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• NOTABLE Women IN CONSTRUCTION B10 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | NOVEMBER 3, 2025 S tefanie Santos Director of Human Resources RICHARDS CORPORATION S tefanie Santos serves as the Director of Human Resources, overseeing team acquisitions, personnel management, payroll, and employee engagement. She also manages all DAS and CHRO responsibilities. Having started from the ground floor, Stefanie possesses a deep understanding of the company's operations, which often leads to her involvement in diverse projects, from project engineering to contract administration. Known as the "Swiss Army Knife" of the company, Stefanie is admired for her versatility and ability to tackle any challenge. What skills or strengths contributed most to your success in the field? My strong work ethic, dedication, and creativity have been key to my success in the construction industry. My parents taught me the value of hard work and the importance of putting in extra time and effort to achieve my goals. That mindset helped me grow within Richards Corporation—from answering phones to becoming a leader that my colleagues turn to for guidance and results. Creativity has played a major role in my journey, allowing me to approach challenges with fresh perspectives, solve problems effectively, and adapt to changing needs. How do you mentor or support other women in the industry? I try to support other women in the industry by being honest about my own experiences – the good and the tough. A lot of times it's just about encouraging them to speak up, ask questions, and trust what they bring to the table. I'm always happy to listen, share advice, or Founded in 1967, Richards Corporation is a leading general contractor specializing in industrial, commercial, institutional, and heavy-highway projects across CT, NY, and MA. With 150–200 employees and over $100M in annual sales, the company excels in large-scale, time-sensitive developments and values its long-tenured, multi-generational workforce. 72 North Harwinton Avenue Terryville, CT 06786 (860) 583-9229 richardscorp.com just be someone they can lean on. And hopefully, by leading by example, I can show that there's definitely space for women to grow and succeed in construction. What advice would you give to young women considering a career in construction? One piece of advice I would give young women considering a career in construction is that the sky is the limit. Never be afraid to ask questions, speak up and take on challenges. Put yourself out there and seize every opportunity to learn something new to grow your knowledge in the industry. Every position in a construction company is a vital part of a well-oiled machine.