Describe your role to someone who is not familiar with the construction industry or Colas USA.
I’m part of the Digital Transformation & Innovation (DTI) Team at Colas USA. Our main objective is to improve our company’s processes while minimizing disruption to our operations and employees. We explore latest technologies and innovations and create in-house custom tools for the operation teams to make their tasks easier.
User Experience (UX) is a top priority for us. In my role, I work closely with our end-users to understand their needs and challenges. I provide training and assistance to ensure they can effectively use the solutions we develop, and I actively seek their feedback to continually improve our solutions to better meet their needs.
In addition to my user-focused responsibilities, I have developed expertise in data analysis, allowing me to create custom analytics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that are tailored to the specific needs of our users. This data-driven approach helps us further optimize our processes and align them with our business goals.
What has been your favorite project so far?
My favorite project so far has been the development of the Vanquish System, which has been instrumental in the broader Strategic Review initiative led by the Keystone and Materials Teams across the United States. There are several reasons why this project is my favorite.
Firstly, it provided a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with individuals from all our subsidiaries and regions. This allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of our manufacturing business, both from a business and operations perspective.
Additionally, the project presented various challenges that pushed me to explore mapping capabilities in greater detail. The experience was not only rewarding but also a great source of learning, and I had a lot of fun along the way.
Moreover, the project introduced me to remarkable individuals, many of whom have contributed to my nomination for this recognition!
What drew you to working within the construction industry?
To be completely honest, my entry into the construction industry wasn’t a deliberate choice, despite my background in urban planning. I’ve been fortunate in my professional journey to engage with various industries and sectors, including real estate, banking, and retail.
However, what drew me to working within the construction industry was the sense of purpose it offers. It involves creating something that will stand the test of time, something that people use daily without often realizing the immense effort behind it. Witnessing a construction site in action or a manufacturing plant operating is a remarkable sight, especially for someone like me who typically spends most of their time in front of a computer.
But the best part is the look of wonder in my sons’ eyes when I show them a road construction site, the impressive machinery at work, or a plant in operation, and tell them, “That’s what Mom’s company is doing!”
What motivates you to wake up and go to work every day?
What drives me to get out of bed and head to work each day is the belief that I can make a difference, whether it’s by helping someone, enhancing our business, or simplifying life for others. I thrive on challenges and find the satisfaction of overcoming them incredibly rewarding. Plus, I have a genuine passion for learning and relish in the opportunity to acquire new knowledge and skills.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
When I was young, I wanted to become an ethnologist. This desire was rooted in my profound curiosity about the world and a genuine eagerness to gain a deeper understanding of people and their cultures. Although I didn’t pursue that specific path, these qualities have remained a constant in my life, and I’ve found them to be an asset in my professional journey.
From her nomination:
“No matter the requests, the pressure on timelines, or the dynamics of each different team environment, Alexandra is truly a pleasure to be around. She always approaches new ideas or differences of opinion with a positive mindset. Alexandra is also hard-working, and this is visible in the product she delivers which inspires others around her to make an extra effort. She is also very clear in her communications which helps eliminate confusion – this makes working with her both easy and efficient.”