March 6, 2025 • 34 mins
Mayra Soto’s career has taken her from the remote, rugged landscapes of mining projects to the fast-paced world of venture capital. In this episode, she shares her journey from growing up around her family’s construction business to managing large-scale infrastructure projects and eventually diving into the world of construction technology startups. We explore what it takes to secure funding in ConTech, the challenges of being a woman in both construction and venture capital, and why more diverse founders need to step into the startup arena. If you’re curious about how innovation gets funded in the built world, or you’re a woman looking to break into tech and construction, this conversation is full of insights, advice, and a few hard-earned lessons. #WICWEEK2025
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Episode Transcript
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(00:05):
Welcome to the Construction Cafe, where the buzz of the construction industry meets thewarmth of a friendly conversation.
I'm your host, Tristen Magallanes.
Join me at our virtual cafe as we explore the foundations of construction culture, sip oncutting edge concepts, and amplify the unspoken voices in our industry.
So grab a cup of your favorite beverage, pull up a seat, and let's build more than juststructures, let's build connections.
(00:33):
This is the Construction Cafe.
Hey everyone, welcome back to the Construction Cafe continuing on our journey for Women inConstruction Week with another incredible woman who works in this industry.
(00:57):
Happen to know this one decently well and we've developed a friendship over the years.
So welcome Mayra to the show.
If you want to introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about what you do in thisindustry.
Yes, thank you for having me, first of all.
I'm Maida Soto.
I am currently a senior associate at Building Ventures, which is a venture firm focused onthe built environment, everything from concept design of the asset all the way to
(01:27):
operations.
In my role, I focus specifically on construction technology.
I'm based in San Francisco, but my background is actually in construction.
So I've been in the industry as far as I can remember.
My dad owns a construction company that builds bridges and roads.
And he used to take me to the projects as a kid.
(01:49):
So I learned to love this amazing industry and then decided to pursue civil engineering.
And after school, I went to work as a control project manager, focused on costs andschedule control.
for commercial and mining projects.
After my experience in mining, decided to go to do my MBA.
(02:10):
While doing that, met the founder of a tech startup called HoloBuilder at the time.
So still within the industry, decided to join that.
Over there, I was head of product and data analytics.
So it was a really great experience.
Learned a lot about the...
technology for the construction industry.
(02:30):
And we were able to create a category on the space.
And actually that's the time that I met Tristen who was trying the solution that we werebuilding.
Eventually, HoloBuilder sold to Faro Technology.
And then after HoloBuilder, I joined Stanley Black & Decker, the tool company.
They were actually trying to build some software for the trades So still,
(02:54):
Within the construction industry, over there were my first steps in the venture industry,more from the CVC side, doing investment and acquisition, working with the Stanley
Ventures team, and then in 2022, join the building ventures team.
I'm thinking back to, sometimes I forget, we'd met at HoloBuilder while you were atHoloBuilder and I was at Swinerton.
(03:19):
And I had two SpotDog robots early on when they just were letting folks start to test themon use cases for construction.
And I also participated in some beta testing of the actual HoloBuilder platform.
So.
I think we kind of clicked during that time and it's been a great friendship I've seen usdevelop.
(03:40):
I also really appreciate we have a shared story, I think, of our fathers being in theindustry and being passionate about it because of that.
And I think your experience actually on mining projects has always pretty interesting.
I think there's a lot of lessons to be learned there.
And just not a story I come across very often, women in mining.
(04:02):
But since
Having met you, I have followed along certain groups that are specifically for women inmining to elevate their experiences and help advocate for them.
So I'm always appreciative that you've opened my eyes to that in this industry.
like to clarify there, I didn't work extracting the mineral.
(04:23):
I work on the constructions of the facilities of the mines, which was extremelychallenging because you go in the middle of nowhere and there is nothing because you need
to go and build it.
So that was my experience.
Yeah, I think that's a unique experience.
The only other time I've had a kind of similar experience is with solar fieldconstruction, where it's also in the middle of nowhere.
(04:50):
can you kind of expound a little bit on, your current role that you have in the industryand maybe
like if you were talking to like a sixth grader.
So because like I speak, construction speak, so I understand, but maybe explain it in morelayman's terms, I guess.
I'll start with the venture capital side of things.
(05:10):
What venture capitals basically do is they get money from limited partners.
In the case of building ventures, our limited partners are some of the top contractors inthe U.S.
And then we search for very unique and great opportunities where we can invest that money.
(05:31):
with the expectation that in some years there will be multiple returns.
So that's basically the business of the venture capital industry.
In my role specifically for ConTech I get to engage with both entrepreneurs, which ispeople that are starting these type of businesses.
(05:51):
and the limited partners.
So I get to learn from both sides.
I get to learn from the limited partners what are their current pain points, not only fornow, but in the next five to 10 years.
And then I get to learn from the entrepreneurs which technologies can be applied to solvethose problems.
So I think this create the perfect scenario for me.
(06:15):
to keep learning about the industry, but also allocate capitals to teams that we believehave the potential to really make an impact in the built environment and specifically in
the construction industry.
Have you found that there's an equal number of mixed diverse teams coming forward in thatstartup space of ConTech or is it still heavily male?
(06:43):
Well, you know, you are talking about the construction industry and the tech industry.
Well-dominated industries.
So yes, it's definitely not, there is not even like 50-50.
Like this is very much male dominated.
So I see that as an opportunity.
There's an opportunity here for folks to show up in this space.
(07:05):
And first I would say understand the industry, understand the pain points, and theninterrupt that with potential new ideas that can help shift it.
And you're the exact person that they would come talk to if they had those kinds of ideasand they wanted to create a new startup and get some advice.
So for folks who are curious about the industry, curious about creating a startup in theindustry, or if you're on the other side of the funds of like, I'm considering investing
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in these types of things, you're the perfect person to come talk to, I would say, to helpthem understand that.
And I think it's a unique role.
I get excited to learn about it.
And I say I'm fairly connected with a lot of the other women who work in the constructiontechnology startup space.
And it's it's super cool to see some of the things that they're doing.
(07:57):
Yes, I'm always happy to share everything that I know from any of the roles that I haveheld in the past.
