Celebrating Women in Construction Week 2026: Meet Peyton Stephens
March 4, 2026
Each year, the construction industry pauses to recognize the women who help build, lead and strengthen our communities during Women in Construction Week. At Clarkson Construction Company, we're proud to be a part of that celebration and even more proud of the talented women who contribute their skills, leadership, and dedication across our projects and teams.
Throughout the week, we're highlighting a few of the many women who make Clarkson what it is today!
Meet Laura Burciaga, Payroll Accountant
Laura has spent the last decade building her career in the construction industry, working across several sectors including fiber optics, commercial construction, and heavy civil. Each step along the way has given her a deeper understanding of how essential strong administrative and financial support is to the success of every project.
Although Laura didn't originally plan to work in construction, the industry quickly became a perfect fit.
"I've always worked in accounting and HR roles, and I kind of accidentally found myself in the construction industry," she says, "but I loved it immediately."
What stood out to her was the fast-paced nature of the work and the constant change that comes with it.
"It's never boring!" Laura explains. "I also love that you can physically see the work being done. Even from the office, it's rewarding to know the projects we support have a visible, lasting impact."
The Importance of the Office Team
While construction is often associated with the work happening in the field, Laura notes that the office team plays a critical role in keeping projects moving.
"People sometimes underestimate how important the administrative side of construction is," she says. "With payroll, compliance, and reporting, there's a lot of complexity, strict deadlines, and regulations involved."
Her day typically includes managing payroll processes, reviewing compliance documentation, preparing reports, and communicating with project managers and field staff to ensure everything stays on track.
Like many roles in construction, no two days look exactly the same, something Laura appreciates about the industry.
A Project Close to Home
One Clarkson project Laura is particularly excited about is the Improve I-70 Kansas City project. Because she drives through the area daily, she gets to watch the progress firsthand, making her connection to the project even more meaningful.
"It's really interesting to see the coordination and effort that goes into a large joint venture," she says. "Knowing I play a small part in supporting that work is very rewarding."
Teamwork Makes the Difference
For Laura, one of the best parts of her job is the team she works with every day.
"I'm especially grateful to work alongside an amazing accounting team. Having strong, knowledgeable, and supportive colleagues makes even the busiest day rewarding."
Life Outside the Office
Outside of work, Laura enjoys spending time with her family. Much of her free time is spent cheering on her kids and supporting them at their activities and sporting events.
When asked to describe her career in one word Laura chooses evolving.
"I'm growing and learning every single day."
