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April Becerra, Project Engineer at JE Dunn, cultivated an impressive and multifaceted career in the construction industry spanning three decades. After launching a successful construction business venture straight out of high school which she ran for 15 years, April shifted gears in 2012 and transitioned into the civil construction sector.
In that role, she had the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse array of high-profile clients, including the Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Secret Service, the New York Police Department, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Leveraging extensive experience and expertise, she proved herself to be an invaluable asset, adeptly navigating the complexities of these large-scale projects.
Entry into the Mission Critical Space
Seeking a new challenge, in 2016, April made another strategic career move, this time entering the mission critical space. Here, she focused her efforts on working closely with end-user clients, providing critical support during project closeouts and audits. Her current position as a Senior Project Engineer for JE Dunn Construction has her wearing many hats. She is deeply involved in managing client relations, coordinating the efforts of trade partners for high-stakes, hyper-scale builds, and serving as a warranty manager for buildings that have been turned over. She has the ability to thrive in diverse construction environments, from entrepreneurial ventures to high-profile public sector work and now mission critical projects.
April shares, “I think my three-decade career is a shining example of the incredible growth and opportunities available within the construction industry for those with the drive and expertise to excel.”
Involvement with 7×24 Exchange
Shortly after joining JE Dunn Mission Critical team, the Vice President of the JE Dunn Mission Critical team sent out an email, asking for a female volunteer to lead the local Women in Mission Critical Operations (WiMCO) efforts. April eagerly stepped up to the plate. April shares, “This was an opportunity I simply couldn’t pass up, as I am deeply passionate about supporting women in this male-dominated industry and helping them advance their careers.”
Since taking on this role, her involvement across the broader 7×24 Exchange WiMCO community has grown exponentially. She is now an active participant in the 7×24 Exchange Silicon Prairie Chapter, including their educational committee, spearheading local WiMCO initiatives, serving on the National WiMCO committee, and even sitting on the National marketing committee.
According to April, “This work truly ignites a fire within me, as I am driven by a steadfast belief in the importance of mentorship, visibility, and community-building for women in the mission-critical space. Through my leadership, I have organized a wide range of impactful events and programs – from International Data Center Day celebrations to career fairs and industry happy hours. These gatherings not only provide valuable networking and learning opportunities but also shine a much-needed spotlight on the myriad career paths available within this dynamic, technology-driven field. I am a tireless advocate, constantly seeking new ways to raise awareness and open doors for women and youth, whether it’s through one-on-one mentorship, industry presentations, or good old-fashioned word of mouth. My passion and dedication are palpable, and I take great pride in playing a meaningful role in helping women and youth enter this mission-critical space and thrive in their careers. This is more than just a volunteer role for me – it’s a true labor of love that fills me with a profound sense of purpose.”
