Latina helps build Cincinnati’s legacy

Lorena Mora-Mowry, host of the Latina Today podcast, interviews Osmary Contreras, a Project Manager at Jostin Construction in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Osmary Contreras talks about her upbringing, innate leadership abilities, and the profound influence of her cultural heritage on her current endeavors. The discussion delves into her professional accomplishments and her unwavering passion for the construction industry. Additionally, Osmary shares insights gained from her experience working at Jostin Construction, a member of the Hispanic Chamber of Cincinnati, on the region’s most intricate and high-profile projects, including the Cincinnati Convention Center Reinvention, FC Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium, and the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens’ Elephant Trek. Osmary shares her leadership qualities and the enduring impact she has made in Cincinnati. She also discusses the 2025 Allied Construction Industries She Builds Award finalist recognition and offers guidance to individuals inspired by her work, particularly within the Latino community. 

To listen to her interview on MujerLatinaToday.com, please click HERE, or on the Latina Today podcast on Apple Podcasts, and read the full transcript of the interview.

The full transcript of the interview is available on the Latina Today podcast on Apple Podcasts.

Ms. Contreras, born and raised in Venezuela, attributes her strong teamwork and mindset to her early experiences. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Universidad de Carabobo, where she developed resilience, patience, and perseverance through her studies. Her time in the United States further honed her technical expertise and broadened her perspectives. She has been working at Jostin Construction for nine years, where her values align with the company’s, and she enjoys the balance of work and fun. She appreciates the serious yet enjoyable nature of the construction industry and the dedication of her colleagues.

Ms. Contreras discovered her passion for construction at an early age. As her father’s surveyor, she assisted him with site preparation, safety protocols, and field work. This exposure shaped her interest in civil engineering, which focuses on construction, building, and structure design. When she moved to the United States, she saw an opportunity to pursue a master’s in construction and environmental engineering and eventually become a project manager. Her background in building processes and design, combined with her project management skills, led her to her current role. She enjoys coordinating and joining teams to bring projects to life, which is what she finds fulfilling.

Ms. Contreras worked on complex and high-profile projects, including the Cincinnati Convention Center Reinvention, FCC Cincinnati TQL Stadium, and the Cincinnati Botanical Garden Elephant Trek. She recently finished working at the Cincinnati Convention Center and believes her technical expertise has contributed to her strength. She continues to learn about improving adaptability across diverse project teams and recognizes that each project is unique, challenging, and rewarding.
 

Ms. Contreras values learning from every team member and understands her role in collaborating with different people and understanding their project requirements. Her calm, solution-oriented leadership has been recognized for coordinating diverse teams, navigating challenges, and delivering excellence. Her cultural upbringing has guided her work, and she has made a lasting impact in Cincinnati.

When asked to talk about her ability to coordinate diverse teams, navigate challenges, and deliver excellence, she has been recognized for her calm, solution-oriented leadership and delivered excellence. She stated that she believes reviewing and understanding project documents enables her to participate in projects. She’s served various roles, including project engineer at the TQL steering stadium project. There, she learned document controls and coordination. During the COVID era, she adapted rapidly, remained patient, and understood team dynamics. Clarity, consistency, flexibility, and problem-solving were crucial. It was a great project at the right time.

For the Cincinnati Zoo and the Elephant Trek, she developed a project schedule and budget. These projects require a strong understanding of construction processes and zoo operations. She coordinated work, projects, and departments, improving her communication and management skills. At the Cincinnati Convention Center project, she worked with a composite cleanup crew and listed items to ensure quality control and timely completion. She provided Spanish-English interpretations, connecting with the Hispanic community.
 

Ms. Contreras was recently a finalist for the “She Builds Award,” which honors women in construction who are breaking barriers, creating space for others, and leading through mentorship and advocacy. She feels honored and has deep gratitude for it. She is very thankful to Jostin Construction , the company where she works, for nominating her for this award. She really appreciates working there “because it is a company that really provides you with growth opportunities and for being inclusive, you know, for diversity of ideas, people, and work. So, I really appreciate that”, she says.

Ms. Contreras’ message for the emerging community, especially the Latino community and the Latino women working in construction, is to stay confident in your abilities and skills. Embrace your culture as a strength that shapes you. We learn daily in this field. All our experiences shape our perspectives and openness to learning in Cincinnati, a beautiful city. We’re all working together to make it better. Be open, courageous, ask questions, and embrace your roots.

Images courtesy of Osmary Contreras