GO Proudly Presents: 100 Women We Love, Class Of 2021

Kellie Jasso

Kellie Jasso Courtesy of Balfour Beatty

When she began working with international infrastructure group Balfour Beatty in 2010, first as an intern and then as a project engineer, Kellie Jasso was reluctant to come out. While she had no doubt that the friends she’d made in her workplace would accept her authentic self, she wasn’t sure how it would be perceived on a broader level. However, she realized, “I couldn’t be the best version of myself at Balfour Beatty until I felt comfortable in my own skin.” She took the plunge when she brought a date to the office holiday party. “I was welcomed with encouraging words and excitement, a milestone that changed everything for me,” she tells GO. “Were there disapprovals? Maybe. But for the first time in years, I honestly stopped caring what others thought, which released so much pent-up anxiety and fears seemingly overnight.” Since then, she has “felt incredible support and encouragement from my colleagues,” and her career has thrived. She has worked through the ranks, earning a promotion in 2020 to Lead Preconstruction Manager for the education group in Texas, a role which requires her to work closely with local school districts. “The diversity of our markets has allowed me to challenge myself in different areas throughout my career and work with various clients, design partners, and end-users — all from different backgrounds and experiences,” she says. The company “has also fostered a people-first culture that celebrates our diverse mix of employees for their unique talents, perspectives, personalities, and identities,” she says. “And it truly shines through in the work we do.” —RK


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