Building Futures: Seneca Valley Students Connect with Industry Mentors During Women in Construction Week

To mark Women in Construction Week (March 1–7), students in the Construction Trades Foundation (CTF) program at Seneca Valley High School went beyond the classroom to meet the pros. On March 6, they sat down with Kayla Silverberg, an industry professional from The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, to talk about internships and learn how to “Level Up” in the construction world.

Aligning with this year’s national theme, “Level Up, Build Strong,” the session focused on how students can turn their hands-on high school training into rewarding careers in project management, engineering and field operations. Ms. Silverberg shared her own career journey, offering a real-world roadmap for moving from a student in a classroom to a professional on a job site.

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The interactive presentation also gave students a chance to ask questions about starting salaries, health benefits and the supportive community for women in the trades. By the end of the session, these future builders had a much clearer view of the opportunities waiting for them after graduation.

“My favorite part of the presentation is when I heard there are job opportunities with good pay that I could get when I’m older,” one student said. “I’m more likely to enter the construction industry after hearing the guest speaker because they made it seem more interesting to me and it has encouraged me to keep working hard to get into construction,” added another student.

This event highlighted MCPS’ commitment to connecting classroom learning with industry-standard expectations, helping students see a clear trajectory from graduation to professional success.

“The construction industry is very supportive of welcoming women into both leadership and technical roles,” said Steve Boden, supervisor of the Foundations Office. “Partners like Whiting-Turner play an important role in encouraging all students to consider a rewarding career in the construction industry. In addition, the Foundations Office has also partnered with the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) to ensure that all students are served and supported.”

After the presentation, several students shared how the session changed the way they think about their future in the building trades. For some students, it opened their eyes to opportunities they hadn’t previously considered; for others, it reinforced an existing interest while providing confidence that the field offers stability and a place for them to grow.

About the Foundations Office

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The Foundations Office is composed of four separate non-profit educational foundations that support students in the Automotive, Construction, Information Technology, and Restaurant and Hospitality Management industries. The Foundations Office serves as a liaison between the business/professional community and MCPS. Learn more here.

About MCSCTF

MCPS Construction Trades Foundation (CTF) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) that works in close partnership with local design and construction leaders to guide MCPS curriculum and provide a seamless transition to post-secondary education or the workforce. Learn more here.