I think a lot of people don't have access to this type of information, like how venturecapital look at the startups, but specifically in ConTech
(08:21):
because there is not even that many construction, specifically construction techinvestors.
So anyone that likes to talk about it, I'm always happy to share.
Yeah, and that's, I think the great thing is we're talking about Women in ConstructionWeek is how do we elevate and bring people along the journey with us?
you know, it's, think we've shifted from the state and the industry of there's only fivespaces at the top, so we're all going to fight about it versus I think now we are very
(08:50):
supportive.
Women in this industry are very supportive of we want to rise everybody to whatever spacethat they're trying to achieve and offering that.
time, I think is something that we can do for each other.
so that's great.
What is thinking back to any of your roles could be your current one, past roles?
(09:10):
What are some challenges or frustrations you feel you face specifically around being awoman in this industry?
Yeah, I mean, I think the challenges change depending on where you are in your career.
So I would say like back when I was in the field, I mean, a funny one is like thebathrooms.
was like so gross.
(09:32):
Like I just hated that.
Like you have no clue.
It was specifically bad at the mining projects.
Like, God, like.
I'm so happy that I don't have to do that again.
I think you've shared the story of the bathroom situation with me and the mining and thatdidn't sound enjoyable.
Now, definitely if I ever go back to the field, commercial construction for sure.
(09:53):
Ha ha!
But yeah, I know.
think the other one, like when you are young, especially in the field and you are startingyour career, it's kind of sad that the most common stories that you share with other women
in the space is stories of harassment.
Like, why?
You know, like it shouldn't be.
I was lucky enough of not having too many of those.
(10:15):
And the one time that I had one of those, just got report.
I reported it.
you know, action was taken by the company.
So I don't know if that's always the case, but it was, you know, in a very good positionwhere the person was removed from the project.
good to hear because I have heard stories where that's not the outcome
(10:38):
also feel like it's, I don't know if like now, but in the past, people that were scared toreport because of retaliation.
And, you know, it's hard, especially when you are young and you're just like still tryingto figure out how things go.
What about current?
in my career.
Go ahead.
I said, what about current challenges
I would say right now, maybe like we were talking before, a challenge is to try toadvocate for entrepreneurs in this space, like new founders that are female founders in
(11:09):
the context space and haven't been able to find the right fit yet.
Hmm.
And it's not that we are not looking for it.
We are looking and there is different things that need to fit in for us to make a move.
We only do four to five investments a year.
(11:32):
And then within those, because we approach the whole built environment, it's more like twoat two.
So then you need to find, you know, these like two very special companies that you believeare gonna have exponential growth.
to invest on them.
So I think that's been a little bit of frustration on my end, but I'm hoping that as wesee more female entrepreneurs coming into the space, the right opportunity will come into
(11:58):
place for our investments in ConTech We have done female investments on the product side.
I'm thinking about startup space and opportunity for women and when it comes to equity ofwomen in construction.
know, equity isn't the same as fairness.
Equity isn't the same as equal.
(12:19):
Those are different concepts.
But what changes do you think, from where you're sitting in your role, what changes do youthink are most needed to facilitate equity for women?
Hmm.
Yeah.
mean, there is like so many things that need to be done in the industry.
I think what you're doing right now, it's great where there is a lot of sharing of thedifferent opportunities in the construction space.
(12:49):
And then also having role models.
So I think each of us that are a little more advanced in their career, we need to justlike
keep growing in the roles that we have.
that serves as an example and new generations coming into the space to think, she's doingit.
Like, why wouldn't I be able to do it myself?
I have seen a lot of transformation.
(13:12):
One thing that surprised me last year was, last year I became a mom and I had to dosome...
networking events and like traveling and going to meet with LPs.
And I was very nervous about how the situation was going to play with me breastfeedingbecause, you know, where do I pump and how am going to accommodate for these things?
(13:32):
And I was extremely surprised of seeing how accommodating is the world when it comes tothat.
And I don't know if that's the same situation in the trailer when you're buildingsomething like on the field.
Definitely.
all the places that I encountered, like when I went to our LPs offices, when I went tonetworking events that were being hosted at hotels, when I went to the airports, every
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single place had a dedicated space for pumping or breastfeeding.
So I was very happy to encounter that and how accommodating that is where you don't have.
to leave the industry or stop doing things that you believe, like in my case, right?
Like I really wanted to breastfeed my kids.
So, you you don't have to stop doing that so you can keep going with your career.
(14:21):
So I think change is happening.
Yeah, I think change has happened because I don't think 20 years ago that would have beenthe conversation we'd be having, right?
You'd be finding a closet to go hide in or having to go sit in your car or.
we actually invested in a company, it's called Oregon, and basically they are helping realestate owners put breastfeeding and pumping rooms in their buildings.
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Really?
What was the name of the company?
or and.
that's cool.
I love that.
know.
way that you find gyms everywhere, you can find these type of rooms everywhere.
Well, think it's, I think it's really important.
And, you know, I think there's two, this might be a total like side conversation, butthere's two things I think of when it comes to this one is culturally, there's this, this
(15:11):
concept that women have to hide themselves while breastfeeding, and that it's notsomething people want to see, and you know, all that stuff, which you go to other cultures
and other countries, and that's not necessarily the same case.
Yeah, but I think it also depends on the woman, right?
Even if there was a cultural thing, I would be like, no way anyone is seeing me.
Yeah, well, and I think everybody's individual and has different needs and I think allshould be accepted, you know, in my opinion, because feeding your child is a natural thing
(15:40):
and different countries I've been in and lived in for different periods of time.
It's a very different sort of interaction around that.
And also recognizing that because the United States culture is what it is,
Like I would probably be more comfortable in a private room pumping away from other peoplebecause just don't want to deal with it.
(16:01):
So that's a really important thing you bring up is having children, how that impacts yourcareer as a woman, because it does impact women, I think, still differently than men.
Because physically, our bodies are meant to care for the child in a certain way for acertain period of time, if that's your choice.
breastfeed and things of that nature.
So plus we're healing from birth.
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There's different types of births.
Some of them are very traumatic on the body.
And women having the ability to take that time but come right back to their career if theychoose to, I think is something that is also shifting for the industry.
