Valentina: A Woman Leading a Men’s Construction Team “We have to earn respect in our profession”

Valentina is a 32-year-old project manager who has chosen a profession that is still surprising: She leads the team on the construction site, ensuring that the work runs smoothly and on time. After completing the project entrusted to her responsibility — reconstruction of the historic building of the Customs Department in Vilnius — the woman says she understood that respect in this area should be earned by the results.

“A woman on the construction site is still a less common sight. I understand that and therefore I take the reactions of those around me naturally. And they are truly diverse: For example, in the project, my team always presents with considerable pride to new partners: “Here is our chef,” but I feel a greater pressure from others to prove my worth. I also look at it naturally: Construction is complex and incredibly stressful activity, so not everyone can get into it,” says Valentina, the only female project manager of one of the largest construction companies in Lithuania Naresta.

At first glance, a seemingly simple renovation of the Customs Department’s headquarters in the centre of the capital city has become a challenge, the woman says.

“This happened because when we saw the building alive, we and our customers agreed unanimously: We must preserve the historic beauty inside. In the original project, which we received, it was provided differently, so we had to adjust the project and redesign engineering solutions.

The result today is wonderful. Perhaps it will be visited by a few residents of Vilnius, but it is nice to know that behind the walls of this building there are wonderful mouldings, columns, cornices, authentic corridors, an impressive representative staircase with unique historic railings and many other elements telling the story,” says Valentina.

The project manager of Naresta reveals that the desire to preserve the historic interior of the building also required unique solutions.

“For example, the only fully panoramic elevator so far has been installed next to the representative staircase. Due to the original narrow staircase and its ancient railings, the elevator had to be exceptionally narrow, but at the same time adapted for people with disabilities. You will not usually find such a solution, but I am glad we succeeded,” says Valentina.

According to the construction project manager, even though there is no lack of tension on the construction site, solving complex situations with a cool head and a correct tone is extremely helpful.

“There are all kinds of ways of communication, but I believe in the language of arguments and in a calm, business-like conversation. So far, this way we managed to solve all the challenges that arose during the projects and finish them qualitatively, for the agreed amount and on time. These are the most important criteria for me,” says Naresta team member.

Although the work is complex, Valentina really likes it. It is particularly rewarding to see the result of our efforts: timely and high-quality completions, fully renovated historic buildings that preserve their historical value. She says she relieves the stress of construction with her favourite activities: sports and healthy food preparation. A woman with her own food channel is known in Lithuania: Her activity in the kitchen attracts not only thousands of people looking for healthy recipes, but also the attention of journalists.

Valentina, who loves food production and construction, is proof that a woman can spin not only in the home but also in the “kitchen of construction.”