2025 Women in Construction: Jennifer Carey, JLC Environmental Consultants

What is one project or achievement in your career that you are most proud of, and how did it impact your organization or community?

 JLC is currently working on two high rise re-stacking projects for the United Nations and while we have done many projects our firm is proud of, we are very excited to be bringing modernity to these older office towers. Not only is this construction project with Turner the type of revitalization NYC needs to improve it’s aging building stock, but has the added bonus of working for an institution whose primary objective is to promote international cooperation and prevent conflicts. It is good knowing we are assisting, even just a little bit, in helping achieve that mission!

What trends or innovations do you believe will shape the future of your field, and how are you positioning yourself (or your firm) to be at the forefront? Economists have been busy making predictions for 2025 and according to Trepp and other researchers, some sectors of the market are doing better than others. Generally, older commercial office buildings have a hard time attracting tenants due to lack of amenities, etc. They also usually have environmental problems. We are utilizing all the tech tools available to help our clients understand an asset (like completing a Environmental Site Assessment) using streamlined processes to quickly help buyers understand a property history and how environmental issues can affect it’s sale price.

Who or what has inspired you most in your career, and what advice would you share with the next generation of women entering the A/E/C industry?

 Since I entered the RE industry, there have been several inspirational women who mentored and sponsored me over the years. These individuals know who they are and their experience helped me navigate the complex world - where RE meets the A/E/C community. I make an effort to try to help those who are newer to the industry and pay it forward. I like the quote attributed to the Honorable Madelyn Albright that “there is a “special place in help for women who don’t help other women”

What’s your favorite way to recharge or get inspired outside of work?

I love music and dancing and am active in multigenerational community theatre productions - its fun!

Do you have a hidden talent or a surprising fact about yourself that most people wouldn’t know?

I walked on coals of fire and didn’t burn my feet. The point was - you can do anything after that!