[Clinton, N.C.] – In celebration of Women’s History Month, Sampson Community College (SCC) is highlighting female students, faculty, staff who have thrived in various trade programs at the College— breaking barriers and inspiring others to follow. One of these programs is Building Construction Technology, where two students, Elainna Phillip and Alexandra Vlahos, with instructor, Carla Garcia-Colin, are currently paving the way for other female construction students.
Phillip is a 2024 graduate of Clinton High School who enrolled in SCC’s Building Construction program in August of that same year. She’s on track to earn her Associate in Applied Science degree in 2026, planning to major at East Carolina University in Construction Management after.
An aspiring artist who takes commissions as a hobby, Phillip said she never desired to major in art, but was drawn to construction instead— seeing it as an art form in her eyes. Initially discovering the program through her high school, Phillip thanked Micheal Ray, CHS Art Instructor, for teaching her that art can be found in anything, especially construction work.
“My high school talked about programs that the college offered a lot, and many of my friends that took classes at the college expressed that they liked the campus,” Phillip explained. “They said SCC was an overall a good experience. I ultimately decided that it wouldn’t make sense to seek out another college when such a good and local college was available to me. SCC has the most perfect environment.”
Contemplating a degree change early on, due to a new environment and course load, Phillip mentioned that her mother encouraged her to see construction through and follow her passion of creating new things– something she’s always dreamt of doing. In her eyes, the SCC courses continue to fuel her love of artistry, being able to create and build things daily.
Phillip shared, “When I was frustrated with learning new things in this course and contemplated changing my major, she encouraged me to not give up and to keep trying. I’m so grateful that she was there to help me, because I love this course and genuinely look forward to it every week. I really do see myself working in this field in the future.”
When asked how she felt about enrolling in a male-dominated career field, Phillip mentioned that at times, she feels like the “odd one-out” when it comes to strength and height. However, her classmates/instructors are always willing to lend a helping hand and encouraging word, never treating her differently for being a woman in the program.
She closed, “My peers/other classmates have never made me feel unwelcome in class and if I need help with something they are always there to help me. I believe SCC is a great school for other women pursuing trades. The teachers here are very welcoming and actually encourage other women to pursue a career in trades. I’ve never been treated differently for being a woman in my construction course, and I’m extremely happy that they’ve welcomed me with open arms.
Similarly, Vlahos is a 2024 graduate of Purnell Swett High School in Pembrooke, NC who began attending SCC in August of 2024. Planning to graduate in 2026 with her associate degree, she also hopes to transfer to ECU after completing her internship with MetCon this summer.
After graduating from high school, Vlahos recalled that she began searching for the top community colleges for general contracting in NC— deciding between Cape Fear Community College and SCC. However, she ultimately enrolled at SCC because the College offered “more advantages” than its counterparts.
“My time here has been very enjoyable so far. Both of my construction classes so far have been very hands on while we are working in the shop and it is a lot of fun. I chose this program because it covers a little bit of everything in the trades field.”
Growing up, Vlahos assisted her family sporadically as they worked successfully within the construction field. This experience, and advice from her mother, led her to pursue a career in contracting through the Building Construction program at SCC.
Vlahos said, “My dad, uncle and grandpa are in this field and I went to work with them a couple times and found it really fun and decided that it was what I wanted to do. My biggest influences for this pathway have been my mom, dad, and grandpa.”
When asked how she personally felt about pursuing a career in a male-dominated field, Vlahos mentioned that she has not faced any discrimination at SCC— in part because of Garcia-Colin who has served as both her instructor and advisor. The biggest complaint, she joked, has been simply finding the right equipment to wear to class, as women’s construction attire can be hard to come by.
She closed, “It’s been a bit difficult, mainly in the work attire department. It has been pretty difficult finding steel toe shoes and gloves that fit me well. In terms of actually working with men, it hasn’t been bad. Luckily I haven’t been faced with any injustices because I’m a girl. I believe this program will have be 100% worth it in the long run.”
Both Phillip and Vlahos are currently taught by Carla Garcia-Colin, Building Construction Technology Instructor at SCC. A former graduate of the program herself, Garcia-Colin discovered BCT after a class trip to campus— just as the students began construction on their new house project. As a senior with Sampson Early College High School, Garcia-Colin recalled that right then, she found her true career path.
She voiced, “’Do what you love and believe in, and it will follow.’ This is a quote by Charlotte Perriand who was a pioneering architect and designer, breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. Her words emphasize the power of passion and perseverance—key qualities for women entering and excelling in construction.”
Now working under her former instructor, Barney Grady, Dean of Applied Technologies at SCC, Garcia-Colin recalled that she was never treated any differently than her male counterparts during her own time in the program. Though she often found herself as the sole woman in the room, Grady encouraged her to pursue an adjunct position at SCC after graduation— which developed into full-time soon after.
Now, Garcia-Colin desires to continue empowering new generations of construction employees, especially females, who find themselves seeking careers in a male-dominated trade field.
“Teaching women in construction is about more than just skills,” Garcia-Colin shared. “It’s about building confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging in the industry. By leading with knowledge, support, and hands-on experience, we empower them to see their potential, push past limitations, and create a future where they are not just participants, but leaders in the field.”
Phillip echoed, “I think it’s very important that one of my instructors was a woman, as that was one of the first things that eased my nervousness when choosing this program. Diversity in the workplace is very important, because even if it doesn’t help you, it absolutely helps someone else along the way.”
For more information about the Building Construction Technology program, visit www.sampsoncc.edu/construction
About Sampson Community College: Sampson Community College is a member of the North Carolina Community College System, located in Clinton, NC in Sampson County. The college offers many programs to include two-year degrees, college transfer, continuing education and workforce development options and early college education. SCC is committed to the principles of equal educational and employment opportunities for all.
