Merari Pellot, Controller, W. L. French Excavating Corporation
Merari Pellot
Merari Pellot’s advice for women getting into the CRE industry is that knowledge truly is power. “Become a ‘go-to’ person for answers about what you know and what you don’t know. If you are asked about something you don’t know, find the answer and become a resource for that person. Be willing to learn all the time and become an indispensable source of information,” she says. “My wish for all women is to have the opportunity to advance in the workplace if they have the talent and desire. We’re all in this game together. Diversity of all kinds contributes to the success of a team.”
She adds, “Also, having self confidence matters and by having this we can create opportunities not just for ourselves, but others too. Additionally, this is a dynamic industry that is constantly evolving – there are more women in leadership roles and we have the ability and responsibility to show other women this is a great industry with great growth potential.”
When asked what her biggest challenge in the industry has been, Merari said, “Being a well-educated minority woman has its challenges, but motivation is the key. If we are committed to our goals and dreams we will succeed. As former president of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, said, ‘The size of your dreams must always exceed your current capacity to achieve them. If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.'”
