Meet Katherine Amaya

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Katherine Amaya. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Katherine , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Being a female project manager in the construction industry, where it’s still male-dominated, comes with unique challenges. Balancing assertiveness with collaboration and continually demonstrating value is a key approach for women thriving in industries where they’re often the minority.

Build confidence
Leverage your strengths
Establish credibility
Set boundaries and be assertive
Build relationships
Seek mentorship/sponsors
Maintain learning mindset
Thick skin
Be an advocate for other women

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Founded in 2021 in California, Ocean Permits is a women-owned boutique consulting firm that specializes in streamlining the pre-construction phase for both residential and commercial projects. Offering a wide range of services, including building permits, drafting design, and construction management, Ocean Permits ensures a seamless journey from concept to project completion. With a strong focus on efficiency, expertise, and personalized service, the firm helps clients navigate the complexities of pre-construction, saving time, reducing costs, and delivering exceptional results tailored to each project. Areas we serve include California, Arizona and Texas. Let’s work together! Building permits approved faster, build smarter.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

3 Skills or Areas of Knowledge:

– Project Management
– Problem Solver
– Reputation

What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these? Foster strong, authentic relationships with your team members, both men and women. Allies can provide support when challenges arise, and strong working relationships help navigate the industry’s dynamics.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’m focus on a holistic approach to build little by little a strong network with trusted professionals such as architects, engineers, and drafting designers who can enhance the firm’s reputation and increase client confidence knowing that their projects are in capable hands. Having a reliable database of local general contractors and subcontractors will also streamline the project execution phase, ensuring smooth collaboration and higher-quality results.

Contact Info:

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