Meet the women pioneers in Guardian Life’s Property Department

IN a world where property management and the construction industry have long been regarded as a male-dominated field, the women of the Property Department at Guardian Life Limited are breaking barriers and leaving an indelible mark on the landscape.

With a team of 16 people across the Guardian Life network of branches, six are women who serve at various levels in the department — as vice-president; assistant vice-president; property manager; estate officers; and administrative support. Together, these women boast an enviable 85 years of expertise in the housing industry, with their journey into this industry as diverse as their roles within the department.

Headed by Debby Livingstone, vice-president of Corporate Resources, the division under which the Property Department falls, the team has been making a significant contribution to the overall growth strategy of the company, and by extension Jamaica’s housing sector, by overseeing the construction of three properties to date: The Hampshire, The Camden and The Cambridge. All located in upscale communities in Kingston, these housing developments boast a combined 252 apartments and six villas. These achievements underscore the team’s dedication to meeting the rising demand for quality housing in the country.

As Guardian Life’s Property Department continues to shatter glass ceilings, the remarkable achievements and ongoing contributions to Jamaica’s housing sector are indicative of the transformative power of women in traditionally male-dominated industries. The women of Guardian Life’s Property Department stand as pioneers, exemplifying resilience, expertise, and a commitment to building dreams that will leave a lasting legacy in the world of property management.

The recently launched Guardian Property Services Limited (GPSL) extends the department’s services into strata management, project management, valuation services, and property management for both commercial and residential third-party properties, with 34 properties currently in its portfolio. The vision and mission of GPSL emphasise a commitment to being the leader in creating value and dominating the property services sector through a highly trained professional team supported by cutting-edge technology.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day under the theme #InspireInclusion, members of the Property Department share their experiences.

Chrison Moxam, one of two female estate officers, whose initial dream was to become a lawyer, found herself redirected into construction due to financial constraints. Starting with a diploma in construction management, she progressed to a degree in construction management and now stands as a testament to the unexpected paths that can lead to success in this field.

For Kadiann Johnson, estate officer, her entry into the industry came with a background deeply rooted in creativity, inspired by a family immersed in construction. Her journey involved volunteering with a construction team, gaining hands-on experience, and eventually pursuing higher education in architecture. Now, she actively engages in property management, contributing her unique perspective to the team.

For these women, entering a traditionally male-dominated industry was not a conscious choice, but a pursuit of their passions.

The story is similar for Assistant Vice-President Olive Bernard, whose journey into the realm of property management and construction was also ingrained in her childhood experiences, emulating her father who was a “good carpenter and mason”. Bernard, who naively pursued tertiary education in land valuation surveying, quickly recognised during her college years that with a female to male ratio of 3:11, her work had to distinguish itself. However, having worked some 32 years in the industry, she doesn’t believe she has to compete with either males or females; instead, she leads the team from a position of “discernment, care and sensitivity”. She notes that the industry is slowly evolving in terms of gender inclusivity, with a growing recognition of the value that diverse perspectives bring to the table.

And it’s that diversity of the industry that attracted Michelle Howe, manager, starting as early as her high school years, which was later bolstered while studying construction management at university. Howe speaks highly of the respect that her male counterparts afford once they recognise that gender is inconsequential in the completion of task. Giving due regard, however, to the fact that “men and women think differently, I have noticed that women pay attention to the finer details and tend to be more systematic to the workflow to maximise efficiency”, she said.

For Trinelle Robinson, administrator in the department, her bachelor of science degree in energy and environment physics, coupled with a minor in electronics, provides her with the fundamental skillset to position her for a possible long term career in the industry; something she has considered as she becomes more interested in the area.

Navigating daily challenges in the Property Department requires resilience and adaptability. Whether it is overcoming logistical hurdles on-site or negotiating, these women approach challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset, consulting with team members and supervisors. Their commitment to working together underscores the importance of collaboration in creating a solid foundation in the construction field.

The team culture within the Property Department plays a pivotal role in fostering an inclusive work environment. Open communication, mutual respect, and a commitment to diversity are integral components. However, gender-related stereotypes persist, and these women have faced instances of bias and preconceived notions. From assumptions about their capabilities to remarks about distracting workers on-site, they address these challenges by consistently delivering results and challenging stereotypes through actions and innovations.

The women in the Property Department emphasise the importance of setting boundaries, prioritising self-care, and leveraging flexible work arrangements to maintain equilibrium.

Looking ahead, they propose initiatives such as media representation, awards programmes, educational outreach, and mentorship, to further enhance gender inclusivity. They envision an industry that actively challenges biases, champions diversity at all levels, and provides opportunities for professional development.

On International Women’s Day, as the theme #InspireInclusion resonates, these women reflect on the strides made, acknowledging the continuous struggle for empowerment. They are proud to be part of an inclusive environment at Guardian Life, where competent women at all levels are not just accepted, but celebrated; evident by the department copping five awards in the last 10 years at the company’s annual awards ceremony.

Breaking stereotypes and inspiring the next generation, these women are leaving an indelible mark in Guardian Life’s Property Department and the construction industry as a whole.