Best Person for the Job – Sharon Hidalgo
Driven by a passion for equity and advancement for women, Sharon Hidalgo is making a tangible impact for women in construction.
Hidalgo joined Segal, a leading human resources consulting company three years ago with the goal of contributing to the development of the Architecture, Engineering and Construction vertical market. Today, as Vice President, New Client Acquisition for the Midwest Region, she collaborates with business leaders and owners to champion and enforce robust diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies that address gender disparities, foster equitable career opportunities, and establish an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and respected.
While Hidalgo entered the construction industry through a career in human resources, her family’s roots in the industry go deep. Her father immigrated to the United States from Mexico to work for her uncle’s construction company, which reinforced her sense of purpose and dedication to joining this field.
When a colleague shared NAWIC’s rich history and its commitment to the advancement of women in the industry, including DEI initiatives, Hidalgo reached out to the NAWIC DEI chair and promptly joined the committee.
“Participation in NAWIC has deepened my understanding of the challenges women encounter in the construction industry,” she says. “One of my most significant professional achievements is serving as the Chair of the national DEI committee for NAWIC. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to work with a diverse group of talented women from various experiences and careers that share my passion for advocacy and advancement of women in the construction industry.”
Hidalgo sees the construction industry becoming more welcoming to women, as well as a place where women can thrive in their careers, through positive changes, such as:
- Equal opportunities for career growth and leadership roles.
- Ensuring that advancement opportunities are based on merit rather than gender.
- Increased representation of women at all levels from executives and owners of companies to entry-level roles.
- A more supportive work culture that includes flexible work arrangements.
- Strong mentorship and training programs
- Industry-wide collaboration to adopt zero tolerance policies for discrimination and harassment and ensure accountability.
She believes that the growing advocacy from industry leaders for the advancement of women adds a valuable layer of support, fostering successful and fulfilling careers within the construction field.
One of the aspects Hidalgo loves most about her career is cultivating meaningful connections with individuals and guiding them through diverse professional challenges. She is passionate about offering mentorship and coaching, especially to empower the next generation of professional women in construction.
“Stepping into a new career can be intimidating, yet I wholeheartedly encourage every woman to seize the opportunity for professional growth and influence in the construction industry. The realm of possibilities is expansive, especially with the chance to acquire new skills in cutting-edge technologies such as drones, robotics, and automation. These skills not only broaden horizons but also pave the way for exciting career prospects for women,” she says.
By sharing her experiences, through her work at Segal and with organizations like NAWIC, Hidalgo aims to equip women with tools to achieve success and contribute positively to the industry and the world.
If you know of a NAWIC member that deserves to be recognized as a Best Person for the Job, contact us today!
