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What Women in HVACR Membership Has Meant to Me
by Karen Lamy DeSousa
The WHVACR organization has helped me both personally and professionally in so many ways. Membership, for me, has meant deeper access to industry events as well as new HVACR technology and innovations.
Through WHVACR, I have also developed mentorship and networking relationships that have challenged me to improve my knowledge and skills as a business owner, and invaluable friendships with women across the country that I likely would never have met otherwise.
One such friendship developed from the Women in HVACR Annual Conference in Denver two years ago. I met a woman in the industry with a passion for writing, but who was shy about sharing her work. After the conference, she shared some of her ideas with me and it turns out she not only had
passion, but a great talent. With some encouragement, she submitted her first article to an HVACR magazine and was thrilled to find it immediately published. Five more published articles later, she is now working on publishing her first book! Without WHVACR, we likely would have never met. Though I believe she would have found her way into print eventually, I hope that my cheerleading helped move along her success and brought her ideas and talents to the HVACR world sooner. I have the great honor of being president of the Women in HVACR organization for 2020. It is my mission in this role to provide greater opportunity for members and sponsors of the organization to utilize their c o n s i d e r a b l e talents to take leadership roles in their organizations as well as to enhance the WHVACR mission of empowering women to succeed in the HVACR industry.
Karen Lamy DeSousa is the Women in HVACR president and owner and president of Advance Air & Heat Co., Inc.
by Yanel de Angel
“I am not alone.” That is what went through my mind the first time I attended a 500-person real estate networking event where 90% of the room, if not more, were male faces. I had already been involved in various women’s support networks and I knew I would find one of them in the crowd. Sure enough, a few minutes into the sea of men, I saw a familiar face: a woman from my CREW network. We immediately joined forces to work the room, and soon after, we found other women. Throughout the night we made introductions for each other. We made room in dialogue so our voices could be heard.
Women’s network groups have been extremely important in my career – not only when networking in rooms where being a minority is intimidating – but for finding mentors, coaches, and role models to emulate. As an architect, the Women in Design (WiD) group within the Boston Society of Architects (BSA/ AIA) has created that essential space of non-competitive camaraderie. It’s a safe place to let your guard down, talk about vulnerabilities, and find the encouragement to advocate for myself and others.
Within Women in Design, I am part of the Principals Group and a cochair of the WiD Award of Excellence Committee, which annually recognizes three exemplary women who use their position to give back and inspire others. This year, we’re celebrating the award’s
20th anniversary with an exhibition titled “IMPACT, Inspired and Inspiring.” The award reflects the values of the women in the field and recognizes design excellence, journey, and character. Being a part of the awards process has offered me a window into how these amazing women have enriched other people’s lives. It inspires me to think about how my contributions could impact others.
I believe in paying it forward. In my WiD involvement, I have straddled between the Principals Group and emerging women leaders, which has given me a balanced look at the career struggles of women at all stages in their careers. I discovered that there was a damaging disconnect in the pipeline for women seeking practice leadership, so we assembled a small group of principals and emerging women leaders to form the WiD Mid-Career Women in Design Mentorship Program. We have been able to mentor 30 women each year, with a focus on connecting women to a larger network, providing individualized attention from a mentor, and giving access to new career perspectives and role models. Now in its third cycle, the program has taken on a life of its own, inspiring two additional AIA chapters to begin similar efforts.
Support groups matter when you are trying to grow your professional network as a female in a male-dominated industry. My CREW network has been instrumental in expanding business partnerships and creating non-traditional minority teams to pursue new projects. You need fellow women and wingmen to move the needle toward a more equitable playing field, where diversity becomes the new normal, and where action happens through inclusion.
Yanel de Angel, FAIA is a principal at Perkins and Will.
Proud to Celebrate Women in Construction
Every year at its BWiC Inspire Awards, AGC Massachusetts recognizes exemplary women in construction who demonstrate leadership, generosity, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to their career, colleagues and industry.
Congratulations to this year’s winners! Janet Chrisos, deputy director, MSCBA, Mentor of the Year; Valerie Stone, safety director, T.G. Gallagher, Emerging Leader; Sabina Kintzer Shorey, cost engineer,Turner Construction, Rising Star; and Savy Francis, apprentice pipe fitter, E.M. Duggan, Tradeswoman of the Year.
by Casey Williams
As Kira Gould and Lance Hosey emphasized in their 2007 book, “Women in Green: Voices of Sustainable Design,” women are leading the sustainable design movement, but are underrepresented in leadership. Gould and Hosey’s research shows that women on average are “more knowledgeable about climate change and energy-efficient design” than men, but hold under a third of leadership positions at architectural firms.
Within the U.S. Green Building Council Massachusetts Chapter (USGBC MA), we consistently see a higher percentage of women attending USGBC MA programs than represented in the built environment industry in general. Within our Green Building Leadership Institute, which aims to help students and emerging professionals advance their careers in the sustainable design industry, we have found that 86% of our participants are female. Our board of directors has grown from having only a third of female representation to two thirds representation. Clearly, women are actively seeking opportunities for professional growth and leadership in sustainable design, which is why we felt the need to develop our own Women in Green programming.
The inaugural Women in Green breakfast panel, held in 2018
The idea for the initiative began at the annual Women in Green Power Breakfast, which was hosted at the national U.S. Green Building Council’s annual conference, Greenbuild. When femaleidentifying architects, designers, and researchers from Massachusetts would come together at this event, everyone would always ask, “Why don’t we have something like this back home?” There was such a great demand for this type of programming that members of USGBC MA formed a steering committee to plan out our own version of Women in Green. Inspired by Greenbuild and the research provided by Gould and Hosey, we developed our program with a focus on giving women the resources they need
to pursue leadership opportunities in the architectural and design industries. We believe it’s important that female professionals not only have spaces to network with other female professionals, but opportunities to build a strong support system that lifts one another up.
