Persistence, Perspective, and Purpose: Dawn Bridges Shares Her Journey in AEC

Professional growth is often defined by both the effort we give and the experience we gain in return. The persistence, energy, and dedication invested throughout our career can lead to growth, confidence, meaningful relationships, and a deeper sense of purpose in the industries we help shape.

Across our global team, women are sharing reflections on the effort, persistence, and courage they’ve invested in their careers, and the perspectives, connections, and opportunities for impact they’ve built along the way.

Dawn Bridges, VP of Professional Services at ARKANCE, shares her journey into the AEC industry and how that exchange has shaped her path and the lessons she’s gained along the way.

In her own words, Dawn shares her story.

Finding the AEC Industry

My path into construction technology wasn't a straight line — it started with a love of technology, led me to design, and from there, curiosity about the full spectrum of our built environment took over. I wasn't willing to stay somewhere with only one direction to grow. I needed variety, new skills, new challenges.

Design and construction gave me all of that. And honestly? It still does.

What I Gave

Getting to where I am today took consistent effort. The AEC industry is still a male-dominated industry, and earning respect as a trusted team member has consistently taken twice the work.

Early on, there were moments of genuinely feeling like I don't belong, and teams that questioned whether I could handle the demands. It was an exhausting search for a mentor willing to invest in a younger woman just starting out.

I gave a lot of energy and persistence just to prove I deserved a seat at the table. And I kept showing up anyway.

What I've Gained

What I've gained far outweighs the hardest effort I have put it! I've built lasting relationships with incredible individuals and teams. I've developed a perspective that's uniquely mine, and I've learned to own it. I still work hard to stay visible, speak up in meetings, and share my story.

The more I've leaned into that, the more grounded I feel in the "WHY" I do this work.

The Impact

One of the things that motivates me most is knowing that someone watching might not yet see a career in design or construction as something within their reach — and changing that. Women in AEC are still a growing segment of the workforce, and every time one of us advances, advocates, or simply stays in the room, it matters.

Change happens in baby steps, but each of those steps creates a ripple that can turn into a wave.

Advice for Women in AEC

• Build your network, find your mentors and allies.

• Be confident in your unique perspective - because it is an asset, not a liability.

• Stay persistent - because every obstacle you push through paves the way for the women coming up right behind you. We're all in this together.

The experiences we share and the paths we forge today help shape the opportunities for those who follow. ARKANCE is proud to celebrate the women across our teams and across the AEC industry who continue to inspire and move our profession forward.

Happy International Women's Day!