Pink Hard Hat Chats (Ep.1): Nicole Faith [Electrical Foreman, McKinstry]

Today is International Women's Day! In celebration, we're highlighting Women in Construction by kicking off a video series called Pink Hard Hat Chats. Earlier, I had the pleasure of sitting with one of our key sub-contractors, Nicole Faith, Electrical Foreman of McKinstry Construction. She is a former Marine, proud mother of four, and Communications Officer for Q Missions (a non-profit organization founded to help support veterans and their families). Nicole is leading a team of Electricians on a first-generation Tenant Improvement site for Caruccio's Culinary Event Space, on Mercer Island.

American Women build a 'Mexican Wall'

What images come to mind when you think of building a 'Mexican Wall'? Do you imagine a wall, big and strong, that keeps others out? Is there a sense of security gained by knowing that you're well-protected, drawing a clear line in the sand, claiming this is mine, and that is yours? What emotions underpin the intent of your wall - fear, nationalism, a sense of scarcity? Who truly benefits from having this wall built?

These questions surfaced after I returned from Tijuana, Mexico, the day before Election Day in the US. I joined a group of resourceful, capable and sympathetic ladies from my church on an annual Women's Build trip. The plan was to build a 12' x 24' DOXA home in less than four days without the use of power tools. What resulted was more than a set of walls and a gabled roof. Together, with the loving family who owns this new home and their community, we built bridges. These were not walls that divide, but rather walls that unite us as world citizens, as fellow humans who want what's best for our children and grandchildren.