This will be the third year we have hosted Women in Green events. Our flagship event, the Women in Green breakfast panel, follows in Greenbuild’s footsteps and features a panel of female professionals who are driven by an urge to diversify the voices that move the sustainability movement. The breakfast panels are so successful that we have created additional networking events throughout the year to continue conversations happening amongst female professionals.
Our next event, Women in Green: Culture of Courage, is slated for March 30 and will feature the perspectives of leaders within the sustainability movement, including Carol Gladstone, Laura Keenan, Kimberly Lewis, and Penni McLean-Connor. We hope that opportunities like this will help raise the voices of women within the design industry.
Casey Williams is the marketing and graphics associate at USGBC MA, soon to be called Built Environment Plus.
Lawrence, MA
Boston, MA Miami, FL
CUBE 3 is proud to celebrate all Women in Construction by shining the spotlight on our talented teams in Lawrence, Boston, and Miami. The women at CUBE 3 lead numerous roles within the organization from financial and administrative roles to the hands-on design of the architectural and interior design they lead with our clients. They are all valuable contributors and undeniably improve our business and culture with intelligence, ingenuity, and creativity. architecture | interiors | planning
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978-989-9900 CUBE3.com
2019 TOP 300
Empowering Women in Construction
Building Excellence Together
In her third year as an apprentice in the Wayne J. Griffin Electric Apprenticeship Training Program, Amber Woodstock is one of several women currently working on the Barnard Hall Addition and Renovation project at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, CT. KBE is the Construction Manager at Risk for the 4-story, 80,000 sf renovation and 8,000 sf, 3-story steel-framed addition for new offices, student advising, and teaching.
Let’s Face It: Old perceptions die hard and the thought of going into a construction career – as a woman – might sound crazy if you consider the industry’s reputation as a rough-and-tumble man’s world. But happily, that world is changing and changing fast. While women still make up just 9% of the construction workforce across the country, the numbers are growing every day at all levels of the industry, whether plying a trade, supervising construction, or leading a construction firm. “Frankly, the field is wide-open for women to come in and make their mark,” says Mike Kolakowski, CEO of KBE Building Corporation, a major East Coast construction services firm. “More and more companies are recognizing the invaluable contribution women can make to this industry. Their attention to detail, focus on relationshipbuilding, and ability to multi-task clearly makes them a vital part of the industry.” Mike continues, “We know that the more diverse our staff is at all levels, the better job we can do for our clients. There truly has never been a better time to be a woman in construction. For me, talent, passion, and commitment will get you everywhere in this business – male or female.” The Construction World, According to Women So what’s been the experience for today’s female construction professionals? Here are a few takeaways from candid interviews from nearly a dozen women in various construction industry positions. Opportunity for Work/Life Balance “There was a point in my career where I had to make certain life decisions…will I get married… do I want children…and how will this affect my career?” says Erica Millard, LEED AP, CPE, a preconstruction manager at KBE who has worked in both the field and in preconstruction for the last 14 years. “I needed to know my choices for maintaining work/life balance. Fortunately for me, KBE granted me the flexibility I needed. I think most women struggle with these types of conversations; however, you won’t know for sure unless you ask. Because our industry has been so traditionally male, there’s no precedent yet for our unique circumstances. Give your firm a chance to help you, don’t be afraid to discuss your needs so you can be the best ‘you’ at work and home. I now realize this challenge was easier to overcome than I had ever anticipated.” Leslie Cook, a senior project engineer at KBE-NY, a NYC-based construction firm, concurs: “Work/life balance in this industry is easier than one might think,” she explains “Technology is always at my fingertips, which allows me to get paperwork done at home, sometimes at 10 pm or later. This is very supportive of women and today’s family dynamic. It’s evolving from an outdated mindset. It’s important for us to work smarter and not harder.” Relationships are really the key, says Barrie Deschaine, business development manager at KBE. “One of my biggest challenges has been breaking out of my comfort zone,” she explains. Deschaine started her career in the field as a clerk of the works 33 years ago before becoming the executive assistant to KBE’s CEO and moving into her current business development role. “I find that by just being myself, being sincere and genuine, has really enabled me to build the personal and professional relationships that are so important to our business. But back in the day, it could be pretty rough out there. It’s great to see the acceptance and encouragement given to women today. My advice? Reach for those leadership positions, and take advantage of education along the way.” The Best Resources to Help Women Get Ahead? Each woman that was interviewed confirmed that hands-on experience and having a strong mentor or champion were vital to their advancement and success. “I have been very lucky to have some great bosses who did believe in me and who were confident that I would excel in this field,” says Brit Funk, development manager at Columbia Pacific Advisors (CPA), a national development firm. Brit started her career in 2003 as a receptionist with a major construction company, and, a few job changes later, got her construction management degree and moved into her development manager role for CPA. “It was one of those bosses who really encouraged me to go into the degree program. I really owe him a lot. You just have to surround yourself with people who empower you.”
Surround yourself with people who empower you.” - Brit Funk, Development Manager, CPA
“At my last company, I worked with a woman who was a mentor to me,” says Jenn Luckert, a project engineer in KBE’s Mid-Atlantic office who started in construction when she was just 17. “She taught me everything from how to work with other people to realizing where I belong, and really showed me the complete picture of the industry…I couldn’t be more thankful and appreciative.” Jenn also credits her education for her career success. “All my professors work in this industry,” explains Jenn. “They share their stories and lessons learned…when you hear someone else’s story, you take notes and remember them so moving forward, you don’t make the same mistakes.” Some Sage Advice Christine Pandolfi, principal of CMP Exterior, a woman-owned exterior siding trade contracting firm, encourages women to ask questions. “Gravitate to people who know more than you and don’t be afraid to say, ’I don’t know – teach me.’ And don’t think it’s just the older, seasoned construction folks who have all the answers. I get a lot of input from people of all ages. Everybody knows something that you can learn from.”
