By Ana María Ramos
El Inmobiliario
SANTO DOMINGO.-From a young age, Vivian Reyes' creativity flowed from her pores, so when it came time to choose what to study, she didn't hesitate to opt for architecture, motivated also by the fact that the profession was a viable option that would make it easier for her to start her own business.
The Vice Minister of Standards, Procedures and Regulations of the Ministry of Housing, Habitat and Buildings (Mivhed), who took up her post with the creation of this state agency, defines herself as a person who is the result of the sum of her experiences, which forged "a frank, empathetic, determined and persevering woman, with a deep commitment to her family.".
Her mother, a former banker; her late father, a lawyer and military man, created an exemplary home with the guarantees that led her to grow up in a united family from which she retains the beautiful memories of a happy childhood.
“I have known how to take advantage of opportunities; I am not afraid. I analyze things, and if I believe I can make a contribution, I do it. I believe in myself, in my ability, and in putting my knowledge into practice,” the official responds to the question about the high position she holds, being a young woman.
Vivian Reyes, Vice Minister of MIVHED/ Justo Feliz, El Inmobiliario.
Holding a prominent position has allowed Vivian to realize that women must continue to advance. She is aware that there have been steps forward thanks to the struggles waged by those who came before her generation, but she is also very clear about the great responsibility she has to ensure that future generations continue paving the way for women to gain more space.
With International Women's Day commemorated in March, the construction management specialist also believes that women will continue to climb to leadership positions "because women are extremely well-prepared, having led university enrollment for several years.".
In the construction sector, she notes that there is good participation in architecture and that engineering has been growing. “Although it is stigmatized because it involves working with mostly male laborers, I understand that women have the capacity to lead teams; this is gradually being understood,” she emphasizes.
The official notes that in the concrete block and rebar sector there are many young women venturing into construction, whom she encourages to persevere and not give up, so that future generations do not see the profession as a male-dominated field.
Path
At 22, upon graduating from the Ibero-American University (Unibe), Vivian Reyes got her first job in the housing improvement department of the then National Housing Institute (INVI), where she began to accumulate experience, moving from there to a development and construction company.
She stayed there for 5 years and met her now husband Héctor Mendizábal and they created the company Urbe Construcciones, although when she recalls the beginning, memories of a typical take-off with limited resources are reborn.
“It’s difficult to start because obviously you need large plots of land and acquiring them was complicated. We already had the company established when the grandparents of some of Héctor’s paternal aunts passed away, and they decided to sell the property, and we took advantage of the situation to acquire it,” he recounts.
He recalls that his first project consisted of 6 apartments, the second of 8, the third of 8 housing units, and the fourth of 24, until he established himself today as a housing development company in Santo Domingo and Punta Cana. “In my case, due to my duties at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (MIVHED), I have had to step back,” he emphasizes.
Responsibility
Vivian Reyes' position was created alongside the Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Housing (MIVHED). Through decree 497-21 of August 11, 2021, President Luis Abinader appointed the executive team of the newly inaugurated government entity, assigning her to head one of the six vice-ministries.
The official is aware of the great responsibility that rests on her shoulders, being in charge of the unit that must ensure that buildings in the country are constructed safely.
“The responsibility is very great because of what that care and pursuit of compliance with those regulations and standards represents; it is extremely important, it is the safety of every citizen who lives here, we are always inside a building in our home and at work,” the vice minister emphasizes.
He adds that the processing of building permits and the inspection of works, which together guarantee the safety and functionality of buildings in the Dominican Republic, has represented a great challenge, but above all a great satisfaction.
Although she holds a top position in the country, the former financial vice president of the Association of Housing Builders and Developers (Acoprovi) "is not where she would like to be." With her extensive experience of over 17 years in the construction industry, once her public duties conclude, she would like to explore other sectors beyond housing, where she has primarily focused her work.
And one more thing inspires her: Spending more time with her beloved family, learning to dedicate space for everything, because if there is anything she enjoys and that helps her relax, it is being calm with her loved ones and coming home every night to reunite with her two main loves: her daughters Lucía and Sofía.
Originally published in the print edition of El Inmobiliario .
