Breaking Barriers: Dr. Vijayeta Malla on Women in Construction & PMI Global Leadership

What does it take to break barriers in one of the most male-dominated industries in the world? And how can one leader use their platform to create systemic change for the next generation?

In this inspiring conversation, I sit down with Dr. Vijayeta Malla, PMI Global Construction Ambassador and Co-Vice President of AACE New Jersey Chapter. With 17+ years managing $47B+ infrastructure programs including the Ontario Line Subway and Port of Oakland's E-PMO, Dr. Malla has not only built billion-dollar projects—she's building pathways for women in construction.

In this episode, we explore:

🌍 The Ambassador Role — What it means to be PMI's Global Construction Ambassador, and how Dr. Malla uses this platform to advance project management excellence while advocating for women in the industry

🏗️ Breaking Barriers & Building Belonging — Specific, actionable strategies for creating a sense of belonging for women in construction, and how to leverage leadership positions to drive systemic change (not just surface-level initiatives)

👥 Leadership & Mentorship in Action — How to balance advancing your own career while actively championing others, and critical advice for emerging female project managers who feel isolated in their organizations

💡 Dual Leadership Insights — What it's like to serve in two major industry leadership roles simultaneously (PMI Global Construction Ambassador + AACE Co-VP), and how to maximize impact across multiple platforms

🚀 From Isolation to Impact — Practical guidance for women navigating male-dominated project environments, building professional networks, and finding mentorship when you're the only woman in the room

Dr. Malla holds a Ph.D. in Construction Management from IIT Bombay and is a certified PMP and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. Her research on women in construction and creating inclusive workplaces has been presented at major conferences including AACE International, WTS, and ASC. She's actively working to transform not just individual careers, but the entire industry culture.

This conversation goes beyond inspiration—it provides concrete strategies for creating belonging, leveraging leadership platforms for advocacy, and mentoring the next generation while advancing your own career.

Whether you're a woman in construction seeking guidance, a leader wanting to create more inclusive teams, or anyone interested in breaking barriers in male-dominated industries, this episode offers both hope and actionable wisdom.

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