- Christine Pandolfi, Owner, CMP Exterior
Rosalia Marques, LEED Green Associate, is a project manager with KBE who joined the firm as a field engineer seven years ago and advanced quickly to her leadership position. Her advice? “You need to work for good companies that give you the opportunity to grow, where you can reach out and ask for support and guidance, and get it.” While each of the women interviewed recommend a career in construction, some cautioned that the industry is not for the faint of heart. “Construction is a very stressful career, so I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone that is sensitive in character,” explains Urszula Jarzabek, project engineer at KBE. “Oftentimes you must go toe-to-toe with big personalities and you need to be strong.” At the end of the day, the women encouraged anyone interested in the construction industry to get out there and explore your options. “Just do it,” says Kaitlyn Turner, KBE senior project engineer. ‘Whether it’s construction, the trades…just go for it. Your hard work will pay off.”
Just 9% of the construction workforce is made up of women – and a little more than 2% of those are in the field. But the numbers are growing! (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
On a High Note: the gender pay gap found in most industries (women on average earn 81.1% of what men make) is significantly smaller in construction, with women’s average earnings at 99.1% of their male counterparts. (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
13% of construction firms are owned by women. (www.bigrentz.com/blog/womenconstruction)
44% of the country’s top 100 construction firms have women in executive roles, with 16% of firms having women in C-level positions. (www.bigrentz.com/blog/womenconstruction)
Jobs Aplenty: The Associated Builders and Contractors estimates that 2 million new jobs could be created by 2021 … and there are already more than a half-million open construction positions at all levels across the country that need to be filled now. (National Association of Builders and Contractors)
To read the full interviews from each of our featured women, or to learn more about careers in construction, resources for women, and even open positions, visit: www.kbebuilding.com/women-in-construction/
PROFILE: Emily Thomas
Emily Thomas has recently taken on an expanded role as project controls manager at DPS Group. She is responsible for procurement, estimating, scheduling, and controls as well as managing 13 people in the Construction Management (CM) group.
Over the course of her career, Emily has managed all financial aspects from billing to forecasting of construction projects ranging from $10,000 to $120 million in value. She is an expert in projecting financials through the full life cycle of projects, including estimating the amount of labor, materials, and subcontractor effort necessary to complete projects on time and on budget. After joining DPS in 2017, Emily played an integral role in the roll-out of Deltek Vision at the company.
Previously, Emily served as a project accountant and business analyst at PROJECT CONTROLS MANAGER DPS Group
PROFILE: Ezgi Kosereisoglu
Shawmut Design and Construction. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in finance and economics from Simmons College, and is a member of the International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineers (ISPE) and Women in Pharma (WIP).
DPS Group is a global engineering, consulting and project management company, serving high-tech industries around the world. The Boston office delivers full-service engineering across a range of disciplines, including project management; procurement; design; construction management; health and safety management; commissioning, qualification, and validation (CQV); and facility start-up. Ezgi Kosereisoglu is a preconstruction manager for Gilbane Building Company in Boston, Mass., who connects the dots between clients, design/development teams, and internal operations. She understands what drives the success of a project and optimizes available resources, identifying risks early on and problem solving with teams through Lean methods. After wearing many hats within the company as a management trainee, she is committed to building buildings, but is inspired by Gilbane’s Building More Than Buildings culture and the development of its people. Ezgi knows that fostering relationships is key when working in any industry and has expanded her network through joining the boards of the Northeastern Civil Engineering Alumni Organization and the Northeastern Young Alumni Advisory Board. She also sits on the board as an active mentor for the ACE Mentoring Program of Greater Boston, where she connects with members of the Boston Public Schools and helps raise funds for scholarships for high school students interested in the architecture, PRECONSTRUCTION MANAGER Gilbane Building Company
PROFILE: Adrienne Franklin
As interdisciplinary document coordination (IDC) manager at Gilbane Building Company, Adrienne Franklin oversees the firm’s IDC review process, a preconstruction service designed to identify, track and communicate construction document coordination issues to the design and project teams prior to procurement and before construction.
In honor of WIC Week, Adrienne shared some details about her career pathway, as well as advice for women just entering the industry:
“I have my bachelor’s in architecture from Drexel University. Drexel’s program allowed students to work during the day in architectural firms and attend school at night. While working at an architectural firm, I was presented the opportunity to attend weekly job site meetings with the architect, construction manager, and trade contractors. As I watched the building come out of the ground over the next 14 months, I knew I needed to transition from architecture to construction. My role as IDC manager allows me to build upon my education and previous job experience while developing my construction knowledge. This role also allows me to stay connected with the design community as we grow IDC to work directly with more architects and engineers. IDC MANAGER Gilbane Building Company
construction and engineering fields. Ezgi holds a BS in civil engineering from Northeastern University and is currently in school part time for her MBA at her alma mater.
When asked what advice she would give young women leaders in the construction industry, Ezgi said, “Know your worth and speak up. Don’t assume that your superiors can read your mind in regards to career goals and ambitions. You have to make your goals known to your managers and work with them to carve out your career path.”
My advice for young women entering this field is to create and grow your network of both women and men. This network should be made up of both more and less experienced colleagues who can provide invaluable perspectives and points of views you may not have been able to see without them. You will create a support system by doing this and become a support for others as well.”
PROFILE: Dominique Moore
Dominique Moore is an architecture and interior design professional with a demonstrated history of domestic and international design collaborations for residential, education, commercial, and hospitality projects. She serves as an associate AIA board member for AIA CT, a co-founder of Design Coalition of Minority Students (D.C.M.S.) at Philadelphia University, and a co-manager of Perkins Eastman Women’s Leadership Committee. Dominique graduated from Philadelphia University with a Bachelor of Architecture and attended Temple University in Rome, Italy.
“I wanted to be an architect ever since I was six years old, and as a young child my dream seemed clearly obtainable. The reality, however, was vastly different; I found unexpected obstacles on the path to becoming a licensed architect. I learned that inequity, inequality, and lack of diversity all contributed to delays and difficulty in achieving my dream. I began to get ARCHITECT Perkins Eastman
involved with organizations and creating opportunities to help make the path less difficult and more inclusive for those who dream to travel after and alongside me. I believe NOMA CT is a great opportunity to be part of the larger conversation and increase communication and outreach to remove boundaries and affect change within the profession.”
