Baltimore flagger supervisor keeps team safe in traditionally man-dominated industry
From highways to bridges to high-traffic events, including marathons and volunteer efforts, Dawn Hopkins and Flagger Force are on the front lines of safety.
Women in Construction Week, which is celebrated this week, promotes the role of women in the construction field.
As an area supervisor in Baltimore City, Hopkins helps ensure crews, drivers, and pedestrians stay protected. She's rising through the ranks in an industry that has been traditionally male-dominated.
According to its website, Flagger Force is a traffic control company that provides flaggers and traffic control services throughout the eastern United States.
"I really enjoy working outdoors and I like the people here," Hopkins said. "The culture is pretty awesome."
Flagger Force says workforce development programs and fair-chance hiring initiatives are helping create a more diverse and inclusive workplace that gives everyone a chance to succeed.
"We do not put barriers on any employees," said Karen Parody, the Vice President of Human Resources for Flagger Force. "W are a second chance employer. We must represent all of our workforces so we are a diverse company."
"She's a great supervisor"
Hopkins, who started as a crew member with Flagger Force in 2014, worked her way up through the ranks. She helps crews safely guide traffic around construction zones in the Baltimore area.
"It shows our ability to hang with the guys," Hopkins said. "We are definitely able to this this job as well, and I think we bring a different type of nurturing atmosphere."
"She's a great supervisor," Parody said. "She cares about her employees. We do have constant communication when a problem arises in the field but Dawn is more than capable of handing her home team and making sure they get home each night."
Hopkins' work has taken her to major projects, and the impact goes beyond just the job.
"Once I got into it and got to see exactly what we do, it's created such an impact on my life to see that this is something pretty cool," Hopkins said.
Hopkins said the profession isn't just about personal growth, but it's also about stability and bettering the city she calls home.
"It has provided me the opportunity to provide for my family and myself," Hopkins said. "It also helps with keeping the public and our clients safe."
