March 2, 2026

Internships building female leaders at Exxel Pacific

Westerman

Internships provide invaluable opportunities for young professionals to gain hands-on experience and develop crucial skills in the construction industry. At Exxel Pacific, internships also empower young women and prepare them to thrive in the industry, serving as a bridge between academic learning and professional success. For women, particularly in traditionally male-dominated industries like construction, internships provide a platform to learn from other professionals, build confidence, and gain the necessary skills to thrive in the industry.

WOMEN THRIVING AT EXXEL PACIFIC

Exxel Pacific’s internship program has been successful in cultivating female leaders. Many former interns have advanced to leadership roles within the company, contributing to its success and paving the way for future generations of women in construction. We spoke with several women at Exxel Pacific who started as interns and have since grown into leadership roles to learn how their internship shaped their careers.

MELISSA VOLLMER, DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Photo courtesy of Exxel Pacific [enlarge]

The women of Exxel Pacific at the company’s Verdant jobsite.

Melissa Vollmer: I stumbled into construction. A family friend of someone at Exxel Pacific introduced me to the company, and I started as an administrative intern. Early on, I was fortunate to have an incredible manager who became a mentor. She saw potential in me that I didn’t yet see in myself and consistently encouraged me to take on more responsibility. She created an environment where I felt comfortable trying new things and wasn’t afraid to fail.

Vollmer

Early in my career, I adopted a simple rule: say yes to every opportunity. Whether it was within my formal role or not, I raised my hand. I attended every event I was invited to and volunteered for any task that needed support. That mindset opened doors I never anticipated. It allowed me to grow beyond my job description and created new opportunities within the company. I often recommend this approach to anyone early in their career or new to an organization. Saying yes helps you learn quickly, build relationships, and gain exposure across the business.

Q.What was the most pivotal moment during your internship at Exxel?

MV: One pivotal moment for me was witnessing how deeply Exxel Pacific’s executive team cares about employees. It’s a major reason I’ve been with the company for over 12 years. I remember sitting in on a discussion about a costly employee benefit decision. It was the type of decision that wouldn’t be publicly recognized and would have a financial impact on the company, but it would meaningfully benefit employees—even if they never knew the details behind it.

What stood out was how consistently the executive team focused on doing what was best for employees, without hesitation. That experience shaped how I view leadership and business. It brought our core value—doing the right thing when no one is looking—to life. Being supported by leaders who genuinely prioritize people has been a gamechanger for me and has significantly influenced how I approach my own leadership.

Q.How can women support other women in the construction industry?

MV: I’ve participated in conversations about promotions and career development, and I’ve seen firsthand how impactful it is to have an advocate in the room. Having someone at the table who speaks up for you can significantly influence your career trajectory.

My advice for women is to build strong relationships across your organization. You never know who will be in a position to advocate for you, and those connections matter. For women who are in a position to support others, I encourage being intentional about using your voice. Small moments of support and visibility can make a lasting difference in someone’s career.?

BROOKE CHEW, PROJECT MANAGER

Chew

Q.What is the biggest change you have seen in the field since you started?

Brooke Chew: Historically, construction has been viewed as slow to change, but over the last few years in our area, I’ve seen a commitment to growth. It has been fantastic to see the industry evolve not just in technology and safety, but also in the diversity of the workforce.

These changes have resulted in a more innovative and inclusive environment, improving the product and the lives of those who build it. The future, and more specifically the people behind the future of construction, excites me.

Q.How can companies use their internship programs to develop women within the industry?

BC: Construction is a diverse and complex field, which can make it laborious to find your place in. I see internships as a mutually beneficial experience to combat this obstacle. Using internships as an introduction to the industry allows women to see how their unique strengths align with the team. Interns can experience firsthand how team members work together to deliver the product and therefore can visualize their place within the ecosystem.? ?

Q.How do you see the future of women in construction evolving over the next decade?

BC: The statistics of women joining the construction workforce over the last five years have been encouraging. I look forward to the day construction is no longer considered a male-dominated field. Our industry’s future success depends on its ability to innovate, and we can do that by fully utilizing the talent and perspectives of the entire population.

DONNA MARSHALL, CFO

Marshall

Q.How did the internship program set you up for success?

Donna Marshall: I started working for the company over 15 years ago and was the first administrative intern for Exxel Pacific. I was lucky enough to have a great mentor that saw something in me and poured her experience and knowledge onto me. She told me about her experiences and how she dealt with them, she helped me to find my voice, showed me how important communication is and how to adapt my style to the person or situation I’m in.

I knew she was always in my corner as my support system, encouraging me when I needed it and helping me learn from my mistakes. She helped me grow into the person I am today, and I am grateful for her and the experience.

Q.What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a woman in a leadership role in construction?

DM: At times throughout my career, I’ve encountered challenges in ensuring my voice is heard and my perspective is respected. To overcome this, I have continued to speak up, double check my facts and information to ensure they are correct, been consistent, stood my ground, but above all else, kept my communication and demeanor respectful. I always try to keep the big picture in mind and choose when to speak up.

Relationships are extremely important, and my key to developing and maintaining good relationships is communication. Everyone communicates differently, and it’s important to identify the individual communication styles of everyone you interact with.

Exxel Pacific’s internship program is playing a pivotal role in empowering women and promoting leadership diversity in the construction industry. By providing mentorship, hands-on experience, leadership training, and networking opportunities, the company is helping to shape the future of the industry, and ensuring that women have equal opportunities to excel and lead.

Merrissa Westerman is the marketing coordinator at Exxel Pacific.

Other Stories:

• Women who build: Voices from RTC’s construction management program
  
• Building the talent pipeline
  
• How mentorship is shaping the next generation of women in construction