Concrete HERitage: The Empowerment Equation with Jacki Atienza

Did you ever collect rocks as a kid? Perhaps you still do, whether strolling along the beach during family vacations or exploring rocky trails in the countryside. For Jacki Atienza, a Concrete Petrographer at Master Builders Solutions, this childhood hobby seamlessly transitioned into a fulfilling career. From a humble container of rocks on her desk to the vast concrete laboratories at Master Builders Solutions, Jacki's passion for geology has become the cornerstone of her professional journey.

A geological journey to innovation

Among the remarkable women paving paths in STEM, Jacki Atienza’s story stands out as an inspiring odyssey from academic geology to influential industry leadership. From the rocky terrains of Kent State University, where she earned her BS in Geology, to the groundbreaking projects at Master Builders Solutions, Jacki's story is one of undeniable perseverance and passion for discovery.

Her entry into Master Builders Solutions in 1996 marks the beginning of an extraordinary professional endeavour. Jacki navigated her initial years with diligence and an unyielding commitment to her craft. The challenges she faced, however, weren't necessarily tied to her gender but to the universal struggle of work-life balance that all parents grapple with. Her return to a full-time role in 2011 exemplifies the resilience and adaptability that are hallmarks of her success.

Mentorship and guiding lights

No career is solitary, especially in the multifaceted universe of STEM. Jacki affirms that mentorship was her compass, steering her through uncharted terrains. She owes much of her knowledge and growth to the wise counsel of stalwarts like Rachael Barbour, a chemist and Jacki’s current manager, who exemplifies the art of navigating a career while raising a family.

Pat Miller and John Fox, accomplished concrete petrographers and geologists, etched their wisdom into Jacki’s professional canvas, influencing her expertise and approach. In their retirement, their guidance and insight continue to shape the formidable professional she is today.

Celebrating triumphs of concrete petrography

Jacki's pivotal role in the field of concrete petrography, a speciality involving the microscopic examination of rock or concrete samples to discern their mineralogical and chemical properties, has significantly shaped her career trajectory.

A pinnacle in her career is her tenure as Vice President of the Society of Concrete Petrographers and as a Chairperson for the C09.65 Petrography Subcommittee at ASTM, an esteemed organisation renowned for formulating international voluntary consensus standards. Recognised by her peers through their votes, Jacki regards these accomplishments as significant milestones in her professional journey.

Nurturing anew in the STEM soil

To young women contemplating a career in STEM, Jacki's words are seasoned with the salt of experience and the sweetness of optimism. She urges aspiring women to chase their curiosity, not letting the phantoms of stereotypes hinder their stride. She contends that women bring a fresh perspective to the table, indispensable to the tapestry of innovation woven in the STEM domain.

For companies aspiring to foster a dynamic environment where women in STEM can flourish, Jacki offers a simple yet profound recipe — flexibility in work hours and robust support systems like the provision of parental leave. In these subtle, empathetic strategies, organisations set the stage for a seismic shift in female representation in STEM.

A verdict of inclusion

Within the laboratory precincts at Master Builders Solutions, Jacki's language is one of respect and value for every individual's contribution. Inclusivity for women takes precedence. Jacki reports feeling highly valued and respected for her work, with ample opportunities for advancement and involvement in decision-making processes. Notably, within the Analytical Services group, all women occupying STEM roles within the technical centre are represented, underscoring the organisation's dedication to gender diversity and inclusivity.

Her story, and those of many other women at Master Builders Solutions, stand as a resounding testament to the company's commitment to progress and parity in the STEM realm. This International Women’s Day, and every day, Master Builders Solutions acknowledges and honours women's indispensable role in shaping the complex, concrete reality of the construction industry through STEM.

In an industry that often bears the crust of tradition, it's heartening to see stalwarts like Jacki Atienza carving out a contemporary and inclusive future for women in STEM. Her narrative is not just a woman’s tale in the annals of Master Builders Solutions; it’s the blueprint for an evolving, diverse, and potent STEM landscape.