Safety First: Elaina Powell’s Professional Purpose

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (May 21, 2025) — When you talk with Elaina Powell about workplace safety, you can tell how passionate she is. As Project HSE Supervisor at Superior Construction, Elaina’s technical expertise and genuine care shine through on every project she oversees.

“I was drawn to the safety field because I’ve always had a strong desire to help others,” Elaina says. “I want to make sure that every worker returns home safely to their family and friends.”

After graduating from Pennsylvania’s Slippery Rock University in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Safety Management, Elaina began her career with a mechanical contractor before joining Superior in June 2023. Since then, she has participated in Superior’s Supervisor Training program and was selected to join the Superior Women in Construction (SWiC) LEAD program, a year-long professional development initiative designed to empower women in the construction industry.

Elaina and the other 2024 SWiC LEAD graduates are part of a talented group of women leaders who are transforming the industry. Class members receive monthly group coaching on leadership topics, individual career coaching, mentorship opportunities, and the chance to work on collective team projects that create value for Superior.

As a woman in the construction safety field, Elaina believes varied perspectives are needed to create effective safety protocols. “The construction safety sector benefits greatly from including different viewpoints,” she says. “Having more women in safety and leadership roles helps create a well-rounded work environment that strengthens the industry as a whole.”

Elaina wants clients and owners to know: Superior’s approach to safety goes beyond compliance. “Our safety plans aren’t just about checking boxes on a list,” Elaina notes. “We conduct detailed risk assessments, provide ongoing training, and enforce strict safety protocols to foster a culture where safety is a shared responsibility.”

Recently, Elaina checked an item off her own list of professional goals. She is now a Certified Safety Professional (CSP)—a designation she has worked toward for years. She appreciates the way Superior supported her along the way, but what she values even more is her company’s commitment to safety. “At Superior, safety is a year-round core value that drives everything we do,” she says. “We believe that a strong safety culture leads to better productivity, higher morale, and, most importantly, the well-being of our employees and partners.”

Elaina’s work on proactive safety measures helps Superior meet and exceed industry standards while keeping our most valuable asset—our people—protected on every jobsite, every day.

Superior Construction highlights one core value each quarter. For Q2 2025, we’re focusing on Safety. Stay tuned for Q3’s focus on our Core Value: Family.