Cinthia Gonzalez, a construction management student at Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC), is a first-generation college student and the daughter of immigrant parents. Her journey represents the transformative power of education, resilience, and a determination to break barriers in a male-dominated field. A native of South Carolina, she is an ambitious young woman pursuing a career in the construction industry.
Cinthia's passion for construction began at home, where she was accustomed to various ongoing construction projects, both big and small. After moving to Louisiana and entering high school, she gained a deeper appreciation of the field when her family started their own carpentry business. This experience provided her with hands-on training, which ignited her desire to learn more about the construction industry.
“After high school, I didn’t know what I wanted to do and I was leaning toward a different career path,” explained Cynthia. “But working in my family’s business helped me realize that I should pursue a career in construction.”
Searching for a way to pursue her passion, Cinthia learned about the construction management program at BRCC through an online search. The program seemed like the perfect fit, offering her a pathway to leadership in the field while maintaining the flexibility she needed to balance studies and a full-time job.
Since enrolling, Cinthia has excelled in a program that blends technical knowledge with leadership skills. Courses like Construction Safety, Construction Estimating, and Materials & Methods have equipped her with the knowledge to manage projects effectively and safely.
“Learning how to calculate costs and keep work sites safe has been invaluable,” said Cinthia. “I feel more confident each day that I’ll be ready for the challenges ahead. Even though safety is often talked about, there’s so much more to learn about regulations and best practices,” she said. It’s crucial for anyone entering the industry.”
Her dedication to learning extends beyond the classroom. Cinthia balances her classwork and family responsibilities, spending most of her time between classes and helping her family run their carpentry business. She sees it as an opportunity to gain practical experience while reinforcing her studies. After graduation, she plans to further her education by earning a bachelor’s degree in construction management with a focus on heavy highway construction.
“Construction is a male-dominated field, and at first, it can feel intimidating,” said Cinthia. “But gender shouldn’t define your success. I hope to inspire other women to pursue careers in construction management and to show that we belong in leadership roles, too. Also, I feel Hispanics are often seen as laborers, and there’s certainly an underrepresentation in management roles. I want to be part of changing that narrative.”
Cinthia credits BRCC with playing a significant role in her journey by providing a supportive environment that has made college accessible for her as a first-generation student. Being a student with a full-time job, she values the program’s flexibility which allows her to balance school and work effectively.
“I was the first in my family to graduate high school, so college felt like uncharted territory,” said Cinthia. “As a first-generation college student, navigating higher education can be challenging however, BRCC has given me the resources and encouragement to keep moving forward. I wouldn’t be in the position that I am without the support that I’ve found here.”
For Cinthia, construction management is more than just a career - it’s her mission. By breaking barriers with every class she takes and every project she manages, she is not only building a future for herself but also creating a pathway of empowerment and opportunity for women and Hispanics in the construction industry.
Her story is one of grit, hard work, and hope. For Cinthia, education is not just a personal milestone it’s an achievement, and it’s a way to uplift her community and pave the way for future generations. Through resilience and determination, Cinthia Gonzalez is shaping the future of construction management, one brick, beam, and blueprint at a time.