It's good to see that.
And it's good to see examples like yourself who are doing that, have done it, and peoplecan come and say, hey, like I'm
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I'm worried, I'm uncomfortable, I'm nervous about this and you can kind of help lean inand give advice and be an example.
I think that's one of the pieces of like the work of creating equity is sharing thosestories.
that's where, know, seeing other women in the space doing it helps so much.
Like I was very nervous about it and I had Mary, Mary Kenney from Heartland which isanother venture firm in the ConTech space.
(17:09):
She, she just had gone through the experience and it was just like asking her ton ofquestions and she shared a ton of resources.
And it was just like great to have in someone and be like, okay.
So other people do it, you know, like that idea in my head and being comfortable with itbecause if she has done it, why couldn't I?
Yeah.
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And that's, I think, the key is having that example of, they did it.
Why can't I?
And it would we are creating more of that you and I and other folks who are in theircareer currently.
We're creating the ability for others to look to us and say, well, they did it.
I can also do it.
And I think that's incredibly impactful.
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And it's just it's very exciting.
Are there any
either yourself or organizations you know of that have made significant impacts in thisspace that you want to bring forward, that you want to talk about.
So I mean, I know that there is a lot of organizations in the construction industry.
Right now I'm doing more like on the venture side.
(18:12):
So I just want to put it out there, which I don't know if this exists on the ConTechspace.
I guess so.
This is All Raise which is a female organization.
And they organize their events.
And these are
Very interesting because what they focus is in really insightful data and information thatyou can actually use to grow your career.
(18:40):
So, you know, a lot of men may find about like deals and, you know, insights on the marketand things that are happening on the golf course.
I hate golfing.
Like, I'm just not good at it.
Like I just...
it's...
same theme.
great and they get this unfair advantage, especially if most of them are at the top ofthis companies, right?
(19:03):
Like how do you access the same type of information?
So this has been great organization to know where they actually, it's a conference, butit's not focused on the disadvantages that we have and how we can.
overcome those is more focused on like here is actual insights.
Like here's your advantage in the industry to go and do a better job.
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The other organization that I've seen that does similar events in the construction spaceis Autodesk.
So I've gone to a couple of their events and I'm not sure how you get added in their list,but it's just like female and this is for the people in the field.
They will share key insights that you can actually leverage for growth in your career.
(19:52):
that sounds interesting.
And they're in the, well, I'm assuming there's Bay Area representation of that.
I've gone to the ones here in San Francisco.
Again, I don't know how you did at it in that list, but I've gone to a couple of those.
That's a great, sounds like a great resource.
Sounds like there might be some fun learning there too and people, which I always enjoy.
(20:14):
Thinking a little bit more into, this is always a fun question I love to ask and somepeople don't know what to say.
So if you could talk to 20 something year old Mayra 20, 21 year old Mayra working in theindustry.
going to
(20:35):
what kind of advice would you give her?
Yeah.
think there is like three things there that I wish I would have known earlier.
I mean, now I'm becoming better and better at it.
The first thing is like, you know, it's not that hard.
You just need to get that in your brain.
(20:56):
It's not that hard.
It reminds me, you know, like this scene from
in Legally Blonde where she goes like, what?
Like it's hard.
So that's the thing, you you just need to put the time and the energy and it's not thathard.
I've done career, of course, the common thing in my career is the construction industry,but I've been in the field.
(21:19):
I went to do head of product without no previous experience or formal training on that.
And you know, you just put the time and work on it.
And then now I'm in the venture industry.
So, you know, you just need to get in your brain that whatever you want to do, it's notthat hard.
You just need to put the work and yes, of course you need to work hard, but you will getthere.
(21:41):
you'll get there.
Yeah, that's great advice.
What's the second one?
speak up.
I feel like as women, we especially when you enter a room that is full of men, most of thetime taller than you, like I'm sure, it's to me all the time.
because I'm also shorter.
It's so hard to speak up, but you have to, because you won't learn unless you ask.
(22:07):
And there is no dumb question.
And if someone, you know, like doesn't want to respond or, you know, share what they knowwith you, they're just probably not the right person to engage with anyways.
So you have to speak up and don't be shy about it.
And then.
The other thing is what we have been talking about, right?
(22:29):
Like find other women that have walked your path.
I would especially advise to find women with experience that have already walked your
A long time ago when I was just starting my career in product, I met Amy Bunszel who isthe EVP of AEC at Autodesk and soon to take over Jim Lynch role.
(22:57):
I met her at a networking event at a job office, like super, super random.
was about product.
And since then she has been super generous with her time and just like doing mentorship.
And I think there.
are a lot of women in these key roles that are open to help if you ask them, right?
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And of course, if you're respectful of their time and maintain consistency, There is a lotof women in these high roles that can help you.
I think that's something that we have now that didn't exist 10, 20 years ago.
There are enough, enough.
I mean, I think we need more still obviously, but there's enough women at different levelsof career in the industry now with different role types, which is what we're trying to
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highlight with this series is there's people in all different role types and they are, Iwould say more than willing to offer time.
And it might not be like as much time as you might want, but they'll give you some time tohave a conversation, help you think through something, network you to someone else.
(24:11):
I have folks reaching out to me, hey, you make this intro?
We do it to each other.
Like, hey, can you make this intro for me?
I'd really like to connect with this person.
I see that you're connected to them or you might know them.
And I would say I've never had an
and that come up where the other person wasn't willing to do that for me in this otherfemale, like another woman wasn't willing to do that.
(24:31):
I've always been met with a resounding yes, absolutely, and follow through.
And that's really important, I think, to recognize that we have some of that built and wecontinue to build it.
I had another person in one of the other interviews say this very similar thing is, isthere
we are here and we're generous with our time.
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even like I had a friend, I can't remember what path of my life they were from.
But they reached they reached out to me because we're connected on LinkedIn.
And they said, Hey, my my freshman high school or daughter is interested in engineeringand construction a little bit, but she's not sure where to get more information.
(25:15):
So I responded with like five resources.
And I said, you know, I'm nearby.
Why don't we just
go grab a coffee together or whatever, you know, she's a freshman in high school, so I'mnot sure if she drinks coffee, but we can go, you know, find a cafe or a fun spot to eat
lunch and I can talk to her.
