Meet DeAndria Porter

As we celebrate Women in Construction Week, we’re spotlighting DeAndria Porter, a preconstruction coordinator based in our Cleveland office. Approaching two years with The Austin Company, DeAndria is carving her own path in an industry often defined by traditional routes—bringing a lifelong entrepreneurial spirit and a can-do mindset to every project she touches. Drawn to the tangible impact of building something that lasts, she found her stride in behind-the-scenes coordination and the complexity of industrial work—where strong planning, logistics, and execution come together to create essential infrastructure.

Tell us about your journey into construction.

I didn’t take a traditional path, but I’ve always been drawn to the tangible impact of building something that lasts. I started by focusing on the behind-the-scenes coordination and quickly realized that I loved the complexity of industrial projects. Seeing how management, logistics, and field execution come together to create essential infrastructure is what hooked me and keeps me driven every day.

Describe your role in the company.

I focus on the management and coordination that keep our complex industrial projects moving along. While many think my role is just numbers and spreadsheets, I see myself as the facilitator bridging the gap between the plan and reality. I handle the logistics and risk mitigation that ensure our teams have a clear path to deliver essential facilities safely and efficiently.

What is the biggest strength you bring to this role?

My attention to detail. In construction, the little things are actually the big things that keep everyone safe and the project on track. Being innovative and resourceful is also priceless in this field.

How have you settled into your role?

Early in your career, it’s easy to focus only on what you don’t know yet, but I’ve realized my value lies in my ability to facilitate collaboration and ensure our team has what they need to succeed. I’m proud to be a reliable teammate who advocates for open communication, proving that you can lead and make a significant impact while you are still growing and learning.

How have you been mentored and supported?

I’ve been lucky to have mentors who didn’t just teach me the how but also taught me the why. They gave me a seat at the table early on, which built the confidence I have today.

What is one challenge you have overcome in your career?

Early on, the biggest challenge was overcoming the learning curve of technical jargon and complex industrial systems. I had to learn that not knowing every technical answer immediately wasn’t a failure; it was an opportunity. I overcame it by leaning into my strength as a collaborator, asking the right questions, and trusting my ability to lead the team toward a solution even while I was still mastering the technicalities.

What does work-life balance look like in this industry?

In construction, balance is rooted in trust and autonomy. It’s about being empowered by leadership to manage your own priorities without being micromanaged. When you are trusted to do your job and deliver results, you have the flexibility to handle the demands of a project while still maintaining a life outside of it.

What is your favorite Austin memory?

Attending a topping out ceremony and signing the beam for a major project. It was the first time I truly felt the massive scale of the work we complete. It’s a reminder that we aren’t just erecting buildings; we’re constructing essential infrastructure that directly impacts lives at a large scale.

What advice do you have for young women in the industry?

Stop worrying about being the only woman in the room and start focusing on being the most prepared person in the room. Preparation is the ultimate equalizer.

Have you perceived any shifts in the industry?

I’ve seen a significant shift toward digital integration and transparency. We are moving away from the old silo mentality where the office and field operated separately. With real-time data and collaborative tools, we’re becoming more agile.

What’s one part of your role that people often misunderstand?

People think my job is just all quantities and take-offs, but it’s mostly risk mitigation and logistics.

What’s a decision you make regularly that has a big impact on project success?

My most impactful decision is selecting the right trade partners. It’s about more than a bid on a spreadsheet; it’s about alignment in safety and quality. By investing in these relationships upfront, we build a team that has each other’s backs when challenges arise. That trust is the true foundation of project success.

What advice would you give your past self on your first day in this industry?

I’d tell my past self to be unafraid to take up space. Don’t let being a woman limit your presence or your voice. Ask the hard questions and trust your intuition because it’s how you grow and drive project success. You belong at the table; act like it.

What helps you feel most supported on a project team?

I am most supported when there’s a culture of mutual respect and open communication. Construction is a team sport; a project is only as successful as the participation and collaboration of the whole team. When everyone (from the office to the field) feels empowered to share their expertise and has each other’s backs, we solve problems faster and more effectively. That collective trust is what truly drives a project forward.

What’s one safety practice you never compromise on—and why?

I never compromise on situational awareness. In the rush of a deadline, it’s easy to overlook small risks, but the safety of our team is non-negotiable. I believe in the power of a positive pause—taking a moment to speak up or ask a question if something doesn’t feel right.

What’s one thing you want people to know about construction careers that might surprise them?

The creativity. People think construction is rigid, but it’s constant creative problem-solving. We are basically professional innovators.

“DeAndria is creative, kind, and sharp. With her prior experience in real estate and contracts, she brings a strong foundation in working with and building relationships with contractors. This has proven valuable to the organization during multiple meet-and-greets across the country and our Top-Notch celebrations. DeAndria is a reliable sounding board for events and a go-to teammate when extra support is needed. She consistently makes time to assist during high-pressure moments and contributes thoughtful solutions when creative challenges arise.” — Chris Jackson, Vice President of Preconstruction

Just for fun: Coffee order on a job site day?

I have two gears: I’m either drinking an entire pot of Folgers to power through the morning, or I’m grabbing a quad-shot latte to run my day. There is no in-between!

As we celebrate Women in Construction Week, we hope DeAndria’s story inspires more women to consider a career in the construction industry.
Want to learn more about career opportunities with Austin?