PROFILE: Vera Zorkina
Born in Moscow, Vera Zorkina, project estimator for Lee Kennedy Company, grew up in the Boston area and received a degree in urban and regional studies from Cornell University. She fortuitously took a construction management course to fulfill a requirement for her minor and was inspired to pursue a career in construction. Vera began her career as a construction estimator in Texas before moving to New York to work as an assistant project manager for a local general contractor.
Vera joined Lee Kennedy Company as a project estimator in 2017 and has since worked on projects ranging from the historical renovation of a 260-year-old building, to a new ground-up, 220,000sf corporate campus expansion project. PROJECT ESTIMATOR Lee Kennedy Company
“One of the many reasons I enjoy working at Lee Kennedy is the wide variety of projects I’ve had the opportunity to estimate. The diversity in different market
sectors that LKCO focuses on has given me a unique level of expertise that has helped advance my career in estimating.” Vera supports and leads the cost function of projects in preconstruction. She works with the team to align cost with the project scope, design intent and schedule. She is responsible for cost control, including VM studies and estimate reconciliations. Vera develops specific scopes of work and solicits competitive bids on all trades to formulate the bid/ GMP and to purchase the project. As the project transitions into construction, she supports project management as necessary in any cost-related activities.
PROFILE: Miranda Piphus
Miranda Piphus, assistant project manager at Walsh Brothers, Inc., fell in love with construction at a very early age. At just 12 years old, she began working on small projects with her uncle, such as installing drywall, siding on homes, and ceramic tiles. These small side jobs set the stage for what would become her most dedicated passion. She went to high school for carpentry and received her first paid internship with a general contractor at age 16. Miranda states that “receiving that internship experience at an early age allowed [her] to expand on [her] idea of what role [she] wanted to play in the industry.” She went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in construction management engineering technology at Alfred State, SUNY College of Technology and worked her way through several roles to ultimately become an assistant project manager with Walsh Brothers, Inc.
With a life-long passion for construction management, Miranda has spent the last five years delivering multiple successful projects in New England. She has spent the last three years working on many complex projects for ASSISTANT PROJECT MANAGER Walsh Brothers, Inc.
Walsh Brothers including such clients as Boston Medical Center, Harvard Business School, and UMass Memorial Medical Center. Whether she is renovating space within the critical care environment or constructing large scale state of the art convening centers for Ivy League institutions, she continues to fulfill her lifelong passion for construction.
Outside of Walsh Brothers, Miranda volunteers with Boston Cares and enjoys practicing yoga and meditation as a certified teacher.
PROFILE: Susan Shelby
Susan Shelby, FSMPS, CPSM is the president and CEO of Rhino PR. Early in her career, Susan pounded the pavement in San Diego and Los Angeles selling life insurance. She thrived on the challenge and read stacks of business and sales strategy books to gain an edge in her field. One of these books portrayed the rhinoceros as the ultimate salesperson: two-inch-thick skin and the motivation to charge. The image resonated with Susan, and when the time came to launch her own business she knew those were two characteristics that would serve her, and her clients, well.
Since founding Rhino PR in 2004, Susan has worked with numerous architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) and commercial real estate (CRE) companies in the Greater Boston area. Her early career in sales formed Susan’s commitment to integrating public relations and marketing with her clients’ business strategies, generating measurable results that contribute to business development and increased revenue.
Susan has been recognized with numerous awards including Fellow (SMPS), Entrepreneur of the Year (CREW Boston, formerly NEWiRE), Women PRESIDENT AND CEO Rhino PR
on the RISE (Professional Women in Construction) and Marketing Executive of the Year (SMPS Boston).
Susan has been recognized with numerous awards including Fellow (SMPS), Entrepreneur of the Year (CREW Boston, formerly NEWiRE), Women on the RISE (Professional Women in Construction) and Marketing Executive of the Year (SMPS Boston).
Ideas. Content. Marketing. Results. AEC & CRE SPECIALISTS
Build your brand. Grow a new area of expertise. Expand Markets. Ensure your name and reputation are known by the businesses that matter most to you. Start by contacting us.
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PROFILE: Alicia Mojica Washington
Alicia Mojica Washington manages the strategic initiatives and business development efforts for HRP Associates, along with a team of four, and oversees corporate and client sector branding; development of industrial, state and federal proposals and qualifications packages; supervision of marketing communications; and initiation of research and development opportunities. She has over 16 years of marketing experience in the A/E/C industry, including marketing and business development support in the areas of architecture, civil and environmental engineering, site development, investigation and remediation, environmental health and safety compliance, bridge inspection and construction inspection and administration.
As a Latina growing up in an extremely diverse urban city in Connecticut, Alicia realized an noticeable shift with diversity when she started her career in 2004. After many years of being underrepresented from firm to firm, she decided to take action within her firm and other organizations in which she participated in. Today, Alicia is leading the Diversity and Inclusion Initiative for SMPS CT and will be the first Latina president for the organization in 2021. She is also a member of the founding committee for the soonto-be Connecticut chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects. Alicia continues to use her voice and STRATEGIC INITIATIVES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT HRP Associates
experiences to promote diversity and inclusion within the marketing profession of the A/E/C industry, and the A/E/C industry globally. She is also a board member and the membership chair of the Construction Institute and volunteers at her local Boys & Girls Club of America, speaking to youth ages 6 to 18 about career opportunities.
PROFILE: Monica Angulo Diaz
Monica Angulo Diaz is a civil engineer from Venezuela who came to the United States four years ago to pursue a Master of Science in construction management from Central Connecticut State University. She has a diverse understanding of construction principals and has developed her career through education.
