How one ABC San Diego member’s life experience shaped her career in building one of the country’s most successful construction safety training businesses.
by Marjorie Del Toro, President and CEO of California-based ehs International, Inc. (ehsInc).
My passion for saving lives was not born in a classroom or boardroom—it was born from tragedy. When I was twelve years old, my beloved uncle was electrocuted on a job site. His death gave me my first real understanding of how dangerous workplaces can be when safety is overlooked.
Then, a few years later, tragedy struck again when my mother, a nursing assistant, was electrocuted by an electric wheelchair. Thankfully, she survived, but the incident left her permanently disabled. My life as a teenager changed overnight, as I suddenly found myself managing my mother’s affairs, helping support our household income, and making medical decisions no young person should have to make.
Making a Difference
When a family member is injured or, God forbid, killed due to an employer’s complacency in not providing proper site- and task-specific training, it changes everyone involved. Through these hardships and challenges, I realized systemic improvements in construction training were not only necessary, but I could play an instrumental role in making them happen. So I quit my job in 1997 with only 300 dollars in my pocket and an earnest prayer to do God’s work.
That leap of faith launched a business that would become my life’s calling. In 2010, we expanded nationally and established ehs International, Inc. (ehsInc). Today, we focus on construction, water-wastewater, and general industries, providing workplace consultation and training programs designed to ensure jobsites are safe and compliant with federal and state regulations.
Our mission was clear: make sure parents and grandparents are safe at work so they can return home to their families who depend on them.
A Place for Women
Never once did I question my abilities because I was a woman. I have been in this industry for nearly thirty years, and I have watched construction evolve—especially for women. Every milestone in my career traces back to one simple truth: safety is personal and essential for all who work in our industry.
In 2017, I was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown, Jr., and later reappointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to serve on the Underground Facilities Safe Excavation Board for the State of California—a board dedicated to improving safety in construction excavations near buried utilities. My tenure concluded in 2024, but the board continues its mission to protect workers and communities.
Organizations like the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) have played a tremendous role in that progress. I became a member in 2020 through the Orange County Chapter 91. Through my involvement, I later had the honor of serving as the Association’s National OSHA Alliance Chair from 2023 to 2024.
Myths About Women in Construction
Cultural shifts—including powerful movements like #MeToo—have created greater awareness and protection for women in the workplace. The industry has advanced tremendously from the time I entered it.
Still, we sometimes find ourselves battling myths about women in construction. For example, some believe women are not physically capable of doing the work—that construction is purely brute strength that women simply “aren’t built for.”
The truth is that modern construction is about skill, precision, training, problem-solving, and teamwork, far more than raw strength. It’s equipment, technology, and proper technique that do the heavy lifting. Success in construction depends on competence, safety awareness, communication, and craftsmanship—none of which are gendered traits.
Another persistent myth is that women are rare in construction because they don’t want to be there. In reality, many women are interested in these careers but face cultural barriers, outdated assumptions, limited exposure, or a lack of mentorship and advancement opportunities.
Advice for Young Women Entering the Trades
Entering construction can feel intimidating for women, who make up only about 14% of the construction workforce. There were many times in my career when I felt I wasn’t taken seriously simply because of my gender.
But here’s what I’ve learned: respect can absolutely be earned through hard work and impactful alliances. I strongly encourage young women entering the trades to join a professional association. Being surrounded by like-minded, driven women is empowering.
There are many supportive men in our industry who will take you under their wing and mentor and advocate for you. Find those men. Seek out those who value skill, integrity, and work ethic over stereotypes.
Inclusivity Benefits Our Industry
When workplaces are inclusive and supportive, women don’t just participate—they lead. Throughout this country, women head crews, run companies, and manage complex projects. They are professionals who are working on jobsites because they are qualified, capable, and essential.
My mission to make construction sites safer began with loss, but today, it continues with purpose. To young women considering the trades, my message to you is to show up prepared. Work hard. Seek mentors. Join associations. Build your network.
But more than anything, know that you belong here. What’s more, your presence makes the entire industry stronger, safer, and more innovative.
