In Her Boots: Taryn Swopes

Through Q&A articles and Instagram Takeovers, our "In Her Boots" series is designed to showcase and provide an inside look at what a day in the life is like in the shoes (or boots) of some of the exceptional women at Clark. 

We’re featuring Taryn Swopes. Taryn, who joined the Clark team six years ago, is a superintendent on the San Diego State University Aztec Stadium project in San Diego, California. 

Describe your role at Clark.

I am currently overseeing several finishing processes at San Diego State University’s Aztec Stadium project including skin, interiors, furniture, fixtures, and equipment, glazing, as well as the installation of more than 30,000 seats.

I will soon be working on the interior build-out, branding, and signage at Aztec Stadium.

I've had the opportunity to work on healthcare and theme park projects at Clark as well as spending some time in project development.

What drew you to a career in the construction industry?

Growing up, I loved designing and sketching bridges. That led me to earn my civil engineering at the University of Texas at El Paso. While completing my degree, I found that I enjoyed solving unique and complex problems with a team.

What really drew me into the world of construction was driving by the Fort Bliss Replacement Hospital project. I ultimately ended up working on that project when I joined Clark after graduation.

After graduation, I was working for a steel fabricator and it really lacked a team atmosphere. I stopped by the Fort Bliss jobsite trailer one day and I was hired to work on document control. I immediately knew this was going to be the start to something really interesting. The way that issues were resolved as a team or resources were shared between the joint venture was great to watch. The teamwork, attitude, support, comradery, tenacity - all of it left a long-lasting memory.

What qualities do you need to be successful in the industry? 

You need humility, passion, honesty, determination, and creative thinking. The best leaders I've worked with know when to ask for help and how to use the resources at their disposal.

You should always have the desire to do the right thing and be thinking about how to deliver the best product for the client while elevating your team.

If you have the mindset to work with integrity and intensity, you’re already successful.

What is your favorite project you have ever worked on and why? 

The Fort Bliss Replacement Hospital will always be a hard one to top.

There was a great team, with great mentors and an amazing attitude. It was a difficult project that stretched over many years. The leaders on the project motivated our team across the finish line. I am proud of the project we delivered, the whole team, and the friendships we formed.

What is your proudest professional achievement?

I am really proud of speaking at a Women in Construction conference about teamwork. I love the opportunities Clark gives us to build things that matter, but I am even more proud of the teams that we foster. I was honored to speak about the work we do and the people that build our projects.

How do you think construction can attract more female candidates? 

I think the industry can attract more diverse individuals by embracing the things that make us different. We should always advocate for our teammates while encouraging and challenging them along the way. We should speak up sincerely when something isn't right or something needs to be changed, just as you would speak up about an unsafe action on the jobsite. If you want to attract a culture of diversity or a culture of safety, you must take every opportunity to improve and encourage those around you.

What advice do you have for a young woman looking to enter the industry?

Take the leap! Start by asking questions, finding a mentor, and networking. Joining this industry might be the best thing you do. Try not to get discouraged if this is all new to you. It won't get easier, but you will get better and better. You will solve things today and tomorrow that you once thought were impossible.

Check out our Instagram Story as Taryn shows us what a day is like in her boots.