Setting an example in construction
Cristina Flores Henderson
Age: 32
Title: Assistant Project Manager
Organization: Walsh Group
Cristina Flores Henderson is an assistant project manager with The Walsh Group, one of the largest and most established builders in North America, better known as Walsh Construction in Chicagoland. Henderson started her career with Walsh in 2011 as an intern while studying at Marquette University for a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering and management. Being a female Mexican in a male-dominated industry is not an easy feat, but Henderson has always faced challenges with a smile, determination, and a little bit of sass.
As the proud daughter of two immigrant parents, oldest of five children, and the first in her family to have an opportunity to attend college, she knew exactly what she wanted in life: pursue a bachelor’s degree to pave the way for her younger siblings, and set the example for the rest of her family and fellow Latinas and Latinos. She worked three jobs and studied hard to secure scholarships to finance her education.
Henderson was happy and proud when she received an offer from Walsh Construction for a full-time position as a project engineer in June 2014. Since then, Henderson has worked in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs on multiple construction projects ranging from a school renovation worth $2 million to a renovation at the Chicago Tribune Tower worth $314 million.
Henderson is active in Walsh’s recruitment efforts at her alma mater and enjoys attending functions hosted by the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association and Association of Subcontractors and Affiliates.
Henderson has a passion for what she does and strives to encourage this passion in young Latinas and Latinos. Her goal is to continue growing as a construction project manager and achieve a leadership position within the organization.
Words of wisdom: Leadership isn’t just about intelligence, title, or vision. It’s about encouraging, supporting, and inspiring.
