Rachel Mulholland has been with Shook Construction for eight years, starting as a co-op during her college years and working her way up to her current role as Senior Project Engineer. In her position, she oversees vertical build projects, with a particular focus on healthcare and education sectors. Rachel’s passion for the work is evident in her ability to balance hands-on field experience with high-level project management. Whether she’s out in the field or meeting with hospital executives, she enjoys the variety and immediate satisfaction of seeing projects come to life.

Professional Growth within NAWIC: Rachel’s journey with NAWIC began after she became more established in her role at Shook. She joined the organization to connect with other women in construction and to find support and camaraderie. “I felt supported at Shook, but I needed an estrogen boost,” Rachel joked. Since joining, she’s quickly become an active participant, even joining the board. She appreciates the open platform that NAWIC provides for women to share experiences, work on projects together, and learn from one another.

Life Beyond Construction: Outside of work, Rachel has a full life with her husband, Jake, their son, Marlo, who recently turned one, and their Great Pyrenees, Squish. A devoted mother and wife, Rachel enjoys spending time with her family, especially as Marlo grows from newborn to toddler. Rachel and Jake, who first met in high school and reconnected after he joined the Air Force, celebrated Marlo’s first birthday with a family visit to Pittsburgh.

Rachel also has a strong connection to the arts, having earned a second degree in dance alongside her civil engineering degree. She has performed in Cleveland’s vibrant arts scene, including at Ingenuity Cleveland and Cleveland Dance Fest, and is hoping to return to performing in the future.

How NAWIC Membership Has Enhanced Her Career: For Rachel, joining NAWIC came at just the right time. She didn’t feel ready to join earlier in her career, but after settling into her role and developing her professional confidence, NAWIC provided the perfect outlet for connecting with other women and finding ways to give back to the industry. “There’s always something to work on, but you can always ask for help,” Rachel noted. The community she’s found through NAWIC has been invaluable, providing her with mentors, peers, and opportunities to contribute to the future of women in construction.

Invitation to Engage: Rachel’s experience highlights the supportive and welcoming environment that NAWIC offers to women in the construction industry. She encourages others who are considering joining to dive in, noting that NAWIC offers professional improvement opportunities and a chance to be part of creating a more inclusive industry for women. Whether you’re new to the field or an experienced professional, Rachel invites you to connect with the Cleveland chapter and experience the benefits of NAWIC membership.