Monica began her construction career with LaRosa Building Group in 2017. In her current position as project controls manager, she oversees the Controls department ensuring the highest quality standards and compliance with contractual obligations on projects with budgets up to $25 million, and works with clients, architects, subcontractors, and the project team to coordinate submittals, schedules, and project documents. Monica has firsthand experience on civil, residential, commercial, industrial, PROJECT CONTROLS MANAGER La Rosa Building Group
and military projects. Her strong work ethic and time management allowed her to become the project manager of a residential design-build unit renovation. She continues to grow and takes advantage of opportunities to further her training and experience in management. Her positive attitude and flexibility help her to easily adapt and evolve in the industry.
PROFILE: Jean McQuestion
Jean McQuestion has been with BW Kennedy & Co. for six years and brings over 30 years of experience to her role. As a senior project manager, she works closely with the clients, BW Kennedy’s design/ build MEPFP team, project architects and consultants throughout a project. Her main priorities include subcontractor buy out, managing the budget, ensuring that the superintendent has what he needs manpower and material-wise to maintain the schedule, and ensuring clear and timely communication between all parties. She is currently serving as senior project manager for the new construction of a 200,000sf life sciences building at 75 Hayden Ave., a retrofit of a 101,631sf building at 20 Maguire for life sciences, and a clinical manufacturing facility for Codiak BioSciences, all in Lexington.
Jean worked hard over the years to earn her way up from an administrative position to assistant project manager, to project manager to her present position of senior project manager. Accomplishments she’s most proud of include earning LEED AP accreditation in 2010, award of a prior employer’s Strive for Excellence Award based on being nominated by several of her colleagues, and two ABC Excellence in Construction awards for projects she and her teams completed in 2018 and 2019. SR. PROJECT MANAGER BW Kennedy & Co.
PROFILE: Jordan Smith
With over a decade of experience in the construction industry, Jordan Smith, master scheduler at Walsh Brothers, Inc., has an extensive background in project management, engineering, planning, and scheduling, with a focus on the construction and renovation of health care and high-tech research facilities.
Jordan received a civil engineering degree from Drexel University, and went on to complete numerous projects for global clients in multiple states. Before coming to Walsh Brothers, she worked for Kellogg Brown & Root as a lead specialist and scheduler, where she created and maintained resource loaded schedules for the global IT company conversion from SAP to Oracle.
Jordan has been involved in projects for high-profile clients such as DuPont, Axon Energy, and the United States Department of Interior. Over the past year at Walsh Brothers, Jordan has continued to lend her experience in working closely with estimating, preconstruction, and project management teams to develop and MASTER SCHEDULER Walsh Brothers, Inc
With many years working in the industry, Jean has practical advice for women considering a career in construction. “Be prepared to work hard. The day starts early. Establish good working relationships with your project team so you can learn from them and carry that knowledge to your next project. Research and join an organization where you can meet other women in the industry. Look the part: Wear appropriate footwear and your hard hat; walk the site regularly despite the weather; meet the workers. Treat the workers in the field fairly and with respect because, after all, they are the ones constructing your project. They in turn will do the same for you and even give of their time to explain the details of their trade to you – very helpful.”
PROFILE: Stasha Greenalch
Stasha Greenalch, assistant project manager at BW Kennedy & Co., joined the firm in 2018 after graduating from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) with a bachelor’s degree in management engineering, with a focus in operations and entrepreneurship. At WPI, she participated in four years of competitive athletics as a member of the women’s varsity basketball team. Upon joining the company, Stasha was assigned to our project team responsible for building a new 200,000sf life sciences building and nine-story, 1,000-car parking garage at the busy Hayden Research Campus in Lexington. She quickly became an integral member of the project team as they began construction of the parking garage first, and then the building, currently in construction.
“I’ve appreciated having the opportunity to be a member of the company’s largest new construction project to date ASSISTANT PROJECT MANAGER BW Kennedy & Co.
and have learned much during the past two years on the project. I particularly have enjoyed working on-site with the highly knowledgeable BW Kennedy team. Being able to work with people who have allowed me to take on responsibilities, have a voice in decisions, and continue to help me grow as a project manager as well as a person makes my job very gratifying.”
Celebrating the Dedicated Women in Construction
maintain detailed CPM project schedules for extremely time sensitive projects and to assist in their implementation in the field. She has been involved in projects for clients including Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston University and Boston College.
Outside of construction, Jordan is involved in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and National Society for Black Engineers (NSBE), and volunteers with Boston Cares.
While women make up nearly half of the labor force, they continue to be underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics professions, constituting just 28% of these STEM fields. The Architecture, Engineering and Construction industry has an even broader gap, where women fill just 10-25% of roles, with slightly higher representation in architecture and lower participation in construction.
The Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame is looking to help close this gap through educational programs and resources designed to encourage participation, foster a positive dialogue and inspire girls’ achievements in STEM. On a broad level, the Hall’s mission
is to publicly honor the achievements of Connecticut women, preserve their stories, educate the public and promote A paper architectural model completed by a student.
the continued achievements of women and girls. Founded in 1994 in Hartford, Conn., the Hall celebrates Connecticut’s pioneering women from careers ranging from arts and humanities, business and labor, education and preservation, politics, government and law, reformers, science and health, sports, writers and journalists. The Hall’s Inductee Gallery features 125 Connecticut Pioneers, from Hannah Bunce Watson, a newspaper publisher whose work supported the American Revolutionary War, to Marian Chertow, an industrial ecology pioneer who is currently teaching at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.
In particular, the Hall offers educational programs designed to creatively bring women’s history to life for current and future generations. Its STEMfems: Women Transforming Our World events provide an all-day experience to inspire middle and high school girls to consider careers in STEM. Throughout the day, students explore the historical impact of women in these fields through hands-on workshops with professional women, providing an opportunity to both hear and see what a STEM career looks like. The event provides mentors an opportunity to speak with the girls about their own school and career struggles and triumphs and presents girls with examples Volunteers from Tecton Architects, Gilbane Building Company and Fuss & O’Neill lead a workshop on Women in Architecture, Engineering and Construction. of empowered women.
