Published date: 03/12/2025
Kelsey Sparks, Project Coordinator at Turner Construction Company, values hard work, integrity, and a positive mindset. With expertise in Project Labor Agreements (PLA) and Community Workforce Agreements (CWA), she focuses on clear communication, strong relationships, and expanding opportunities for all.
In the wake of Women in Construction Week earlier this month, we felt it was only fitting to highlight an inspiring story of an individual having lived the experience.
We recently had the pleasure of chatting with Turner Construction’s Project Coordinator, Kelsey Sparks, about her journey in the construction space. Spoiler alert: it’s one marked by both resilience and growth.
Searching for a career with purpose and new opportunities, Kelsey took a leap into the industry, embracing both the challenges and rewards that came with it. Through hard work, training, and key experiences, construction became more than just a job—it became a path to something greater. Now in a role that blends hands-on work with advocacy, Kelsey is showing that with determination, new possibilities are always within reach.
Below is a Q&A session that shines a light on that story and the impact she is making in the industry.
Q: Before starting your career in construction, what challenges were you facing?
Well, one of the main challenges I faced was actually something quite different than what I assume most others have endured. I had experienced Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) earlier in my life. As one can probably imagine, this took a toll on my mental health, and I had to deal with physical, cognitive, behavioral, and emotional symptoms. Long story short: I had to relearn how to cope with emotions. On top of that, I was dealing with dead-end warehouse positions that stunted my growth and career development.
Q: Were any of these challenges a catalyst in influencing your career trajectory?
Attending TBI Support Group meetings, I discovered how my brain would replay certain situations in an endless cycle. This mental struggle began to affect my relationships with family and friends. Interestingly, the same mental challenges I faced were mirrored in my physical work within the warehouse.
It was a great challenge but with the support from family members who took the time to understand my condition and patiently stood by me during my most difficult moments. This entire healing process is what inspired me to take my career in a different direction.
Q: What ultimately led to you choosing construction?
I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands, solving problems, and building things. I realized I was not meant to be in a cookie cutter position; working in a warehouse felt like insanity. I also wanted to be able to travel, possibly building and changing lives for the less fortunate in the process.
Q: Could you please walk us through your journey?
Sure! Like I previously mentioned, I worked in a warehouse before my career in construction and felt the need for a change. From there:
- I had enrolled in a pre-apprenticeship program at SVI-PACT, completing 11 weeks of unpaid training—a significant challenge. My top three trades of interest were electrician, plumber, and painter.
- I received multiple job offers from state agencies and a Marine company, both before and after passing the IUPAT DC 5 (Painters) test for Local 300.
- Shortly before my SVI-PACT graduation, I was introduced to Intelligent Partnerships. This company specializes in strategic planning and labor navigation consulting. As a Field Enforcement Specialist, my first project involved overseeing the King County Children & Family Justice Center.
- Through this role, I became familiar with Project Labor Agreements (PLAs), Community Workforce Agreements (CWAs), prevailing wage, and, of course, LCPtracker.
- Most recently, I joined Turner Construction as a PLA Project Coordinator in February 2022.
Q: Did you have expectations before getting into construction?
No, I kept myself open to new possibilities and opportunities. But I knew I wanted to get in the field to get my hands dirty and build things.
Q: Were those expectations met?
Not exactly. While I initially expected to work in the field, I find myself spending more time in the office, observing workers and doing more cerebral work.
Q: Did anything surprise you?
Mostly, it was just discovering how much I enjoy fighting for the underdogs and encouraging contractors to hire within our community – namely, the community I was born and raised in. Educating others so they are not taken advantage of is also extremely important.
Q: Given that you represent demographics traditionally underrepresented in the industry, how did that play into your experiences?
I connected with a diverse range of individuals, both those who shared my background and those who didn’t. Whether through spiritual, mental health, trauma, or career development connections, I always sought common ground. However, I often encountered people who preferred shortcuts or dishonest methods. Despite this, I remained steadfast and true to my principles, even when faced with attempts to push me away.
Q: Do you have any advice for people starting an apprenticeship?
- Advocate for yourself.
- Be the first to arrive, and the last to leave.
- Make connections! Ask questions, get a mentor to help you study!
Q: What advice would you give to others that find themselves in a similar situation to you?
Don’t give up! Speak life into yourself! Surround yourself with people that inspire and motivate you. Choose life! Someone is always watching you put in the effort, even if you don’t think they are. Even when it’s hard to see the positives, remind yourself of how far you’ve come. Also, it’s okay to cry, but remember to keep your head up.
Q: How did a career in construction change you?
It taught me a lot of patience. But it changed me personally because I was able to achieve more than working in a repetitious warehouse position, which I once thought was the only thing I was capable of. As it turns out, I am smart – even without having a degree to my name! It’s also been very rewarding as I have come to learn that I’ve inspired others – many others – from different age ranges and backgrounds. It’s pretty powerful.
