Weathering storms leads to UPF success
Terra M. is a night shift carpenter on the UPF Project and is one of many traveling craft professionals working at the site.
The road less traveled has proven to be a path to leadership for Terra M.
Terra is a night shift carpenter on the UPF Project and is one of many traveling craft professionals working on the site. In construction for 18 years, her career began in Alabama when her brother‑in‑law introduced her to the local union.
“I needed a job that would help support my family, and he took me right down to the union hall. I was immediately hired. I didn’t know anything, but I spent 4 years as a union apprentice and they taught me everything,” she said.
Once she was trained as a carpenter, she left Alabama and began traveling the country honing her craft. From Pennsylvania to Minnesota, Terra worked at nine different sites before joining the UPF Project in 2022. At UPF, she was invited to participate in the Craft Based Leadership (CBL) program, where she discovered herself on a new and different road.
“I’ve never worked in a place that is so supportive and treats me so well,” she said.
Since joining the CBL team, Terra has found a love of teaching. She said the CBL program allows her to coach in every craft, and she finds a way to connect with everyone.
“I always start the conversation by asking how someone is doing. I want to make sure that they aren’t carrying something into work that could become a safety issue. I care about each person,” she said.
Her motivating factor is helping people, and she takes pride in carrying the responsibility of leadership.
“I’m the leader of my family, and I feel the same way about the people I work with. They are my family, and I try to encourage them every day,” she said, noting that she has three ‘E’s for leadership. “I want to engage, encourage, and excel with everyone I talk to. It is important to me that everyone leaves the job site healthy and whole.”
In a competitive construction field, Terra has faced her fair share of challenges, but she keeps a good perspective.
“Being in this field can be rough,” she said. “You have your ups and downs, especially when you are trying to figure out what you are good at. You have to weather the storm, and, after 18 years, I have finally weathered that storm. UPF is the best place I’ve worked.”
Terra’s perspective and talent has made an impression on her managers and site leadership.
“She is the model for what we look for in CBL members," said Night Shift Environmental, Safety, and Health Lead Redd J.. “She is dedicated, knowledgeable, has a field presence, and is a great communicator. Terra is a courageous leader, who always has a great attitude. She is consistent and intent on absorbing as much knowledge and understanding as she can and upholds the standards of safety. For her, not even the sky is the limit.”
“Terra has become an integral part of our Night Shift Construction team,” added Sam B., Night Shift Construction manager. “She works tirelessly to coach our evolving and growing workforce, takes the lead in our Craft Based Leadership team, and supports a highly successful and safe night shift ES&H program.”
She goes home every month or so to her family and to her community, where she hopes to inspire others to take the road less traveled. One of her proudest moments came when her nine‑year‑old niece was in a pageant; when the panel asked Terra’s niece what she wanted to be when she grew up, she said she wanted to be “a carpenter like my auntie.”
Terra said her advice to those who are considering going into construction is to take time to explore.
“Find things out for yourself. Don’t let others determine what you want in life. The road is tough, so stay focused, stay encouraged, and don’t give up. Remember, every place isn’t for everybody, so don’t let someone discourage you from going somewhere new, just because they said so. Find out for yourself.”