Charlotte Student Gisel Carrillo Ramirez Builds Construction Career Through UNC Charlotte

First-generation college senior overcomes challenges to land job offer with major construction firm

Apr. 15, 2026 at 1:40am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of construction safety gear repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the vibrant energy and creative spirit of the construction industry's future.A pop art-inspired celebration of the next generation of construction industry leaders emerging from UNC Charlotte's innovative program.Charlotte Today

Gisel Carrillo Ramirez, a first-generation college senior at UNC Charlotte, is part of the largest-ever cohort of women in the university's construction management program. After overcoming academic and financial hurdles, Ramirez has secured a job offer with Brasfield & Gorrie construction firm as a pre-construction engineer, putting her on the path to achieving her goal of one day owning her own construction company.

Why it matters

As the construction industry in North Carolina continues to grow, with 40,000 new jobs expected by 2030, programs like UNC Charlotte's construction management degree are helping prepare the next generation of industry leaders. Ramirez's story highlights how hands-on learning, mentorship, and perseverance can empower underrepresented students to thrive in this field.

The details

Ramirez, who grew up in Winston-Salem, was determined to pursue more than what she saw her peers doing after high school. She entered UNC Charlotte's rigorous construction management program, which trains students in skills like plan reading, cost estimating, and project planning. Despite facing academic challenges, Ramirez persevered, securing six internship offers by her sophomore year, including one where she helped renovate the Prospector building. Now a senior, Ramirez has eight job offers and has accepted a position as a pre-construction engineer with Brasfield & Gorrie, a major construction firm.

  • Ramirez is set to graduate from UNC Charlotte in May 2026.
  • By 2030, North Carolina is expected to have 40,000 new construction jobs.

The players

Gisel Carrillo Ramirez

A first-generation college senior at UNC Charlotte who is part of the largest-ever cohort of women in the university's construction management program.

Wayne Goff

The construction management program director at UNC Charlotte, with decades of industry experience, who has helped mentor Ramirez and other students.

Brasfield & Gorrie

A major construction firm that has offered Ramirez a job as a pre-construction engineer after she graduates.

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What they’re saying

“Seeing other people around me not go to college, and watching their daily struggles — I wasn't okay with that. I wanted more for myself.”

— Gisel Carrillo Ramirez, UNC Charlotte Student

“She persevered through challenges and ultimately succeeded. Her perseverance is only matched by her persistence to learn, understand and grow in her knowledge of the construction industry.”

— Wayne Goff, Construction Management Program Director, UNC Charlotte

What’s next

Ramirez is set to graduate from UNC Charlotte in May 2026 and begin her new role as a pre-construction engineer with Brasfield & Gorrie.

The takeaway

Ramirez's story demonstrates how hands-on learning, industry mentorship, and determination can empower underrepresented students to thrive in the growing construction field, paving the way for the next generation of industry leaders.