Women in Construction Week 2023: Alex Schwartz | Bethesda, MD
About Alex Schwartz, Preconstruction Manager
Alex Schwartz grew up in Darnestown, MD as the youngest of 5 siblings. She graduated from University of Maryland with a BS in Civil Engineering and a Minor in Sustainability. She currently serves on the NAIOP DC|MD Reel Committee as well as the Buildings & Grounds Committee for the Connelly School of the Holy Child where she is an alumna. She is currently in her third year leading the CWC Women's Group, an employee resource group that focuses on professional growth, networking and service. In her free time, Alex enjoys golfing, reading, traveling, and hiking.
Alex Schwartz and the CWC Women’s Group at a team-building event at Pinstripes in North Bethesda, MD.
Alex's Construction Career Path
Alex was referred to CWC by her high school friend as well as her neighbor, Andreas Tyshing (Preconstruction Manager). "I decided to work with CWC after interviewing and meeting our engaging leaders and the culture seemed awesome. I really liked learning about the non-traditional Catalytic Coaching process because it's a unique way to show employees that the company cares about them. I was also very interested in the CWC Women's Group," explained Alex. She officially joined CWC as a Project Engineer in June 2020, and was assigned to the National Institutes of Health Parking Garage & Utility Vault project. After one year on the project, Alex decided to pursue her interest in Preconstruction. During Catalytic Coaching, she brought it up to her manager, which led her to an opportunity to shadow CWC’s Preconstruction team. She really enjoyed the experience, and thanks to the Catalytic Coaching process, Alex was able to make the switch in her construction career path.
"CWC’s Catalytic Coaching process allowed me to be open and say that I wanted a new opportunity."
- Alex Schwartz
Alex Schwartz has led Preconstruction efforts on several CWC projects including Home 2 Suites by Hilton Hotel in West Falls Church, Virginia.
The Face of CWC to Owners, Architects, and Subcontractors
Now, as a Preconstruction Manager, Alex is the face for CWC to project Owners, Architects, and Subcontractors. She regularly attends design and Owner meetings to ensure projects stay on budget and schedule before turning them over to the Operations team. Alex is the Preconstruction team’s expert for divisions 7 (thermal & moisture protection) and 8 (doors & windows) including building envelope and glass.
Alex Schwartz in a Preconstruction team meeting at CWC Headquarters.
What Women Should Know About Construction
When asked what she wants women to know about the construction industry, Alex replied:
"The construction industry is ever-growing and there is so much opportunity. If you don't feel like you found the right place for yourself when you first start, there are many other sectors and positions you can grow into as long as you remain open."
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