And I'm willing to do that because I think it's important that we give our time to otherswhen we have the ability to do so.
(25:41):
So that's super, I think, good observation and really important work that something assimple as 30 minutes.
can make a huge difference.
Yeah, no, definitely.
you know, like I get so many, it's very impressive.
Like I get so many inbounds, like people reaching out to me, men reaching out to me,asking me about my career path.
(26:10):
I barely get any, anyone on LinkedIn, like female being like, Hey, do you have like 10minutes, 15 minutes?
This is like random people that just reach out.
And I'm, I'm always like, yes, I will.
I'll give you 10 minutes of my time to share with you what I know.
I will say the only challenge sometimes with that is sometimes you get some spam fishingcrap coming through.
(26:35):
Like I've gotten some of that in the last six months where I'm like, you're not a realperson, are you?
But you can filter through that and figure that out pretty easily, typically.
yeah, again, I'll at minimum answer your email.
It might take me a minute, but I will say that I will eventually answer it in some way, orform.
Or I might refer you to someone else who I think would be a person for you to talk to inthe industry than myself, do you think that your 20 something year old self would listen
(27:04):
to all that advice?
No, I know.
I say the same thing.
I'm like, I would give myself XYZ.
I also know that I was hella stubborn and probably wouldn't have heard any of it.
My 21 year old self thought that she was going to work in building mining projects for therest of her life.
(27:27):
And you know, like so many people at the time told me before I went into mining, they toldme you are not built for this.
And I was like, I'm not listening to anyone.
I am built for this.
And then I went, I did it and it was horrible.
And I was like, okay, yes, I was not be able to be like, I think I lasted in the miningprojects I did, before going to mining, did other types of construction projects, like
(27:57):
mostly commercial.
But when I did mining, I lasted like a year.
It was so hard.
Like honestly, all the work in that industry, like, wow, like, and we need it becausewhere do you get all the lithium for the electrical batteries?
Well, I think it's also that's important piece to recognize is maybe you start in thisindustry in one space, but you recognize that you want to pivot or shift to a different
(28:19):
type of role.
That's also totally fine.
Are there other women in the industry that you've learned from or mentored or just peoplewho you think are badass that you want to give a shout out to?
Yeah, definitely.
mean, I think there is a ton of badass women in the industry.
Like I see them all the time, but especially like first shout out to my great friend Alicefrom Brick and Mortar.
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We have been friends for a very long time before she went into Brick and Mortar.
And it's just been awesome to have someone to talk about everything, right?
Like not only war, but just like personal life and
It's also great to have a friend when you are doing conferences, to be honest.
You know, you go to all these networking events and, you know, have a familiar face isalways gives you confidence, I guess.
(29:11):
Then I would say, well, I already mentioned Amy, she's awesome.
Also in the senior level, I would say Kim DeYoung, she's the VP of the ConstructionTechnology at Swinerton.
She's great.
her when I was in between jobs and I got an interview for her.
And since then we have stayed connected.
(29:31):
She's always open to have conversations and kind of like share what she's seen in theindustry and also like learn and being open ears to, you know, things that I have shared
from what I know in the venture side.
So big shout out to her.
And finally, Sam.
She is president at Yega Tech and she was doing AI before it was cool.
(29:56):
I've been learning a lot from her lately.
Like she has so much patient experience to me.
How all of this, I mean, I have some experience in AI, but she's like a, she's a PhD.
So she like knows that these.
Yes, definitely.
She has been doing consulting for a lot of the GCs in the US and kind of like helping themmoving forward in, you know, like this technology is like changing by the minute.
(30:22):
So she's awesome also.
Great.
I really appreciate you sharing your perspective today.
I love the shout outs because that's whole part of what Women in Construction Week is, iselevating all of these amazing people who are here.
But it's a nod to, I would say the message is also, we are here for you.
So reach out and ask questions, be curious.
(30:44):
Also male allies, like ask us questions, be curious and like.
We want to have those conversations.
think that's also another key point, right?
Having men allies, like people that will pull you into the conversation, that help youbuild your career.
Like, I remember when I was at Holobuilder, we had this like very old school clients andin the meetings, this man could not address me.
(31:14):
Like he would go.
to my team and ask the questions instead of just like asking me, I was the one with theanswers, right?
And my team would like take the question and say something like, yeah, Mayra is the onethat knows the answer for this.
just, you know, bring me into the conversation again.
And the same experience, like being at Buildin' Ventures, I work with Jesse Devite.
(31:37):
He's amazing.
He loves the industry so much.
He always pulls me in in the conversation.
He always asks me, hey, what is your opinion?
Like as women, we are many times shy or as in my case, I prefer to learn.
Like not that I prefer to learn, but I am always open ears to learn.
(31:57):
And having someone ask me, you know, in a public setting where there is other people helpsme put myself out there.
and also prepare better because I know that I'm gonna be called out so I don't wannafreeze.
Well, I mean, it's weird.
I'm a little bit of an introvert.
And sometimes when I get put on the spot sometimes I'm my brain also processes some thingsdifferently.
(32:18):
And it's nerve wracking.
But we've attended conferences together.
And just having you there with me helps me have confidence in those situations, too.
And it's just nice.
And I remember speaking
I think I was speaking at an event and you were in the audience and I remember likethinking I was just speaking to you and that helped me get through it because I was
(32:41):
nervous for a million different reasons.
having those people, allies, other women, even men in the audience sometimes for thosekinds of things in meetings, that's really helpful
just for in general success for your career and developing confidence is great.
So, well, I really appreciate everything you shared with us today.
I wish we could record all of these for hours and hours and hours, because there's so manyfun things to talk about.
(33:05):
alas, we don't have that much time.
But any final thoughts or anything you want to share?
I would say if you are looking to get into the industry or switch roles into the industry,again, reach out to a woman that have gone through the path and also just go for it.
It's not that hard.
(33:26):
Do not shy away from the role because you think that you don't have the skills yet.
Just go for it.
You'll figure it out on the path.
great advice.
Well thanks again and thanks everybody for joining us and many more episodes this weekwill be coming out.
Thanks Mayra.
joining me.
