What happens when an international banker trades her heels for hard hats—without ever expecting to?
In this unforgettable episode of Thriving in Construction, The Podcast, I sat down with Purisima Gonzales, a woman whose journey defies industry stereotypes and inspires at every turn. We talked about her unexpected leap from finance into construction, and how she went from managing investments in Brazil to managing field operations on a $40 million job site—where she was the only woman among more than 100 men.
“I never thought I’d end up in construction. But when the banking world collapsed, I had to choose: panic, or pivot.”
And pivot she did—with courage, clarity, and character.
🔧 From Finance to Fieldwork
Purisima’s story starts in the financial world. But when the banking industry took a hit in the 1990s, she had to rethink everything. Leveraging her multilingual skills, professionalism, and background in numbers, she landed a job with a Portuguese construction company.
She didn’t start in a cushy office role. She started on the job site.
“They handed me a hard hat and said, ‘Let’s go.’ I had no idea what I was walking into—but I was ready to learn.”
She took on the challenge, and over time, she earned the respect of an entire job site—without compromising who she was.
👷🏽♀️ Leadership in the Face of Bias
Purisima shared openly about being the only woman on site—and the only woman in meetings for years.
What got her through? Discipline. Self-respect. And the decision to lead by example, every single day.
“You can’t control how others see you. But you can control how you show up.”
She also leaned on what she called her “3Ms”:
- Me – Personal discipline and accountability
- My Mother – A deep source of strength and support
- My Son– Her reason to rise, every day
💡 From Single Motherhood to Mentorship
One of the most powerful parts of our conversation was how construction gave her more than just a paycheck—it gave her independence, identity, and legacy.
Now a proud grandmother and seasoned professional, Purisima is committed to lifting others up. She mentors women entering the trades, shares her story in the community, and speaks out about the need for real diversity and inclusion in our industry.
“We have to make space. We have to create real opportunities—not just slogans—for women to thrive in construction.”
📌 What I Took Away from This Conversation
Purisima reminded me that transformation doesn’t always begin with a plan—it begins with a choice to move forward, even when the path is unclear.
She didn’t follow a traditional path. But she built something powerful—with grit, faith, and a commitment to grow.
This episode is for anyone who’s ever had to start over, reinvent themselves, or prove that they belong in a room where no one looks like them.
👉 Listen to our conversation: https://youtu.be/heNyramm7g8?si=_0FFgA18hMHGMV97 🎧 Thriving in Construction, The Podcast — Season 1