Women in Construction (WIC) Week celebrates builders whose leadership, adaptability, and grit elevate our industry. Meet Kelsey Walls, Gilbane project manager, whose career has spanned coastlines and complex project types, from major aviation work to high‑impact community projects across Texas. As an avid traveler, her love of exploration has shaped her experiences both personally and professionally. Her story shows how curiosity, communication, and flexibility can level up a career, and build strong teams along the way.
A Career Built on Curiosity and Movement
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in construction?
A: I discovered construction during my first internship in Baltimore. I hadn’t considered the industry at all, but the moment I stepped onto a jobsite, I fell in love with the environment, being in the field, solving problems, and collaborating with people who were building something real. Every day was different. That experience opened my eyes to what a career in construction could be.
A Global Journey That Led Her Home to Texas
Q: Tell us about your career journey. What led you to Gilbane?
A: After earning my master’s degree in civil engineering in Australia, I joined a company working on the LaGuardia Airport redevelopment in New York, one of the largest commercial aviation projects in the country. I spent four years there and grew from a project engineer to an assistant project manager.
When I moved back to Texas, I worked on some very demanding, fast-paced projects that sharpened my project management skills. When a role at Gilbane opened, it felt like the perfect opportunity. I knew Gilbane had a strong reputation and a culture that values growth. It was also a chance to return home to Houston and build meaningful projects in my own community.
Level Up. Build Strong.
Q: Women in Construction Week’s theme is “Level Up. Build Strong.” What has helped you level up in your career?
A: My voice. Speaking up by asking questions, offering solutions, or having tough conversations has been the biggest factor in my growth. Early in my career, I was reporting to senior leaders on major projects, and I learned quickly that honest communication builds trust.
Using my voice has helped me form genuine relationships with supervisors and mentors, advocate for opportunities, and stay aligned with my career goals. It’s something I encourage other women to lean into, as well. Your voice is one of your strongest tools.
Advice for Women Entering the Field
Q: What advice do you wish you had before starting your career?
A: Be flexible. Construction means changes, whether it’s new assignments, shifting priorities, or unexpected challenges. As someone who loves to plan everything, it took time to accept that. Flexibility is essential. When you embrace it, you grow faster and become a stronger, more adaptable leader.
The Adventures She’s Chasing
Q: If you could work anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A: Hawaii or Dubai. Hawaii’s natural beauty and laidback way of life are incredibly appealing, and I’d love the chance to work on a project that honors and incorporates the surrounding environment. Dubai, on the other hand, is known for its innovation and striking architecture, and it would be exciting to contribute to projects in such a highly respected, forward-thinking market.
Looking Ahead
Q: What’s next for you?
A: I’ve just joined the George R. Brown Convention Center project in February, and I’m extremely excited. I grew up in Houston and spent a lot of time downtown, so contributing to a project that’s so iconic to the city feels special. Stepping into this project as a project manager (PM) is also an opportunity to mentor others the way strong PMs mentored me early in my career.
Celebrating Women in Construction Week
Kelsey’s path, from that first jobsite to leading teams on high‑profile work, reflects what Women in Construction Week is all about: elevating voices, embracing change, and building projects with lasting community impact. Her journey is a reminder that when we invest in communication, flexibility, and mentorship, we level up not just our careers, but our industry.