“On a daily basis, I have the opportunity to create and coordinate STEM programs for young girls and share how our inductees have overcome gender and race discrimination in their STEM field of choice. These women paved the way and opened up opportunities for future generations despite the obstacles and challenges they had while pursuing their careers,” said Liz Krebs, education manager for the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame.
On Feb. 7, the STEMfems program hosted 75 girls from Manchester Public Schools in a series of architectural, scientific and engineering discussions and experiential workshops. Volunteers from Tecton Architects, Gilbane Building Company, Fuss & O’Neill, AECOM, EBAD, Loureiro, Pelli Clarke Pelli and Pratt & Whitney each brought their own spin to the event. Groups created wastewater treatment systems, mitigated oil spills, built rockets and put their own creative stamp on architecture, all while learning about pioneering women in the related field.
Kathryn Mease, NCIDQ, LEED AP continued to page 22 Discovering Architecture
F. W. Madigan Company, Inc. Celebrating Women in Construction
by Alison DiVenere
My journey in the AEC field started early. In fact, ever since the sixth grade, I knew I wanted to work in the industry in some capacity. In middle school, I took a tech-ed elective that exposed me to software that was an early precursor to SketchUp – software I loved so much my parents bought it for me to use at home. In high school, I took architectural design and engineering classes, and it was these experiences that brought together the beautiful combination of logic and creativity that defines the AEC field in my mind. Having my parents, who are both passionate about their careers, alongside a supportive teacher, who pushed me to be more than my best, set me on a path of empowerment. When it came to deciding on a college path, I was torn between culinary school and studying architecture. Ultimately, architecture won. When I got to school, I remember quite a few of my professors relating architecture to cooking and I thought, “regardless, I’m in the right place.”
When I was attending Roger Williams, two of my friends helped start a Women’s Leadership Network. Hearing women from all types of fields – not just AEC – discuss how they have overcome adversity was extremely motivating. I take those stories with me every day to not only my job, but into how I present myself. I want the next generation to see people my age and older and say “I want to do that; I want to pave the way for people to have equal opportunity and equal respect.” I think these memories are part of why I’ve gotten so involved in the Hartford Chapter of the ACE Mentor Program, something I am very passionate about. Being a part of a firm like JCJ that is so invested in shaping the future of the ACE profession is a direct reflection of not only my own values but the values of the firm. These efforts shape and change lives and it’s life change when you have an opportunity to contribute to someone’s success and selfesteem.
Even though I am a young professional, I’ve been fortunate to continue to feel incredibly empowered as a woman in this industry. My experience has taught me that you have to be your own advocate. You have to believe in your worth, understanding that no matter what people say, or what challenges are placed in front of you, you have the tools and the resources at your disposal to overcome it. Alison DiVenere is a design technician at JCJ Architecture.
At Lockheed, we firmly believe in building and fostering opportunities for all members of our team, especially the amazing women we have working with us. From the very beginning, women have been at the core of Lockheed’s growth and culture. We are proud to have 11 phenomenal women as a part of our team and continue to recognize how fortunate we are to have such an amazing group of talented women working with us. It’s amazing to see how far some of these women have come and we look forward to watching them continue to grow in all aspects of life.
In 1955, Lockheed started out as a small company specializing in small windows, awnings, railings, shutters, and the like. Today, our company has grown to great heights and we’re proud to highlight the women in our sales, human resources, finance, operations, engineering, and production teams. Some of them have spent over a decade of their lives focused on developing their skills and perfecting their craft in the construction industry. Below are nine of our celebrated women leaders at Lockheed. • Kathy Zariczny – 25 Years With Lockheed, Human Resource Manager • Deborah Comtois – 16 Years With Lockheed, Accounts Payable Clerk • Deborah Rich – 11 Years With Lockheed, Administrative Assistant
Top row (l-r) - Stacey McDonald, Deborah Comtois, Michele Marchand, Gail Noblin, Marilyn Rojas Bottom row (l-r) - Megan Bourque, Sarah Schirduan, Kathy Zariczny, Deborah Rich
• Michele Marchand – 10 Years With Lockheed, Project Manager • Gail Noblin – Five Years With Lockheed, Administrative Assistant • Megan Bourque – Five Years With Lockheed, Assistant Project Manager • Sarah Schirduan – Five Years With Lockheed, CAD Technician • Stacey McDonald – One Year With Lockheed, CNC Operator • Marilyn Rojas – One Year With Lockheed, Assistant Sales Estimator
There has never been a better time to be a woman in construction and at Lockheed, we are constantly embracing diversity and working to close the gender gap. Vibrant, dedicated, highly determined and driven by success, these women serve as great role models for our entire team. Each of them offers a different perspective with a personal touch, and shares a common goal to achieve phenomenal results for every project. These impressive women are highly valued and appreciated here at Lockheed. Thank you to all of the incredibly hard-working women that contribute to Lockheed’s continued success each and every day!
Submitted by Lockheed.
Celebrating Women in Construction!
Beverly Middle School (2018) Beverly, MA
At Lockheed, we are proud to have 11 phenomenal women as a part of our team. We recognize how fortunate we are to have such a talented group working with us each and every day. Thank you to all of the incredibly hard-working women that contribute to Lockheed's continued success!
Avenu at Natick (2019) Natick, MA Mohegan Sun Expo Center (2018) Uncasville, CT
Shafer Hall at ESCU (2019) Willimantic, CT
Finegold Alexander Architects, founded in 1962, is a highly respected Bostonbased design firm. In 2017, four long-time Principals Ellen Anselone, Rebecca Berry, Jeffrey Garriga and Regan Shields Ives became majority shareholders, and assumed leadership of the firm. In 2018, Finegold Alexander was certified as a Women Business Enterprise. “Together, we are forging a new vision for the future – one that not only is focused on excellent design, but also on promoting the individual voices and abilities of our staff with a commitment to diversity within the firm,” said Ellen Anselone, principal and vice president of the firm.
