particularly during the era of the Big Dig, which lasted 15 years. Working on six different artery projects made it necessary for us to have a computer on every desk. When we began we had no computers. By 1991, we “advanced” to one computer. When we began there were no faxes or email! In the design and construction field, men were not used to working with women. Even this year, we have had men, who do not listen to women. To deal with this recurring situation, sometimes we say, “We won’t be able to stamp the drawings if we make the change you are requesting because we must
No one is going to ask you if you want to be a leader. You just have to decide and take on stuff that you feel is important to do, and do it.
meet professional standards. We won’t be able to put it out to bid”. A matter of fact, calm tone can help convey the message. Trying to get things done correctly in public jobs with low bids can be a problem for all of us. Public agencies have been more open to hiring women than private entities, even women’s colleges. A man once told me I needed to learn how to interrupt, otherwise I would never be heard. When someone breaths, he said, “That is your moment!” Once, I was on a board of an organization, and the chairman of the board said to a room full of people, “Nina loves to interrupt.” He was annoyed. Years later, he did call me the conscience of the board, but that I was a thorn in his side. I was proud. What tips do you have for the future generation of designers? No one is going to ask you if you want to be a leader. You just have to decide and take on stuff that you feel is important to do, and do it. You are choosing to be leaders by doing this study. You saw a need and you are working to address it.