Sukut Project Engineer Featured in United Contractors’ Women in Construction Issue

Sukut Construction project engineer Lizette Nunez has been featured in the latest issue of United Contractors Magazine as part of the publication's Women in Construction feature, which recognizes women making meaningful contributions to California's heavy civil construction industry. The recognition highlights Lizette's career journey, professional growth, and passion for heavy civil construction.

As an engineer in Sukut's Public Works sector, Lizette has built her career by embracing challenges, asking questions, and continuously pushing herself beyond her comfort zone. What began as a desire to better understand how engineering drawings are transformed into infrastructure in the field evolved into a passion for heavy civil construction and the collaborative problem-solving that defines the industry.

Lizette first joined Sukut as an intern in the summer of 2020. After completing the internship program, she accepted a full-time position and has since contributed to several major infrastructure projects, including the West Fontana Channel, L-4 Pump Station, North Indio Flood Control Phase II, and the Lake Perris Emergency Release Facility.

Originally, Lizette viewed construction as an important step toward eventually pursuing a design-focused career. She wanted firsthand experience understanding how design decisions affect constructability and how projects come together in the field. However, after gaining field experience, her perspective changed.

She discovered fulfillment in the complexity of the work and the critical thinking required to solve problems in real time. Collaborating with field personnel, analyzing challenges, and developing practical solutions became one of the most rewarding parts of her career.

"Construction turned out to be far more fulfilling than I originally anticipated," Lizette shared. "Every project presents unique challenges, and there's always something new to learn."

Throughout her career at Sukut, Lizette credits much of her professional growth to the company's collaborative culture. She emphasizes the importance of learning from experienced field personnel while also sharing knowledge with younger engineers entering the industry. That continuous exchange of experience has helped shape her approach to leadership and teamwork.

For Lizette, one of the most rewarding aspects of heavy civil construction is witnessing a project evolve from concept to completion.

"What I enjoy most about the industry is that every day brings something different," she said. "The site is constantly changing, and before you know it, you've reached project completion. Being part of the entire journey — from the beginning stages of a project to the finished product — brings a sense of fulfillment that's hard to explain."

Lizette hopes her experience encourages more women to consider careers in heavy civil construction and to let go of the pressure to be perfect in favor of continuous growth.

"Society often places pressure on women to be 'perfect,' but I don't believe perfection truly exists," she explained. "Striving for perfection can create fear and hold us back from growth. I've learned to embrace being uncomfortable because that's when I know I'm challenging myself and expanding my horizons."

Her advice to women considering a career in heavy civil construction is simple but powerful: Be comfortable with discomfort. Over time, she said, challenges that once felt intimidating become opportunities to build confidence, resilience and success.

Lizette's feature in United Contractors Magazine reflects both her professional growth and the important role women continue to play across the heavy civil construction industry. Through her curiosity, collaboration and willingness to embrace new challenges, she continues to help build the infrastructure that strengthens California's communities.