“To achieve this, we have a broad approach to recruiting, engagement and mentorship, allowing individuals to be their whole selves within the organization,” said Rebecca Berry, principal and president. “Our ongoing efforts include seeking candidates from diverse backgrounds and from a breadth of schools, leading to multiple approaches to design.”
Regan Shields Ives notes that the firm is “following the research of Equity by Design (EQxD) and we have developed policies and practices that promote individual engagement and enable all staff to raise families, pursue individual and community interests, and to thrive economically.”
Finegold Alexander’s leadership group (clockwise from the left): Ellen Anselone, Jeffrey Garriga, Regan Shields Ives, and Rebecca Berry
In-house practices to promote equity and diversity at Finegold Alexander include: • In-house mentoring program • Paid parental leave policy for all employees • Schedule flexibility • Firm teams led by associates and staff to evolve the practice in sustainability, design process, production process, and BIM/IT • All-office Friday presentations where we gather as a community and conduct design review of projects in progress, to transmit knowledge in critical areas, giving all the ability to be heard • Volunteering and community giving – Annually, all staff members receive
four hours per year of paid time for volunteering, the firm hosts a major volunteering effort, and we make annual charitable contributions to organizations that align with our values. • Rebecca Berry and Regan Shields Ives serve as mentors in the Women Principals Group mid-career mentorship program, providing support, advice and sponsorship to women in the design profession outside the firm.
Rebecca Berry notes: “The composition of the architectural profession is still overwhelmingly white and male. While the demographics of architecture programs and younger members of the profession are shifting, we feel those already practicing can do more to influence the pipeline into the profession, and early engagement is essential.”
To this end Finegold Alexander participates in Design Thinking Day and a paid summer internship program. The programs – sponsored by the BSA Foundation and the Boston Private Industry Council – bring Boston’s public high school students to participating firms for a day of exploration with the option of doing an internship. Our staff lead activities for Design Thinking Day and as a continuation of the program, the firm has hosted two summer interns, both dynamic, young women of color.
“We still have work to do to improve the participation and leadership of women and other people who are under-represented in the architectural profession,” notes Ellen Anselone, “and our firm is actively making progress through our internal and external programs and the individual commitments of our leadership.”
Submitted by Finegold Alexander Architects.
Some of Finegold Alexander’s fantastic women!
Construction Institute’s Women Who Build Summit Largest to Date
by Sara Mannes
Amherst, MA -The Construction Institute (CI) held its sixth annual Women Who Build Summit on Feb. 19 and 20 at the University of Amherst. It was attended by over 300 industry leaders.
The two-day event began with a tour of the campus and a reception with opening statements by Nancy Greenwald, CI executive director, and Carolina Cudemus-Jones, UMass Amherst director of design and management.
The following day began with welcoming remarks from Greenwald, Cudemus-Jones, and UMass Amherst Chancellor Kumble R. Subbaswamy. Jane Edmonds, vice president of programming and community outreach at Babson College, delivered the opening keynote titled, “Shifting to Face the Winds: Challenges and Opportunities of Leadership in the New ’20s.” Edmonds addressed the ways industry women can advance and support one another in a time of social and political unrest.
The morning “Powerhouse Owners” panel, moderated by Sean Sweeney of Arcadis US, Inc., featured Denise Berger, AECOM; Luciana Burdi, Mass. Port Authority; Barbara Kroncke, University of Mass. Building Authority; and Catherine
The Renegades and Trailblazers panel at Women Who Build Summit / Jake Snyder of Red Skies Photography
Walsh, Northeastern University. The panelists shared insights on how they are leading their organizations and industry into the future.
Attendees were then invited to participate in breakout sessions titled Would You Hire You?, Reputation Capital, Don’t Call Them Difficult, and Forging Your Own Path – 4 Perspectives on Creating Your Roadmap to Success.
Following lunch and networking, Aisha Nadar, senior consultant at Advokatfirman Runeland AB, gave the afternoon keynote titled “Building Your Career: Challenging the Conventional Wisdom.” Nadar spoke on how widelyheld, yet unfounded beliefs like “a girl will not do as well as a boy in math” must be challenged, and how challenging conventional wisdom has advanced her career.
The afternoon “Renegades and Trailblazers” panel, moderated by Dr. Anamaria Popescu of Berkeley Research Group, featured Jean Caroon, Goody Clancy; Katie Faulkner, Katerra; Jane Henry, SeeHerWork; and Siggy Pfendler, Columbia. The panelists explored how discovering a unique niche of the construction industry has propelled them to success.
Finally, Denise Berger of AECOM gave the summit’s closing keynote titled “Lessons Learned,” reflecting on her most important life lessons and the day’s stories and takeaways. The summit ended with closing remarks and the Champions of Change Award presentation. Mark Adams of Columbia University Irving Medical Center and Carolyn Stanworth of BL Companies received the award for their outstanding contributions to empowering women in the AEC industry. Sara Mannes is the digital media manager at High-Profile Monthly.
When Kaplan’s first female project manager was hired in 2013, the company was on the precipice of a generational shift. In the years since this transition, some significant female-centric changes have taken place. First, the company became majority-owned by a woman, COO Jane Kaplan Peck, who ushered her family business into its second generation. Second, Kaplan Construction became certified as a Women Business Enterprise (WBE). Third, Kaplan expanded its project management team to 60% female. Today, Kaplan’s staff includes five female project and assistant project managers.
