No stranger to the construction industry, Construction Management senior Graciela Chairez-Moreno’s passion for the industry began at a young age. She loved the process of construction and especially the result. Toward the end of her senior year in high school, she decided to major in construction management at Colorado State University.
“Although I didn’t have prior experience in construction,” she said, “I knew it was a career I wanted to dedicate myself to.”
Born and raised in Commerce City, Colorado, Chairez-Moreno’s parents arrived from Mexico to give their children opportunities they didn’t have. Chairez-Moreno has two older sisters and a younger brother. She is a first-generation student eager and excited to complete her undergraduate degree this semester.
Having opportunity to intern with Mark Young Construction as an estimator, this internship was the most challenging, yet rewarding experience for Chairez-Moreno. She was able to apply many skills learned in class to real life projects. She then interned with Guarantee Electrical as a project engineer, working on a variety of projects: designing duct banks, performing estimating, and working on as-built drawings all while using different software programs.
Chairez-Moreno’s goal is to give back to her community and support families with limited resources in the Denver area. She has served as a student officer for the CSU Habitat for Humanity Chapter and been involved in multiple clubs and competition teams in the department. She has been an incredible mentor to multiple Pre-CM women through the EMPOWER, the department’s mentoring program for women in construction.
CM Academic Success Coordinator, Molly Weisshaar shares, “When I think about Graciela, I think about altruism and humility. She has a heart for service and in my opinion her greatest strengths lie in her quiet leadership – she has an ability to connect deeply one on one with others and has compassion for all.”
Career goals relative to CM education
“Colorado State University has done an exceptional job in preparing me for my career,” said Chairez-Moreno. “The CM program offers a variety of opportunities for students to enhance their skills and get real-world experience. By joining competition teams and attending the career fair to land internships, I feel I am more than ready to begin my career in construction.”
After graduation, Chairez-Moreno will be working as a project engineer with Guarantee Electrical. After working with them as an intern, she is excited to be a part of their team. Her long-term goal is to have a business of her own and with it, give back to her community providing useful resources.
Her advice for new or current students?
“The knowledge you learn during your time in the Construction Management Program is remarkable,” she said. “Put all your effort into each class. I assure you, you’ll get a lot out of every assignment and project. Most importantly, use those valuable skills you will learn to give back to others and help build your community.”
The Department of Construction Management is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