Bye.
(33:52):
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(34:16):
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Welcome to the Construction Cafe, where the buzz of the construction industry meets thewarmth of a friendly conversation.
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Join me at our virtual cafe as we explore the foundations of construction culture, sip oncutting edge concepts, and amplify the unspoken voices in our industry.
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(00:33):
This is the Construction Cafe.
Hey everyone, welcome back to the Construction Cafe continuing on our journey for Women inConstruction Week with another incredible woman who works in this industry.
(00:57):
Happen to know this one decently well and we've developed a friendship over the years.
So welcome Mayra to the show.
If you want to introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about what you do in thisindustry.
Yes, thank you for having me, first of all.
I'm Maida Soto.
I am currently a senior associate at Building Ventures, which is a venture firm focused onthe built environment, everything from concept design of the asset all the way to
(01:27):
operations.
In my role, I focus specifically on construction technology.
I'm based in San Francisco, but my background is actually in construction.
So I've been in the industry as far as I can remember.
My dad owns a construction company that builds bridges and roads.
And he used to take me to the projects as a kid.
(01:49):
So I learned to love this amazing industry and then decided to pursue civil engineering.
And after school, I went to work as a control project manager, focused on costs andschedule control.
for commercial and mining projects.
After my experience in mining, decided to go to do my MBA.
(02:10):
While doing that, met the founder of a tech startup called HoloBuilder at the time.
So still within the industry, decided to join that.
Over there, I was head of product and data analytics.
So it was a really great experience.
Learned a lot about the...
technology for the construction industry.
(02:30):
And we were able to create a category on the space.
And actually that's the time that I met Tristen who was trying the solution that we werebuilding.
Eventually, HoloBuilder sold to Faro Technology.
And then after HoloBuilder, I joined Stanley Black & Decker, the tool company.
They were actually trying to build some software for the trades So still,
(02:54):
Within the construction industry, over there were my first steps in the venture industry,more from the CVC side, doing investment and acquisition, working with the Stanley
Ventures team, and then in 2022, join the building ventures team.
I'm thinking back to, sometimes I forget, we'd met at HoloBuilder while you were atHoloBuilder and I was at Swinerton.
(03:19):
And I had two SpotDog robots early on when they just were letting folks start to test themon use cases for construction.
And I also participated in some beta testing of the actual HoloBuilder platform.
So.
I think we kind of clicked during that time and it's been a great friendship I've seen usdevelop.
(03:40):
I also really appreciate we have a shared story, I think, of our fathers being in theindustry and being passionate about it because of that.
And I think your experience actually on mining projects has always pretty interesting.
I think there's a lot of lessons to be learned there.
And just not a story I come across very often, women in mining.
(04:02):
But since
Having met you, I have followed along certain groups that are specifically for women inmining to elevate their experiences and help advocate for them.
So I'm always appreciative that you've opened my eyes to that in this industry.
like to clarify there, I didn't work extracting the mineral.
(04:23):
I work on the constructions of the facilities of the mines, which was extremelychallenging because you go in the middle of nowhere and there is nothing because you need
to go and build it.
So that was my experience.
Yeah, I think that's a unique experience.
The only other time I've had a kind of similar experience is with solar fieldconstruction, where it's also in the middle of nowhere.
(04:50):
can you kind of expound a little bit on, your current role that you have in the industryand maybe
like if you were talking to like a sixth grader.
So because like I speak, construction speak, so I understand, but maybe explain it in morelayman's terms, I guess.
I'll start with the venture capital side of things.
(05:10):
What venture capitals basically do is they get money from limited partners.
In the case of building ventures, our limited partners are some of the top contractors inthe U.S.
And then we search for very unique and great opportunities where we can invest that money.
(05:31):
with the expectation that in some years there will be multiple returns.
So that's basically the business of the venture capital industry.
In my role specifically for ConTech I get to engage with both entrepreneurs, which ispeople that are starting these type of businesses.
(05:51):
and the limited partners.
So I get to learn from both sides.
I get to learn from the limited partners what are their current pain points, not only fornow, but in the next five to 10 years.
And then I get to learn from the entrepreneurs which technologies can be applied to solvethose problems.
So I think this create the perfect scenario for me.
(06:15):
to keep learning about the industry, but also allocate capitals to teams that we believehave the potential to really make an impact in the built environment and specifically in
the construction industry.
Have you found that there's an equal number of mixed diverse teams coming forward in thatstartup space of ConTech or is it still heavily male?
(06:43):
Well, you know, you are talking about the construction industry and the tech industry.
Well-dominated industries.
So yes, it's definitely not, there is not even like 50-50.
Like this is very much male dominated.
So I see that as an opportunity.
There's an opportunity here for folks to show up in this space.
(07:05):
And first I would say understand the industry, understand the pain points, and theninterrupt that with potential new ideas that can help shift it.
And you're the exact person that they would come talk to if they had those kinds of ideasand they wanted to create a new startup and get some advice.
So for folks who are curious about the industry, curious about creating a startup in theindustry, or if you're on the other side of the funds of like, I'm considering investing
(07:35):
in these types of things, you're the perfect person to come talk to, I would say, to helpthem understand that.
And I think it's a unique role.
I get excited to learn about it.
And I say I'm fairly connected with a lot of the other women who work in the constructiontechnology startup space.
And it's it's super cool to see some of the things that they're doing.
(07:57):
Yes, I'm always happy to share everything that I know from any of the roles that I haveheld in the past.
I think a lot of people don't have access to this type of information, like how venturecapital look at the startups, but specifically in ConTech
(08:21):
because there is not even that many construction, specifically construction techinvestors.
So anyone that likes to talk about it, I'm always happy to share.
Yeah, and that's, I think the great thing is we're talking about Women in ConstructionWeek is how do we elevate and bring people along the journey with us?
you know, it's, think we've shifted from the state and the industry of there's only fivespaces at the top, so we're all going to fight about it versus I think now we are very
(08:50):
supportive.
Women in this industry are very supportive of we want to rise everybody to whatever spacethat they're trying to achieve and offering that.
time, I think is something that we can do for each other.
so that's great.
What is thinking back to any of your roles could be your current one, past roles?
