In today’s business world, women bring a fresh and unique perspective to organizations. Gone are the days when women were confined to administrative positions. Today, they are taking on leadership roles and making important decisions that shape the future of businesses. Nora Casanova is an outstanding example of a woman who is making a difference in the construction industry. Her logistical skills are unmatched, and her leadership is helping to create a culture that promotes women in leadership roles. She is a trailblazer who is paving the way for other women to succeed in this male-dominated industry.
Thanks to organizations like the National Association for Women in Construction and the Associated Builders and Contractors, Ladies Operating for Growth in Construction, women in the construction industry are gaining visibility and more opportunities to showcase their skills and talents. As Nora says, “I am grateful to belong to a company, an industry, and an organization that promotes women in leadership.”
Rising Star in Logistics
Born and raised in Torreon, Coahuila Mexico, Nora moved to El Paso, Texas in pursuit of higher education. At the University of Texas, she excelled academically and served as president of multiple student associations such as the American Society for Quality and Supply Chain Management, The Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting, and the Student Government Campaign Progress Innovation Change.
Nora’s hard work paid off when she was named a 21st Century Scholar, representing the best, untapped, high-potential talent at the University. In 2014, she received the prestigious UTEP Women of Mines award which was the epitome of her campus leadership and involvement. She also interned at two Fortune 500 companies, The Walt Disney World Company in 2012, and CH Robinson Worldwide in 2013, gaining valuable experience in logistics practices.
After graduating with a triple major in Supply Chain Management, International Business, and Entrepreneurship, Nora moved to Houston to specialize in logistics practices. Her outstanding work was recognized when she was named PLS Logistics Rising Star in 2015.
In 2016, Nora began her career in the construction industry with Karsten Interior Services. Her role involved resolving inefficient operational performances and developing business strategies to improve daily logistics operations.
Karsten Interior Services: Quality Construction Services for Over 25 Years
Established in 1996 by Daniel J Karsten (Founder and CEO), the company has a mission to provide top-notch construction services to its clients. Its mission is centered on hard work, honesty, and integrity while ensuring a safe and reliable work environment for its employees, who are considered its most valuable asset. By placing its employees at the forefront of its operations, the company has been able to cultivate a loyal customer base. This approach has enabled them to establish themselves as a reliable contractor in the competitive Houston construction market, earning future business from satisfied clients.
Karsten Interiors caters to a diverse range of markets and industries. Its portfolio includes Tenant/Office, Industrial, Medical, Higher Education, Religious, and other sectors. The company deliberately diversifies its target markets to find projects that align with its workforce, schedule, and client needs. The company’s team understands the common pain points of their clients, which are staying within budget and completing projects on time. Therefore, it prioritizes delivering high-quality and dependable services to its clients to ensure their satisfaction.
Leading by Example
As a director at Karsten Interior Services, Nora ensures that field employees have the necessary tools to perform their jobs effectively. She is a strong advocate of leading by example, emphasizing work ethics and accountability in her department. “To be the best you must give the best,” says Nora. She strives to foster a work environment that fully supports the company’s culture of teamwork and personal and professional growth.
Staying Ahead of the Competition
According to Nora, the interior construction drywall industry is a complex one with a wide range of competitors, from small subcontractors to large contractors. As a result, it is crucial to target the right projects with the right clients in order to maximize profit opportunities. Karsten Interior distinguishes itself from the competition by emphasizing long-term customer relationships and successful pre-construction planning. It also provides extensive training and development opportunities for employees at all levels of the organization, by investing in its people; the company has established a strong reputation as an industry leader.
Focusing on Employee Success
“Your title makes you a manager, but your people make you a leader,” asserts Nora. She believes that the organization’s success depends on the success of the individuals within it. In the construction industry, facing challenges and obstacles on a daily basis is the norm. Her approach, on the other hand, is to coach and guide her team to find effective solutions to these problems. She emphasizes the importance of communication and motivates her team by demonstrating how important they are to the organization’s success. Nora believes that a positive attitude is a daily choice and a crucial key to the success and advancement of her department and the company as a whole.
Embracing the Change
According to Nora, the ever-evolving landscape of the construction industry is both a blessing and a curse. She loves the industry for its rapid innovation and openness to new technology. As a logistical leader of women working in construction, she has fostered a culture of open-mindedness towards change that has helped her team acquire visibility in the construction supply chain. However, she also knows that change is not always easy and some people in the industry are resistant to new ideas.
A Tech–Savvy Leader
Nora, a firm believer in innovation and technology, sees an opportunity to improve the way things are done. She is passionate about staying at the forefront of emerging trends. Driven by a thirst for knowledge, she completed the Harvard Business School online Management Essentials certificate program in 2019. Her dedication to personal and professional development prompted her to pursue a Master’s degree in Construction Management at the University of Texas at Arlington, demonstrating her commitment to expanding her knowledge and skills.
Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Empowering Women in Construction
“A woman’s success is contagious,” Nora believes in the power of women helping women. She emphasizes the importance of sharing accomplishments, challenges, and victories with other women to create a supportive and collaborative community. She insists that building a strong network in women’s peer groups is crucial, and encourages women to join industry groups to network with like-minded people and foster a culture of helping one another. Her passion has driven her to launch Women in Construction On the Go, a social platform that connects, educates, and promotes women in the construction industry. “A candle loses nothing by lighting up another candle,” Nora wisely opines.
Nora’s achievements in the construction industry speak volumes about her talent and hard work. Her success in the field earned her a seat on the National Association of Women in Construction Board. Today, Nora serves as Vice President of the Houston Chapter and Chair of the Professional Development and Educational Committee, as well as the chairwoman of the Ladies Operating for Growth in Construction ABC Greater Houston committee.
Juggling Success in Construction and Life
“We all have the same number of hours in our days,” mentions Nora. She understands the importance of work-life balance for achieving peak performance. She believes that being intentional and prioritizing what matters most is the key to success. She is learning the art of saying no and effective time management along the way.
Quotes
“My passion is to create a better space and environment for women in construction and inspire the new generation to join our industry.”
ALSO READ: The 10 Revolutionary Business Women Leaders of 2023
