maria economou banner

News

Celebrating Women In Construction Week: March 2-8, 2025 - Maria Economou

March 3, 2025

DRE Industries is proud to celebrate Women in Construction Week (March 2-8, 2025) by highlighting the incredible leaders driving the construction industry forward. As a female-owned and operated organization, we take pride in recognizing the trailblazers shaping the future of the industry. We sat down with a few exceptional women whose expertise, leadership, and dedication are paving the way for the next generation:

Join us in celebrating their accomplishments and the unstoppable energy of women in construction.

Maria Economou graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Toronto in 2014 and has been with Duron ever since. With experience both in the field and the office, she has worked on both the material manufacturing and installation sides of the industry. Now a Project Manager in Duron’s Waterproofing Division, Maria takes pride in contributing to projects from planning to completion, knowing that her work is part of something lasting. Her well-rounded perspective and hands-on expertise enable her to approach each project with a strong commitment to quality, efficiency, and long-term performance.

What inspired you to pursue a career in construction, and what has kept you motivated in the industry?

I did not actively pursue a career in the construction industry. After graduating from Civil Engineering, I had my sights set on a career in consulting. I took a short-term position at Duron, and ten years later I’m still here! What keeps me motivated is the ever-evolving landscape, learning new things every day and always chasing the next big project.

What do you find most rewarding about working in the construction industry?

Seeing tangible results come to life is incredibly fulfilling. Over the past 10 years, both in the field and office, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to projects from planning to completion, knowing my work is part of something lasting. My role has given me insight into every stage—from material manufacturing to the precise installation of terrazzo floors. Watching skilled tradespeople perfect their craft is both humbling and inspiring, and working with people from all walks of life keeps every day interesting.

What skills or traits do you think are essential for success in the construction industry?

Good communication, organization, and problem-solving skills are essential in our fast-paced environment and can always be improved. While it's often said that women are more organized than men, that hasn’t been my experience—I’ve worked with male colleagues who are more organized than I am. Recognizing areas for growth and actively working on them is just as important as mastering the skill itself.

What challenges have you faced as a woman working in construction, and how have you overcome them?

Most of the challenges I’ve encountered have been around my age rather than being a woman in a male-dominated field. Once I demonstrated my knowledge and experience, any reluctance due to my age quickly faded.

How have you seen the industry evolve in terms of equity, diversity, and inclusion?

Construction has always been diverse, inclusive, and merit-based—skill, experience, and results earn respect, regardless of background.

I’ve never felt marginalized as a woman, but I’ve noticed women often apply for roles they’re overqualified for, while men take chances on positions where they meet only some requirements. This hesitation can hold highly capable women back from leadership or technical roles. Fortunately, more initiatives now encourage women to step into leadership by recognizing their qualifications. While expertise is already valued, greater visibility and mentorship can help more women confidently pursue higher-level roles.

What advice would you give to other women who are considering a career in construction?

My advice is to observe, learn, and communicate: Listen to experienced colleagues and mentors. Embrace learning as a continuous process and actively engage in discussions to gain insights and build a strong technical foundation.

Showcase your value through results: Focus on delivering quality work and meeting project goals. Let your performance speak for itself—consistent high-quality results will establish your reputation as a reliable and skilled professional. Making mistakes is a part of this process, learn from them and move on.

Embrace challenges with confidence: Stay persistent, be proactive in seeking solutions, and trust your capabilities. My dad always said: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions and speak up.”

As part of our Women in Construction Week series, we’re recognizing the achievements and impact of women making waves in the industry. Let’s continue breaking barriers and building a more inclusive future.

Follow DRE Industries on LinkedIn to see more inspiring stories throughout the week.