Under the Hard Hat with Sarah Stokes

March 23, 2023

Sarah Stokes

At Clark, we are proud to be made up of individuals from a variety of backgrounds and talents. Our “Under the Hard Hat” series is designed to showcase the diverse people who make up the Clark team.

To celebrate Women in Construction Week, we are excited to highlight the incredible contributions and stories of women across our organization, including Sarah Stokes, a project executive at Clark’s Twinbrook Quarter project. Sarah shares the women who inspire her and how she sees women shaping the future of the construction industry.

Tell us about your current role.  

I am a project executive in charge of delivering the Twinbrook Quarter project in Rockville, Maryland, which consists of 452 apartments, a Wegmans grocery story, and a structure for a future office building. I manage a team of 17 building professionals and focus on client services and project execution.

What do you enjoy most about the work you do? 

I like that the work is ever-changing. Both the highs and lows are temporary, and the uniqueness of each project's challenges keeps you on your toes.

What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve received?  

Always assume positive intent. We are often faced with complex challenges and conflicting priorities, but the best way to approach an issue is by assuming that everyone else is doing the best they can to do the right thing.

How do you think we can attract more women to the construction industry?  

I think this requires a focus on attracting young talent and retaining existing talent. To attract more young professionals, we need to demonstrate that construction is an alternative to trendy tech careers. As an industry, we need to focus on ensuring that women are provided with meaningful career opportunities and find ways to support their growth and development throughout the different phases of their lives with things like added flexibility.

What are the benefits of having women in leadership roles?  

Having women in leadership roles provides an example for others to follow. The importance of "see her, be her" cannot be understated.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?  

You deserve balance! Find what that means for you and stick to it. You have a solemn obligation to take care of yourself so you can bring your best self to work.  

What are your hobbies outside of work? 

Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, hiking, gardening, scrapbooking, bottle cap art, and fishing. I have also played the flute for 24 years and still play locally with a concert band in Arlington, VA (bonus points if I can do any of these activities in a new place!). I have been incredibly lucky to travel for both music and vacation, including a 10-day hiking adventure to New Zealand just prior to COVID-19.