Spotlight on the Women of Atkinson’s Southern California Team
March 26, 2021
As part of Women’s History Month, our Employee Spotlight series is focused on showcasing some of the talented women who make up Atkinson Construction.
This week, we’re going to learn more about Neale Snyder, Brianne Canino, and Edeen Hanson of the Atkinson Southern California team!
Neale Snyder
Project Engineer
What is your role at Atkinson?
I am currently a project engineer on the Route 210 Lane Addition from Highland to Redlands in San Bernardino, California!
What is your proudest professional achievement?
The I-15 mainline crossover detour at Limonite. This was a major logistical plan, which included coordination and a focus on safety. We developed minute-by-minute planning, which was a huge success!
How do you think construction can attract more female candidates?
It starts early with both parenting and societal norms— we need to be teaching little girls that they can do anything they want at a young age and introducing young women to non-stereotypical career paths through high school outreach, college mentorship.
What advice do you have for a young woman looking to enter the industry?
Seek mentorship to learn about the industry. Don't succumb to stereotypes, actual or perceived; do your thing, be who you are, and be confident in your abilities. Approach everything with a learning mindset; everyone you work with is someone who can teach you, so learn from their experiences!
Brianne Canino
Regional Business Manager
Describe your role at Atkinson.
I am the regional business manager responsible for insurance, accounts payable, and financials.
What qualities do you need to be successful in this industry?
You need to have a tenacious personality, be willing to get involved and roll your sleeves and be part of the solution.
It is also beneficial to have an understanding of people's motivations and relationships.Have a sense of what make people tick and be able to empathize.
What is your favorite project you have ever worked on and why?
Developing and cultivating a business team that supports the project staff. I take a lot of pride in mentoring the next group of business managers and aligning their goals with the vision/mission of the larger company.
What is the biggest challenge of being a woman working in construction?
Things such as gender pay gap and limited females in leadership roles are still evolving.
I’m proud to work for a company that is rising to the issue and leading the industry.
Edeen Hanson
Heavy Equipment Operator
Describe your role at Atkinson.
I am a heavy equipment operator, working mostly with loaders, excavators, rollers, placers, and forklifts.
I started with Atkinson in 2017 but have been in the industry for 34 years.
What drew you to a career in the construction industry?
It’s in my blood. Most of my family was in construction. My dad was an operator and my mom was a laborer in Wyoming. I started out as laborer, was promoted to carpenter, and now work as an operator.
What qualities do you need to be successful in this industry?
You’ve got to be willing to learn from other people; there's always something that you can learn from someone. Don't have tunnel vision, think ahead, do your best, keep working, and do more for the team and crew.