Program Manager Chioma Iwuagwu, PMP, LEED AP DB+C, is an engineering and project management professional with 20 years of experience in the construction industry. For Women in Construction Week, we spoke with Chioma about her career, what drew her to project management, and her work with Hill Advisory.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Chioma kickstarted her construction career working for a contractor in 2006. She continued her education while working, earning a master’s degree in civil engineering in 2009. Chioma worked in project management roles at several firms before joining Hill in 2023.

“I was initially drawn to construction because of my fascination with complex systems—the way each phase of the project builds to the next,” she says. “By navigating through the gaps that naturally emerge throughout the life cycle and finding solutions that strengthen and elevate the final outcome, you can bridge perspectives, overcome challenges collaboratively, create alignment throughout delivery, and deliver incredible projects that serve the public in meaningful, lasting ways. That ability to shape outcomes through coordination and problem‑solving is what inspired me to pursue a career in project management.”

Industry Obstacles & Outlooks

While Chioma has always been passionate about her work, she has also faced challenges building a career in a traditionally male-dominated field. “I’ve been sometimes underestimated and have had to work harder to prove my technical credibility, often as the only woman in the room,” she explains.

To overcome these challenges, Chioma says that she maintained a zeal for learning and a determination to take on the most difficult assignments. She also says she was lucky to have help from mentors and champions who recognized her potential. Over time, by delivering consistent results on the most challenging project assignments, she earned the trust and respect of her peers.

“It’s also been important for me to learn how to advocate for myself and create space for other women coming into the field,” she adds. Indeed, over the course of her career, Chioma has seen big changes in the ways women think about construction and the ways they are perceived in the industry. In particular, she has seen greater awareness of the value women bring and, accordingly, more intentional efforts to diversify teams. She has also seen and contributed to the growth of stronger support networks for women in technical and leadership roles. These networks have led to more women in engineering programs, leading major projects, and at the head of construction organizations.

“While there is still progress to be made, I’ve definitely seen a noticeable shift toward inclusivity,” she says. “And I am optimistic that this trend will continue throughout the industry as women continue to excel and deliver impactful projects around the world.”

Making an Impact at Hill Advisory

Today Chioma is a leader on the Hill Advisory team, providing program management office (PMO), program controls, technology, and other advisory services to clients working in a variety of sectors, including energy, rail, and aviation.

On one of her current assignments, Chioma provides program controls and governance support for a large utility company in Southern California. Her responsibilities include enforcing standardized project controls processes, improving schedule and cost reporting, validating data quality, and promoting alignment with established governance standards. She works closely with utility leadership to streamline workflows, enhance compliance with governance requirements, and drive continuous, data-driven improvements to reduce variability and improve predictability. Her efforts strengthen the consistency of project delivery across the client’s portfolio. For the utility company and their customers, Chioma’s efforts translate into more resilient infrastructure and more reliable service.

“I appreciate my current role because of the Hill Advisory team’s collaborative culture and our emphasis on adding value for our clients and their stakeholders,” she adds. “Plus, I’m surrounded by people who are deeply knowledgeable, which gives me the opportunity to continue learning and take on increasingly complex challenges. This is something that has always motivated me and, as I’ve mentioned, helped me earn respect as a woman in construction.”

“Chioma is an exceptional, proven leader who adds value on some of Hill Advisory’s most complex assignments,” adds President, Hill Advisory J.P. Villamizar. “Her hard work, innovative thinking, and dedication are exemplary, and we’re proud to have her on the team.”

To learn more about Chioma’s work with Hill Advisory or her experiences as a woman in construction, reach out to her at [email protected]. For more information about Hill Advisory, please visit: https://www.hillintl.com/home/hill-advisory/.