(09:10):
What are some challenges or frustrations you feel you face specifically around being awoman in this industry?
Yeah, I mean, I think the challenges change depending on where you are in your career.
So I would say like back when I was in the field, I mean, a funny one is like thebathrooms.
was like so gross.
(09:32):
Like I just hated that.
Like you have no clue.
It was specifically bad at the mining projects.
Like, God, like.
I'm so happy that I don't have to do that again.
I think you've shared the story of the bathroom situation with me and the mining and thatdidn't sound enjoyable.
Now, definitely if I ever go back to the field, commercial construction for sure.
(09:53):
Ha ha!
But yeah, I know.
think the other one, like when you are young, especially in the field and you are startingyour career, it's kind of sad that the most common stories that you share with other women
in the space is stories of harassment.
Like, why?
You know, like it shouldn't be.
I was lucky enough of not having too many of those.
(10:15):
And the one time that I had one of those, just got report.
I reported it.
you know, action was taken by the company.
So I don't know if that's always the case, but it was, you know, in a very good positionwhere the person was removed from the project.
good to hear because I have heard stories where that's not the outcome
(10:38):
also feel like it's, I don't know if like now, but in the past, people that were scared toreport because of retaliation.
And, you know, it's hard, especially when you are young and you're just like still tryingto figure out how things go.
What about current?
in my career.
Go ahead.
I said, what about current challenges
I would say right now, maybe like we were talking before, a challenge is to try toadvocate for entrepreneurs in this space, like new founders that are female founders in
(11:09):
the context space and haven't been able to find the right fit yet.
Hmm.
And it's not that we are not looking for it.
We are looking and there is different things that need to fit in for us to make a move.
We only do four to five investments a year.
(11:32):
And then within those, because we approach the whole built environment, it's more like twoat two.
So then you need to find, you know, these like two very special companies that you believeare gonna have exponential growth.
to invest on them.
So I think that's been a little bit of frustration on my end, but I'm hoping that as wesee more female entrepreneurs coming into the space, the right opportunity will come into
(11:58):
place for our investments in ConTech We have done female investments on the product side.
I'm thinking about startup space and opportunity for women and when it comes to equity ofwomen in construction.
know, equity isn't the same as fairness.
Equity isn't the same as equal.
(12:19):
Those are different concepts.
But what changes do you think, from where you're sitting in your role, what changes do youthink are most needed to facilitate equity for women?
Hmm.
Yeah.
mean, there is like so many things that need to be done in the industry.
I think what you're doing right now, it's great where there is a lot of sharing of thedifferent opportunities in the construction space.
(12:49):
And then also having role models.
So I think each of us that are a little more advanced in their career, we need to justlike
keep growing in the roles that we have.
that serves as an example and new generations coming into the space to think, she's doingit.
Like, why wouldn't I be able to do it myself?
I have seen a lot of transformation.
(13:12):
One thing that surprised me last year was, last year I became a mom and I had to dosome...
networking events and like traveling and going to meet with LPs.
And I was very nervous about how the situation was going to play with me breastfeedingbecause, you know, where do I pump and how am going to accommodate for these things?
(13:32):
And I was extremely surprised of seeing how accommodating is the world when it comes tothat.
And I don't know if that's the same situation in the trailer when you're buildingsomething like on the field.
Definitely.
all the places that I encountered, like when I went to our LPs offices, when I went tonetworking events that were being hosted at hotels, when I went to the airports, every
(13:57):
single place had a dedicated space for pumping or breastfeeding.
So I was very happy to encounter that and how accommodating that is where you don't have.
to leave the industry or stop doing things that you believe, like in my case, right?
Like I really wanted to breastfeed my kids.
So, you you don't have to stop doing that so you can keep going with your career.
(14:21):
So I think change is happening.
Yeah, I think change has happened because I don't think 20 years ago that would have beenthe conversation we'd be having, right?
You'd be finding a closet to go hide in or having to go sit in your car or.
we actually invested in a company, it's called Oregon, and basically they are helping realestate owners put breastfeeding and pumping rooms in their buildings.
(14:46):
Really?
What was the name of the company?
or and.
that's cool.
I love that.
know.
way that you find gyms everywhere, you can find these type of rooms everywhere.
Well, think it's, I think it's really important.
And, you know, I think there's two, this might be a total like side conversation, butthere's two things I think of when it comes to this one is culturally, there's this, this
(15:11):
concept that women have to hide themselves while breastfeeding, and that it's notsomething people want to see, and you know, all that stuff, which you go to other cultures
and other countries, and that's not necessarily the same case.
Yeah, but I think it also depends on the woman, right?
Even if there was a cultural thing, I would be like, no way anyone is seeing me.
Yeah, well, and I think everybody's individual and has different needs and I think allshould be accepted, you know, in my opinion, because feeding your child is a natural thing
(15:40):
and different countries I've been in and lived in for different periods of time.
It's a very different sort of interaction around that.
And also recognizing that because the United States culture is what it is,
Like I would probably be more comfortable in a private room pumping away from other peoplebecause just don't want to deal with it.
(16:01):
So that's a really important thing you bring up is having children, how that impacts yourcareer as a woman, because it does impact women, I think, still differently than men.
Because physically, our bodies are meant to care for the child in a certain way for acertain period of time, if that's your choice.
breastfeed and things of that nature.
So plus we're healing from birth.
(16:23):
There's different types of births.
Some of them are very traumatic on the body.
And women having the ability to take that time but come right back to their career if theychoose to, I think is something that is also shifting for the industry.
It's good to see that.
And it's good to see examples like yourself who are doing that, have done it, and peoplecan come and say, hey, like I'm
(16:43):
I'm worried, I'm uncomfortable, I'm nervous about this and you can kind of help lean inand give advice and be an example.
I think that's one of the pieces of like the work of creating equity is sharing thosestories.
that's where, know, seeing other women in the space doing it helps so much.
Like I was very nervous about it and I had Mary, Mary Kenney from Heartland which isanother venture firm in the ConTech space.
(17:09):
She, she just had gone through the experience and it was just like asking her ton ofquestions and she shared a ton of resources.
And it was just like great to have in someone and be like, okay.
