In celebration of Women's History Month, we're proud to spotlight Chiara Lopez, a trailblazing Gas Construction Supervisor in the Street Repair department.
“I am essentially responsible for overseeing our daily operations and ensuring the safety of our crews,” explains Lopez. “My responsibilities include coordinat
ing with dispatchers, schedulers, and cross functional departments to ensure the timely scheduling and completion of our construction restoration work. Meeting with city municipalities to ensure regulatory requirements are met. Meeting with customers to address and resolve concerns relating to work completed by our Gas and Electric crews. Additionally administering safety meetings, compliance training, and promoting professional development.”
Chiara's journey began with an inspiring leap into the world of construction through our Veteran Internship Program in 2018. Motivated by the company's values and opportunities, she embraced roles from laborer to concrete finisher, ultimately landing her in her current leadership position as Gas Construction Supervisor.
“From the time Chiara first began her career at SDG&E, she has demonstrated a strong work ethic, a drive to advance and succeed, and a genuine care for the people she works with,” shares Jarad Scott, Chiara’s coworker, and Behavioral Based Safety (BBS) LIFE Facilitator and Gas Working Foreman. “Her outstanding leadership skills and focus on safety made Chiara a standout in her roles as a LIFE BBS Observer and Steering Team Leader. Chiara is always willing to step up and help with special projects and she never shies away from accepting a new challenge as she is involved with many other groups and committees at the company.”
“It is a very rewarding feeling when you get to see employees grow and become the leaders you know they can be,” says Mario Castro, a friend of Chiara and Gas Construction Manager. “Chiara's career took off with asking a simple question, ‘how do I get there?’ Chiara exemplified all her strengths in the process of answering that question. Eventually she realized the answer to the question is a quote you learn in the Marine Corps, ’you need to be comfortable being uncomfortable.’ I am very proud of the leader Chiara has become and I am intrigued in seeing the next chapter in her career.”
Chiara Harnesses Her Experience from the U.S. Marine Corps
With her background as a U.S. Marine, Chiara brings a unique perspective and unwavering determination to her work.
“As a retired U.S. Marine, I was drawn to this line of work because I have always been physically active,” explains Chiara. “Frankly, I was also up for the challenge to try something completely new and out of my comfort zone. At the same time, I had grown accustomed to working in a male-dominated workplace and could see that my military and leadership experience could be helpful. There are not many women in the construction or utilities fields. Often you are the only woman in the department or crew. While I have had some challenges establishing my leadership as a woman in a mostly male-dominated workplace, I’ve learned to draw on my strengths to overcome those challenges. I like to think that leadership and a strong work ethic have no gender.”
Chiara's success is a testament to her family's support, especially as a single mom to a child with special needs. Their encouragement has fueled her journey
from military to civilian life, embodying the spirit of perseverance and dedication. “I could not have accomplished this much without them. They continue to be my biggest supporters — from watching my son while I was on deployments to now driving him to and from school so I can focus on being successful at work.”
Transitioning from the military to civilian life isn't always smooth, but Chiara says that she “found purpose and identity at SDG&E.” She credits the company's advocacy and empowerment for her growth, highlighting the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone and seizing opportunities.
“As BBS Facilitator, I am extremely proud of and grateful for Chiara’s contributions to the LIFE process, and the strong intrapersonal relationships she has built within the Street Repair department and the other groups at SDG&E she is a part of,” says Jarad.
Chiara Lopez epitomizes resilience, leadership, and the power of breaking barriers. This Women’s History Month let's celebrate her inspiring journey and the strides she continues to make in the construction industry.