Hayley Kirk, a Project Engineer at EDiS, didn’t always see herself in construction. Growing up, she spent most of her time outdoors, working in agriculture and participating in shooting sports. She liked hands-on work and fast-paced environments, but construction wasn’t something she considered—until she stumbled upon geotechnical engineering and soil science. That discovery piqued her interest, and she started looking into the industry more seriously.
Her first real exposure to the field came when she toured a job site with EDiS. That experience led to a summer internship, where she got a firsthand look at construction in action. She liked the pace, the teamwork, and the tangible results. From there, she pursued a degree in Construction Management, taking on more internships along the way to build experience.
When she officially joined EDiS as a Project Engineer, she wasn’t sure what to expect. But what stood out immediately was the support. “I’ve always been in male-dominated spaces, so that wasn’t new,” she says. “But I was surprised by how much encouragement I received here. I prove myself through my work rather than being defined by my identity.”
As she worked on projects like Fairview and Hodgson, she found that what she valued most were the relationships. The technical side of the job was challenging and rewarding, but the collaboration with teams, mentors, and contractors made the biggest impact.
“I love that construction is fast paced. You’re always learning, and every day is different,” she says. “At the end of the day, my work speaks for itself.”
That dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed—Hayley was recently honored with a Leadership Award at the ACE Mentoring Breakfast Award Ceremony, recognizing her impact and commitment to the industry.
Looking back, she has some advice for her younger self: “Stop worrying about what you look like—it’s the least important thing about you. Work hard, but don’t take things too seriously. There’s a way to get the job done while still enjoying what you do.”
