Women In Construction: Meet the Women Protecting America’s Work Zones

Purpose You can Stand Behind

For Senior Field Supervisor Lawanda Caldwell, the work is personal — and the priority is clear: “Making sure all my Protectors and customers go back home safe to their families the way that they came. That’s my priority.”

Caldwell didn’t start her career in traffic control. She studied in the medical field, but realized she wanted something more hands-on and immediate — still centered on helping people. A conversation with a neighbor working in traffic control opened the door, and she joined AWP in 2015.

That leap became a real career path. Caldwell advanced step by step, starting as a Protector and moving through multiple leadership roles into her current senior field supervisor position. Because she has performed many roles herself, her leadership style is rooted in credibility and service:“There is no job in the worksite that I won’t still do myself,” she says.

For Caldwell, purpose shows up in the day-to-day — coaching safe habits, supporting teams, and modeling the standards she expects.

From left to right, Angela Horskin, Leah Sparacino and Tammy Menke,
with Lawanda Caldwell, senior field supervisor

Turning Experience into Safer Habits

For Chris Berisko, environmental, health and safety supervisor (EHS), purpose means helping people start strong — and building safety habits that hold up under real-world pressure.

Berisko celebrates her 25th service anniversary this month, and she says she was first drawn to AWP because the work, initially as a Protector, meant being outdoors and working on a wide range of projects — from road construction in cities to utility support in rural areas.

That variety also meant earning trust in environments where women were often in the minority. Berisko learned that credibility comes from capability and consistency. “Once you prove you can do the job, you earn everyone’s respect,” she says.

Today, she brings that perspective into how she coaches. “People want to work safely,” she adds. “I take a calm approach and explain why we do what we do, and that there’s a reason behind the rules.”

In Berisko’s role, sharing “the why” is less about checking a compliance box and more about building lasting safety discipline. The awareness, communication, and professionalism that make individuals strong in traffic control are the same qualities that make their entire teams safer long-term.

Leading Upstream to Remove Risk

As an area manager supervising multiple teams across Georgia, Melissa Walls prioritizes a strong safety culture — one built on communication, readiness, and anticipating risks before they ever reach the field.

My role is centered around making sure teams are properly staffed, supported, and coached while eliminating as much risk as possible before they ever reach the worksite,” Walls says. ““A lot of that comes from staying ahead of the details, keeping communication clear, and making sure everyone has what they need to succeed.”

Walls also highlights the strengths women bring to high-risk environments, not in comparison, but as an essential contribution to a high-performing team.

“Women are an essential part of making a work zone safe,” she says. “ Our presence strengthens the team with good decision-making, communication, and calm, steady leadership — all things that contribute to safer outcomes.”

Her own growth reflects that spirit. Walls began her career with AWP Safety as a facility manager in Charlotte, N.C., before advancing into her current role. Participation in AWP Safety’s Women in Leadership program expanded her network and provided tools she continues to use as a leader.

She also credits her direct manager for encouraging her to take on increasing responsibility to advance her career.

“AWP Safety is very supportive and invests in its people,” Walls says. “Having leaders who recognize your potential and push you forward makes a tremendous difference. I’ve been grateful for the opportunities.”

Leadership in Sign Manufacturing

AWP Safety capabilities expand beyond traffic control planning and execution and include high-precision manufacturing for directional road signage and worksite safety signs. Samantha Keith, sign shop manager in California, leads a highly skilled team of sign designers and fabricators while streamlining processes to improve quality, efficiency, and customer responsiveness.

Keith, also a participant in the company’s Women in Leadership program, focuses on building strong teams and consistent standards—because in sign manufacturing, precision and reliability directly support safety in the field. 

 “Truly, I never really think of our work as women versus men. I see it more as leading different personalities. We all bring something to the table, and together we serve the customers.”

Samantha Keith, sign shop manager (third from left) with members of
the Procurement Team – Tony Wood, Amanda Overholt, and Dwayne Brown