Celebrating Our Hard Hat Moms for Mother’s Day!
During the month of May, we took Mother's Day one step further, and dedicated time to find some "Hard Hat Moms" in our industry! These amazing women are shaping the construction industry every day while also having the most challenging, yet rewarding, job of being a mom!
Susie Slater, PE, SE - PJ Dick Incorporated
Highlighted Quote: “Trust me- and I’ll get it done.”
A Pittsburgh “boomerang,” Susie grew up in Ligonier, Pa. Due to her expertise, particularly in steel, she was lured home from San Diego , Calif., to manage PJ Dick’s role in the new Pittsburgh Airport.
Susie acknowledges there is still some gender bias in the construction industry, but believes it’s getting better. “I still must prove myself at times, but once the team realizes that I can get the job done, I rarely have any problems.”
At PJ Dick she leads a team of four on projects she loves, such as the new airport terminal and Duolingo’s new headquarters in East Liberty, which she describes as “complicated because the structural modifications involved are not typical of a fit-out project.”
She credits her success in project management with adapting her communications to many different personalities--from CEO’s to the trades-- involved in a project. “I don’t like when someone says it can’t be done. Almost anything is possible if you keep an open mind about solving the problem and find a way to innovate.” Her experience as a design consultant and structural engineer also enables her to find unique solutions.
Her husband, Jake, a civil engineer, is her biggest supporter, challenging her to fight for what she cares about, and helping her achieve balance between work and family life while raising their son, Slater, age two.
As Director of Membership for CREW Pittsburgh, Susie advises women to find ways to connect with other women in construction. “Build a great network both inside and outside of your company. Ask for help, and encourage different perspectives for ways to innovate and solve problems.” CREW will be partnering with MBA’s Green Builders Committee for a Pickle Ball event in 2026.
Susie was named one of the 2020 Outstanding Women in Construction and Design by San Diego Business Journal and a 2019 40 Under 40 by SD Metro. She holds a BS in Civil Engineering from Syracuse University and an MS in Structural Engineering from UC San Diego. A former competitive alpine ski racer, Susie coaches Seven Springs Mountain Resort’s Ski Racing Team.
For more information about CREW, visit https://pittsburgh.crewnetwork.org/.