Project Manager Maria Escalona loves construction. So much so, she skipped medical school. Her parents, both doctors, were not pleased. After graduating from high school, Escalona began studying civil engineering at the Universidad de Carabobo in Venezuela and eventually, before graduating, went to work in construction. It wasn’t until April 2021 that Escalona joined JE Dunn, where her career and love for construction continued to blossom.
Escalona is proof that thriving in a male-dominated industry is possible. Her ability to connect, lead and not allow obstacles to slow her down has been instrumental in her success.
“One of her great strengths is the ability to communicate,” says Jake Nellis, vice president and JE Dunn’s Tampa office leader. He says Escalona is excellent with her crews and can easily diffuse situations. In addition, Escalona has been chosen to lead an internal program at JE Dunn designed to promote women in construction. It has led to greater diversity in hiring and Escalona is considered one of the go-to people at the office when it comes to major presentations to executives or clients.
Read more about Escalona’s journey through the construction industry and how she got to where she is now in an article published by the Business Observer.
