Women in Construction Week Spotlight: Erika Ristau
Ames Construction is proud to celebrate the extraordinary women on our team during Women in Construction Week—and every day of the year!
As we celebrate WIC Week and Women’s History Month, we’ll shine a spotlight on some of the women who contribute to the present and future of Ames and the entire heavy civil and industrial construction industry.
Erika Ristau
Structures Laborer
Midwest Region
Project: Metro Transit Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
5 years at Ames
→ What made you join the construction industry?
I started as a flagger for an independent traffic control company because I thought it sounded easy and it paid really well. Through the job I learned that flagging is very tough.
→ How can the construction industry attract more female candidates?
The construction industry is doing a great job at gaining female workers. The stigma of the “typical construction worker” may keep some women away, but those who do apply and come out to work will find out that in reality, everyone just wants to get along and get back home to their families at the end of the day.
→ What makes you proud of working in the construction industry?
I’ve always been very proud and excited to tell people about what I do and where I work because it is a physically challenging and rewarding job. I love being able to drive over a bridge and say to whoever is in the vehicle “I built this,” even when it’s my husband and I’ve told him a thousand times before.
Learn more about WIC Week, March 3-9, 2024.
Are you motivated to launch a rewarding career? Come join us! Learn about Ames job opportunities.
Ames Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
