Cindy Silva Gets Ready To Dominate The Construction Industry With TD

“Somebody really cares enough to give me the chance to outshine the mentality that women don’t belong in this industry.”

- Cindy Silva

Cindy Silva sought a better future for herself when she enlisted several years ago. 

The military taught her discipline, loyalty, integrity, and duty. It also provided her with different perspectives from around the world, and how to appreciate the little things.

At 5-foot, 3-inches tall, she also learned how to maximize her small frame to keep up with the men in her unit. She’s always had to prove herself to male coworkers and managers, but now she’s glad she has found a program where she doesn’t have to.

Cindy attempted to get into construction after she left the service. Before joining the military, her idea of a construction job included working in “crazy conditions, lifting heavy equipment and carrying a bunch of stuff that’s too heavy for a girl my size to do.” After her tour of duty, she knew she could handle anything. She took a highway construction course and passed at the top of her class. She earned certification for NCCER, OSHA-10, flagger, BobCat mini excavator and TWIC. She went through all the proper training, but managers were still reluctant to hire her – in her mind, it was because she is a woman.

“That was an awakening that maybe no one was going to give me an opportunity because I’m female. I could tell they didn’t think I could do it.”

Even her background in the military wasn’t enough to convince some hiring managers. But, the THRIVE program gave her a chance to shine! With that worry sidelined, her only concern is keeping up with TD’s stringent training courses.

“I know I will work my best to make it, and I know I will succeed and overcome them.”

Inspired by Cindy's story? Click this link to learn more about women's career opportunities in construction. Be sure to check out our current openings as well, you won't regret it!