it,” she said.
Closing Thoughts
Maria Kaufman’s journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of community. Her leadership at Carlisle and her advocacy for women in construction set a shining example for others to follow. As we celebrate her accomplishments, we’re reminded of the potential for growth and change when we embrace challenges and work together.
Here’s to a bright and inspiring 2025, and to Maria’s continued success in making a lasting impact in the construction industry.
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