Rosemary Sheeder, Laborer

Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Integrated Procedural Platform

How did you land in the construction industry?
A friend of a friend got me into construction. In 2000, he got me in the heavy highway program and I started as a flagger and have worked my way up since then. 

Who has served as a role model/mentor and what's the most valuable advice they've given you?
A friend of mine who was a female carpenter. She told me to show up every day and do my job and be the best I can be.

What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Be honest with them. It is going to start out hard, but harder it gets, the harder you work. If you prove that you are a hard worker, the job gets easier day by day.

What has been the most surprising part of being a woman working in construction?
I’ve been in construction for 13 years and I’ve been amazed to see the number of women as superintendents or project managers at Mortenson. It’s great to work with women out in the field because I can relate to them and know that there are opportunities out there.

What is your favorite project you have worked on?
The Froedtert Simulation Center. Watching it being constructed from the beginning to end and realizing that this facility is advancing the education for students at the Medical College of Wisconsin is really amazing.