Mile High CRE Q&A with crista glucksman, director of special projects
MILE HIGH CRE – March 25, 2025 – Leadership in the construction industry has traditionally been male-dominated, but women are steadily making their mark in management, executive, and decision-making roles. Today, nearly 39% of women in construction hold leadership positions—an inspiring shift that signals progress toward a more inclusive industry.
In this Q&A, Crista Glucksman, director of Special Projects at GH Phipps Construction Companies, shares her journey and experience as a woman in a construction leadership role and her advice to women interested in entering the field.
Getting Started in the Construction Industry
What inspired you to pursue a career in construction?
I got into construction based on my curiosity about the industry. I was working as a property manager and part of the contract with the owner was to manage build-outs for tenants. That’s when I realized the potential to build and provide spaces for people that they will enjoy living and working in. I wanted to learn more about it and went on to get my master’s degree from the University of Denver. My first taste of a “bid day” was at the Associated Schools of Construction competition in Reno and it was awesome. The enthusiasm and excitement around that experience was a great launching pad into the industry (and DU taking the win in our division was the icing on the cake).
Can you share your journey into the industry?
I started in the industry on the owner’s side. I was managing medical office building tenant build-outs when I realized I wanted to learn more. While still working full-time, I went back to school for a Masters degree in Real Estate and Construction Management. I had every intention of returning to the owner’s side of the industry upon graduating. While at the University of Denver, I came across GH Phipps Construction and immediately knew this was a company I wanted to be a part of. I started at GH Phipps as an assistant project manager and never looked back.
What was your first job in construction, and how did it shape your career?
My first job in construction was working on the owner’s side of the industry. The biggest takeaway from that experience was twofold: 1. this is an incredible industry that is made up of incredible people, and 2. I have a different perspective when it comes to dealing with owners and end users. It helped shape how I handled the difficult conversations and helped me understand where the owner was coming from in a lot of different scenarios.
Were there any challenges or barriers you faced as a woman entering this field?
No, none that come to mind. There have been plenty of times when I’m the only female in the room, but that’s never phased me. Maybe I would get the occasional side comment or the use of a “sweetie” or a “honey” in conversation, or the initial “what does she know?”—but I never let it bother me. I’ve always let my work and dedication to the job/project speak for itself.
Experience & Skills
What does a typical day on the job look like for you?
There isn’t a typical day, which is one of the reasons I love what I do. Everyday is different. From putting out fires to resources management to business development, every day consists of a little bit of everything. I enjoy multi-tasking and working at a fast pace with a lot of energy. There is never a boring moment, and I love that aspect of my work.
What are some of the most exciting projects you’ve worked on?
The beauty of Special Projects is that we complete projects in every market sector and for a variety of clients. The projects aren’t always the most notable, but they all serve a purpose for the communities we serve. One of my favorites was the renovation of the DU Men’s Varsity Hockey Locker Room and the Three Creeks Elementary School Addition. I especially enjoyed working on the DU campus during a time when the hockey team had a new head coach, high aspirations, and an incredible team dynamic. We had to have the locker room finished before the start of the new season and everything came down to the wire. There was great, positive energy all around and we completed the job and the hockey team went on to win the National Championship that season. The elementary school project had the same sense of teamwork working with the school district and architectural team. Everyone was willing to collaborate and work collectively and the school was completed on time and under budget. Both projects had phenomenal teams that all worked together to accomplish our common goal.
What skills do you think are most important for success in construction?
Communication and collaboration. It’s amazing what can be achieved by picking up the phone and having a conversation with someone.
Challenges & Achievements
Have you ever faced gender bias or discrimination in your work? How did you handle it?
No, at least none that I have ever paid attention to. I have always found that this industry rewards hard work and the willingness to roll up your sleeves.
What has been your proudest accomplishment in construction?
As corny as this sounds, it has been helping owners achieve the impossible. We recently completed a project for an owner who had to be in a new space before their lease expired. In four months, we designed, permitted, and built his dream studio. It was a whirlwind of a project, but we helped a client achieve his dream. It was awesome.
Can you share a difficult situation you encountered on-site and how you resolved it?
There are always challenges during a construction project and sometimes the most difficult situations are the things that are out of your control. Making people aware of the challenges ahead as quickly as possible, and avoiding surprises is key. There are going to be curveballs, but as long as you communicate openly and honestly in a timely manner, difficult situations can be handled more easily.
What do you think is the biggest misconception about women in construction?
I talked with some colleagues to get some ideas for this response, and they brought up some excellent points. Women can be perceived as too emotional—as not able to handle the tough conversation whether it be internally or externally. Women can also be perceived as younger than they appear (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing until you are incorrectly judged on your lack of experience).
Industry & Future Perspectives
What advice would you give to young women interested in this field?
Have confidence in your ability. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Do the hard work. Support each other – we get stronger when we work together. Follow through— always do what you say you are going to do.
What steps should companies take to support more women in construction?
As a working mom, with two small children, the biggest support a company can offer is flexibility. Understanding that sometimes there is a sick kid that needs to be picked up or a parent/teacher conference that can’t be missed. But I think that same support needs to be extended to both men and women. By no means am I saying that expectations need to be shifted, just flexibility with schedules. More than anything, companies should be looking to support the younger generation (both male and female) that is entering our industry. Companies should be providing mentorship AND sponsorship opportunities to the younger generation. Bring the next generation with you to the estimate review or the client meeting or the business development lunch. Don’t just tell them to read the leadership book– bring them along; show them how and give them the opportunity to learn and grow their confidence.
What do you see as the future of women in construction?
Nothing but possibilities. Just like anyone entering this field, it takes grit, hard work, curiosity, and confidence. Women will become more and more prevalent in this industry in all roles. It’s exciting!
Connect with Crista Glucksman on LinkedIn.