So other people do it, you know, like that idea in my head and being comfortable with itbecause if she has done it, why couldn't I?
Yeah.
(17:30):
And that's, I think, the key is having that example of, they did it.
Why can't I?
And it would we are creating more of that you and I and other folks who are in theircareer currently.
We're creating the ability for others to look to us and say, well, they did it.
I can also do it.
And I think that's incredibly impactful.
(17:51):
And it's just it's very exciting.
Are there any
either yourself or organizations you know of that have made significant impacts in thisspace that you want to bring forward, that you want to talk about.
So I mean, I know that there is a lot of organizations in the construction industry.
Right now I'm doing more like on the venture side.
(18:12):
So I just want to put it out there, which I don't know if this exists on the ConTechspace.
I guess so.
This is All Raise which is a female organization.
And they organize their events.
And these are
Very interesting because what they focus is in really insightful data and information thatyou can actually use to grow your career.
(18:40):
So, you know, a lot of men may find about like deals and, you know, insights on the marketand things that are happening on the golf course.
I hate golfing.
Like, I'm just not good at it.
Like I just...
it's...
same theme.
great and they get this unfair advantage, especially if most of them are at the top ofthis companies, right?
(19:03):
Like how do you access the same type of information?
So this has been great organization to know where they actually, it's a conference, butit's not focused on the disadvantages that we have and how we can.
overcome those is more focused on like here is actual insights.
Like here's your advantage in the industry to go and do a better job.
(19:27):
The other organization that I've seen that does similar events in the construction spaceis Autodesk.
So I've gone to a couple of their events and I'm not sure how you get added in their list,but it's just like female and this is for the people in the field.
They will share key insights that you can actually leverage for growth in your career.
(19:52):
that sounds interesting.
And they're in the, well, I'm assuming there's Bay Area representation of that.
I've gone to the ones here in San Francisco.
Again, I don't know how you did at it in that list, but I've gone to a couple of those.
That's a great, sounds like a great resource.
Sounds like there might be some fun learning there too and people, which I always enjoy.
(20:14):
Thinking a little bit more into, this is always a fun question I love to ask and somepeople don't know what to say.
So if you could talk to 20 something year old Mayra 20, 21 year old Mayra working in theindustry.
going to
(20:35):
what kind of advice would you give her?
Yeah.
think there is like three things there that I wish I would have known earlier.
I mean, now I'm becoming better and better at it.
The first thing is like, you know, it's not that hard.
You just need to get that in your brain.
(20:56):
It's not that hard.
It reminds me, you know, like this scene from
in Legally Blonde where she goes like, what?
Like it's hard.
So that's the thing, you you just need to put the time and the energy and it's not thathard.
I've done career, of course, the common thing in my career is the construction industry,but I've been in the field.
(21:19):
I went to do head of product without no previous experience or formal training on that.
And you know, you just put the time and work on it.
And then now I'm in the venture industry.
So, you know, you just need to get in your brain that whatever you want to do, it's notthat hard.
You just need to put the work and yes, of course you need to work hard, but you will getthere.
(21:41):
you'll get there.
Yeah, that's great advice.
What's the second one?
speak up.
I feel like as women, we especially when you enter a room that is full of men, most of thetime taller than you, like I'm sure, it's to me all the time.
because I'm also shorter.
It's so hard to speak up, but you have to, because you won't learn unless you ask.
(22:07):
And there is no dumb question.
And if someone, you know, like doesn't want to respond or, you know, share what they knowwith you, they're just probably not the right person to engage with anyways.
So you have to speak up and don't be shy about it.
And then.
The other thing is what we have been talking about, right?
(22:29):
Like find other women that have walked your path.
I would especially advise to find women with experience that have already walked your
A long time ago when I was just starting my career in product, I met Amy Bunszel who isthe EVP of AEC at Autodesk and soon to take over Jim Lynch role.
(22:57):
I met her at a networking event at a job office, like super, super random.
was about product.
And since then she has been super generous with her time and just like doing mentorship.
And I think there.
are a lot of women in these key roles that are open to help if you ask them, right?
(23:21):
And of course, if you're respectful of their time and maintain consistency, There is a lotof women in these high roles that can help you.
I think that's something that we have now that didn't exist 10, 20 years ago.
There are enough, enough.
I mean, I think we need more still obviously, but there's enough women at different levelsof career in the industry now with different role types, which is what we're trying to
(23:49):
highlight with this series is there's people in all different role types and they are, Iwould say more than willing to offer time.
And it might not be like as much time as you might want, but they'll give you some time tohave a conversation, help you think through something, network you to someone else.
(24:11):
I have folks reaching out to me, hey, you make this intro?
We do it to each other.
Like, hey, can you make this intro for me?
I'd really like to connect with this person.
I see that you're connected to them or you might know them.
And I would say I've never had an
and that come up where the other person wasn't willing to do that for me in this otherfemale, like another woman wasn't willing to do that.
(24:31):
I've always been met with a resounding yes, absolutely, and follow through.
And that's really important, I think, to recognize that we have some of that built and wecontinue to build it.
I had another person in one of the other interviews say this very similar thing is, isthere
we are here and we're generous with our time.
(24:54):
even like I had a friend, I can't remember what path of my life they were from.
But they reached they reached out to me because we're connected on LinkedIn.
And they said, Hey, my my freshman high school or daughter is interested in engineeringand construction a little bit, but she's not sure where to get more information.
(25:15):
So I responded with like five resources.
And I said, you know, I'm nearby.
Why don't we just
go grab a coffee together or whatever, you know, she's a freshman in high school, so I'mnot sure if she drinks coffee, but we can go, you know, find a cafe or a fun spot to eat
lunch and I can talk to her.
And I'm willing to do that because I think it's important that we give our time to otherswhen we have the ability to do so.
(25:41):
So that's super, I think, good observation and really important work that something assimple as 30 minutes.
can make a huge difference.
Yeah, no, definitely.
you know, like I get so many, it's very impressive.
Like I get so many inbounds, like people reaching out to me, men reaching out to me,asking me about my career path.
(26:10):
I barely get any, anyone on LinkedIn, like female being like, Hey, do you have like 10minutes, 15 minutes?
This is like random people that just reach out.
