My name is Sharon P. Wells; my industry is construction and has been for over 30 years. I became interested in this work by way of the United States Navy Seabees (Construction Battalion) serving in the Persian Gulf and several other duty stations as a construction electrician settling in San Diego. I became interested in inspection simply for the challenge. I specialize in ensuring that schools, colleges and universities are built/remodeled to the strict seismic codes of the state of California in which they were designed. As a certified construction manager I have also performed work in this arena; but I find its more fun out in the sun. It has been a constant struggle to be successful and maintain a certain caliber of professionalism over the many years due the male dominated aspect of my profession gut I am proud to have done so and continue to do so. And I hope as the first black female inspector in the state of California I can open doors for other women of any race who wish to follow.