What is it like to be a woman in the AEC industry in Chicago? We recently sat down with two such people from Escarpita Construction to learn more by taking a stroll in their shoes for a day. Escarpita Construction is a construction company with over 15 years of experience, specializing in large scale, high-end and logistically complex projects in the commercial, institutional and municipal sectors. Elizabeth Fragoso is the Director of Operations and Karina Araujo is a Project Manager with the firm. 

Preparing for a day at Escarpita

What is your morning routine like? What rituals do you have that get things off on the right foot?

Karina Araujo: I usually start my day with a run or some time at the gym. My daily routine also includes a nice walk for my dog before heading to the office. I work in-person five days a week and during my daily commute I usually listen to music or a relaxing podcast to mentally prepare for the day ahead.

Elizabeth Fragoso: We find that our in-person model leads to better collaboration both between colleagues and departments. It also builds camaraderie within the team. My commute isn’t quite as long as Karina’s, but I also listen to podcasts and music.  I am a news junkie so my mornings at home start with local & national news to catch up on current events. Once I’m on the road, I clear my head by switch to storytelling podcasts, my go-to's are 99% Invisible, This American Life & The Moth. As I get closer to the office I’ll switch to upbeat music to get my serotonin levels up and get pumped for the day.

What does the first 30 minutes of your day look like? Do you have any strategies for organizing your time daily/weekly?

Elizabeth: The first 30 minutes or so are spent reviewing my notes for unfinished business and scrolling through emails for high priority items that need my immediate attention. I try to loosely structure my weeks as well. Mondays are usually spent getting caught up, planning for the week, and prepping for our all-hands Tuesday meetings. Wednesday through Fridays are more flexible days for external meetings, job site visits, general follow-up.

Typical roles and responsibilities at Escarpita 

What are the core responsibilities of your role and what does your typical day look like?

Karina: In my role as Project Manager, my primary responsibility is to ensure that our projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the quality standards our clients expect. Day to day, that means planning and coordinating with our teams, managing resources efficiently, and staying ahead of risks or issues that could impact delivery. Clear communication with clients is a big part of this, making sure expectations stay aligned throughout the project. 

A typical week might include a mix of site visits, progress meetings, and planning sessions. Early in the week, I usually focus on setting priorities and confirming schedules. Midweek often involves reviewing budgets and tracking project costs. Toward the end of the week, I wrap up outstanding items, prepare reports for clients and leadership, and make sure everything is prepped for the following week. 

Looking at the bigger picture, my work directly supports Escarpita by reinforcing their reputation for reliability and quality. By managing costs, timelines, and safety, I help ensure our projects are not only successful but also profitable. And when clients have a great experience, it strengthens our relationships and positions the company for future opportunities. Ultimately, I see my role as connecting the details on the ground with the strategic goals of the company.

What other roles within the greater CRE industry do you interact with?

Elizabeth: As the Director of Operations, my core responsibilities consist of supervising the project management team, solving problems, assuring quality and contractual standards are being met, and advising on policies and procedures to improve outcomes.

But before moving into my current role, I worked as an architect. In fact, I am still licensed as an architect and worked in that role for 20+ years. To the extent my current responsibilities allow, I maintain a presence in the design community. I serve on the Board of Arquitectos, a non-profit organization that provides professional development, mentorship and scholarship to the Latino and Hispanic professionals. I also administer their student Scholarship program wherein; we award 2 scholarships a year to both undergraduate and graduate level architecture students.  I stay current with my licensure by completing continuing education courses throughout the year.

Finishing the workday

How do you wrap up the day prepare for tomorrow? 

Karina: I like to end my day by making sure everything is in order for the next one. Typically, I will review progress, check off what’s been completed, and note any issues that need to be addressed first thing in the morning. I’ll usually send out any remaining emails, update logs for submittals, change orders, and make sure all documentation is current. I also take a few minutes to prioritize tasks for the following day and flag anything that requires input from clients or leadership so I can follow up promptly.

Lastly, I review the schedule and make sure I’m clear on what needs to happen first thing tomorrow—whether it’s a site walk, a client meeting, or a deadline for submittals or change orders. I check in with the superintendent or field teams to confirm any critical items they need support on, and I line up any materials, documents, or approvals that will keep things moving.

Afterhours 

How do you fill your time outside of the office? Hobbies, volunteering, etc…

Elizabeth: I’m an empty nester, so I have the time to work out and run regularly. Since making the switch to the construction side of the industry, I have also picked up golf so on most Saturdays, I will get to the Diversey Driving range and follow that up with a longer run on the Lakefront. If schedules allow, I will also play 9-holes on the weekends with my husband or friends. Travel is important to me; I like to take shorter but frequent getaways. These provide me with the mental break I need without falling too far behind at work.

Karina: Outside of the office, I like to stay active and challenge myself with new goals. Right now, I’m training for a half marathon, so a lot of my free time goes into running. It’s been a great way to stay disciplined and clear my head after busy days. I’m also a big fan of music festivals, they’re a fun way to unwind, experience new artists, and enjoy time with friends. I really enjoy trying new restaurants with my partner; it’s something we do often to explore different cuisines and discover hidden gems – and Chicago is a great city for foodies!

To explore Escarpita Construction, their work, and opportunities with their company, please visit their website: www.escarpitacc.com

Included photos highlight projects from Escarpita Construction.