And I'm, I'm always like, yes, I will.
I'll give you 10 minutes of my time to share with you what I know.
I will say the only challenge sometimes with that is sometimes you get some spam fishingcrap coming through.
(26:35):
Like I've gotten some of that in the last six months where I'm like, you're not a realperson, are you?
But you can filter through that and figure that out pretty easily, typically.
yeah, again, I'll at minimum answer your email.
It might take me a minute, but I will say that I will eventually answer it in some way, orform.
Or I might refer you to someone else who I think would be a person for you to talk to inthe industry than myself, do you think that your 20 something year old self would listen
(27:04):
to all that advice?
No, I know.
I say the same thing.
I'm like, I would give myself XYZ.
I also know that I was hella stubborn and probably wouldn't have heard any of it.
My 21 year old self thought that she was going to work in building mining projects for therest of her life.
(27:27):
And you know, like so many people at the time told me before I went into mining, they toldme you are not built for this.
And I was like, I'm not listening to anyone.
I am built for this.
And then I went, I did it and it was horrible.
And I was like, okay, yes, I was not be able to be like, I think I lasted in the miningprojects I did, before going to mining, did other types of construction projects, like
(27:57):
mostly commercial.
But when I did mining, I lasted like a year.
It was so hard.
Like honestly, all the work in that industry, like, wow, like, and we need it becausewhere do you get all the lithium for the electrical batteries?
Well, I think it's also that's important piece to recognize is maybe you start in thisindustry in one space, but you recognize that you want to pivot or shift to a different
(28:19):
type of role.
That's also totally fine.
Are there other women in the industry that you've learned from or mentored or just peoplewho you think are badass that you want to give a shout out to?
Yeah, definitely.
mean, I think there is a ton of badass women in the industry.
Like I see them all the time, but especially like first shout out to my great friend Alicefrom Brick and Mortar.
(28:46):
We have been friends for a very long time before she went into Brick and Mortar.
And it's just been awesome to have someone to talk about everything, right?
Like not only war, but just like personal life and
It's also great to have a friend when you are doing conferences, to be honest.
You know, you go to all these networking events and, you know, have a familiar face isalways gives you confidence, I guess.
(29:11):
Then I would say, well, I already mentioned Amy, she's awesome.
Also in the senior level, I would say Kim DeYoung, she's the VP of the ConstructionTechnology at Swinerton.
She's great.
her when I was in between jobs and I got an interview for her.
And since then we have stayed connected.
(29:31):
She's always open to have conversations and kind of like share what she's seen in theindustry and also like learn and being open ears to, you know, things that I have shared
from what I know in the venture side.
So big shout out to her.
And finally, Sam.
She is president at Yega Tech and she was doing AI before it was cool.
(29:56):
I've been learning a lot from her lately.
Like she has so much patient experience to me.
How all of this, I mean, I have some experience in AI, but she's like a, she's a PhD.
So she like knows that these.
Yes, definitely.
She has been doing consulting for a lot of the GCs in the US and kind of like helping themmoving forward in, you know, like this technology is like changing by the minute.
(30:22):
So she's awesome also.
Great.
I really appreciate you sharing your perspective today.
I love the shout outs because that's whole part of what Women in Construction Week is, iselevating all of these amazing people who are here.
But it's a nod to, I would say the message is also, we are here for you.
So reach out and ask questions, be curious.
(30:44):
Also male allies, like ask us questions, be curious and like.
We want to have those conversations.
think that's also another key point, right?
Having men allies, like people that will pull you into the conversation, that help youbuild your career.
Like, I remember when I was at Holobuilder, we had this like very old school clients andin the meetings, this man could not address me.
(31:14):
Like he would go.
to my team and ask the questions instead of just like asking me, I was the one with theanswers, right?
And my team would like take the question and say something like, yeah, Mayra is the onethat knows the answer for this.
just, you know, bring me into the conversation again.
And the same experience, like being at Buildin' Ventures, I work with Jesse Devite.
(31:37):
He's amazing.
He loves the industry so much.
He always pulls me in in the conversation.
He always asks me, hey, what is your opinion?
Like as women, we are many times shy or as in my case, I prefer to learn.
Like not that I prefer to learn, but I am always open ears to learn.
(31:57):
And having someone ask me, you know, in a public setting where there is other people helpsme put myself out there.
and also prepare better because I know that I'm gonna be called out so I don't wannafreeze.
Well, I mean, it's weird.
I'm a little bit of an introvert.
And sometimes when I get put on the spot sometimes I'm my brain also processes some thingsdifferently.
(32:18):
And it's nerve wracking.
But we've attended conferences together.
And just having you there with me helps me have confidence in those situations, too.
And it's just nice.
And I remember speaking
I think I was speaking at an event and you were in the audience and I remember likethinking I was just speaking to you and that helped me get through it because I was
(32:41):
nervous for a million different reasons.
having those people, allies, other women, even men in the audience sometimes for thosekinds of things in meetings, that's really helpful
just for in general success for your career and developing confidence is great.
So, well, I really appreciate everything you shared with us today.
I wish we could record all of these for hours and hours and hours, because there's so manyfun things to talk about.
(33:05):
alas, we don't have that much time.
But any final thoughts or anything you want to share?
I would say if you are looking to get into the industry or switch roles into the industry,again, reach out to a woman that have gone through the path and also just go for it.
It's not that hard.
(33:26):
Do not shy away from the role because you think that you don't have the skills yet.
Just go for it.
You'll figure it out on the path.
great advice.
Well thanks again and thanks everybody for joining us and many more episodes this weekwill be coming out.
Thanks Mayra.
joining me.
Bye.
(33:52):
Thank you for tuning in to today's episode of The Construction Cafe.
We hope you found our conversation as inspiring as your next big project.
Remember, you can dive deeper into the resources and topics we discuss by connecting withus on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Just search for The Construction Cafe.
Don't miss out on future episodes.
Be sure to follow us on Spotify, Podbean, and Apple Podcasts to keep the conversationgoing.
(34:16):
If you're passionate about the construction industry and have a story to share, we'd loveto hear from you.
Visit our website at the constructioncafe.com and drop us a note.
Let's keep building together.
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