Rachael Montosi, Project Manager A 16-year industry veteran, Rachael is used to being one of the few women in a room. After earning her degree at Wentworth Institute of Technology, Rachael began her career as a field engineer and held various positions on and off site before settling into her current role as project manager. Today, Rachael not only serves as a mentor to Kaplan’s PM staff, but outside the office as well, recently speaking at a local school’s GAINS (Girls Advancing in STEM) Club. Mental toughness and an ability to “let things roll off my back” have been her secrets to success. Heidi Aliski, Project Manager With nearly 20 years in the industry, Heidi started her career in design before transitioning into project management. Heidi’s background, along with a degree in architectural engineering technology, gives her a unique, binary perspective in design and construction – one that serves her well with owners, architects, and engineers alike. Heidi is currently managing the ground-up construction of a five-story, 20,000sf education center in Brookline, Mass. for the Center for Partnership in Early Education (CPEE). Jacqueline Maloney, Project Manager Jacqueline’s interest in architecture and construction was sparked at an early age when her father designed and built her childhood home. This eventually led her to pursue her master’s in engineering management at Cornell University, where she was mentored by “amazing” professors with backgrounds in building materials and construction management. Jacqueline’s advice for future women in (l-r) Rochelle Dost, Becky Yang, Jacqueline Maloney, Rachael Montosi, and Heidi Aliski PWC CT Awards Four
construction? “There is power in asking for what you want, and being afraid of hearing ‘no’ shouldn’t stop you.”
Becky Yang, Assistant Project Manager
Becky has always been sure of her path in the AEC industry. Her journey began in academia, where she earned her degree in civil engineering with minors in engineering management and environmental engineering from Cornell University. Becky went on to receive her master’s degree in construction engineering management. She brings a scholarly mindset to her role as assistant PM at Kaplan, where she provides management support for multiple residential and healthcare projects.
Rochelle Dost, Assistant Project Manager
Rochelle is Kaplan’s newest assistant project manager, serving as a crucial liaison for the project team, as well as ensuring a consistent line of communication to achieve design and construction goals. Rochelle recently helped bring to completion a new 42,000sf mixed-use apartment building in Brookline’s Coolidge Corner. “I really appreciate the gender-balance that Kaplan offers,” Rochelle expresses. “Kaplan is a female-forward company from the top down.”
Submitted by Kaplan Construction.
Laura Cruickshank Tracy CaisseKyma Ganzer Susan Labas
Hartford, CT – On Jan. 28, the Professional Women in Construction Connecticut Chapter (PWC CT) awarded four women with professional achievement awards for their outstanding contributions to the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (A/E/C) Industry. Over 200 people attended the “AEC Industry Women – A Twenty-Twenty Vision for the Future” program to show their support for the award winners and to hear from the presentation panel.
Laura Cruickshank, FAIA, university master planner and chief architect from the University of Connecticut, was honored with the prestigious Women of Achievement Award. Recipients of this award have at least 15 years of experience in the industry, have demonstrably achieved excellence in their field, are dedicated to the advancement of women in the A/E/C field, and serve as good role models.
Kyma Ganzer, project manager for LaRosa Building Group, LLC, accepted the Rising Star Award that honors exceptional women who are recognized by their colleagues, mentors and peers as future leaders in the A/E/C industry.
The Excellence in Mentoring Award was given to Tracy Caisse, senior associate, architect/designer of the S/L/A/M Collaborative for her work and dedication to promoting mentorship within the A/E/C industry.
New to the awards program this year was the Outstanding Volunteer Award that went to co-founding chapter members, Susan Labas, CPSM, senior associate and director of marketing for van Zelm Engineers, and Carolyn Kurth, CPA, CFE, director of CohnReznick LLP, for their volunteerism and support of the chapter for the past 15 years.
Following the awards ceremony, a multi-generational, all-women panel enlightened the audience about how women are reshaping the landscape and culture of the A/E/C industry. Discussion topics included education, inspiration, mentoring, lessons learned and future goals.
LEADING SUPPORTERS OF WOMEN IN ENGINEERING SUPPORTING and BREAKING DOWN THE BARRIERS WOMEN BD+C, EDAC, associate and senior interior designer with Tecton Architects, appreciated the opportunity to reflect on the broader influence of women who build. “The products of these fields affect women worldwide. The incorporation of women’s voices, perspectives and involvement have the power to make positive impacts on the daily lives of so many.”
For many of the volunteers, the process of preparing for the event provided an opportunity to reflect on their own reasons for entering STEM fields and rekindled a passion for their work. “Even with a diverse range of personalities and interest, each girl showed an equal amount of passion for what it was they believed in,” said Kaitlyn Dobberfuhl, project engineer with Gilbane Building Company. “This event was as much, if not more, energizing for ourselves as it was for the young girls we were talking to! Sometimes it takes having the opportunity to talk about the work you do to recall the pure reasons that you do it and why it excites you.” The Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame hosts STEMfems events four times a year and welcomes the perspectives and participation of A/E/C industry women. Tecton Architects, Gilbane Building Company, Fuss & O’Neill and Pratt & Whitney are all proud members of the Construction Institute.
Submitted by Tecton Architects Students participate in a hands-on workshop, learning about pioneering women in the A/E/C industry and their signature architectural styles. STEMFems 2020: Women Transforming Our World continued from page 18 As a certified woman-owned business, led by Lisa Wexler, president of Elaine Construction, we are committed to bringing visibility to the amazing opportunities that exist in this industry – for women, and all those that are interested in building a career in construction.
We take pride in the diversity of backgrounds the women at Elaine bring to our clients, which include architects, mechanical engineers, accountants, business management professionals, marketers, schedulers, developers and construction management professionals. The breadth of exposure, skill and experience make for a rich and dynamic vantage point from which to solve problems, make recommendations, and ultimately contribute to the best possible project outcomes.
Our culture of inclusion, coupled with our commitment to education, makes for an exciting and inviting workplace. Our expanding business has seen the promotion of five female operations team members in as many months.
Carolyn Petrovick was recently promoted to project executive. Her time working for architects and owners has given her an expansive view of the needs associated with the distinct disciplines involved in delivery.
Natalie Dove, MEP project manager, was recently promoted bringing her (l-r) Caroline Petrovick, Natalie Dove, Jackie Falla, Jenny Murphy, and Maria Ramirez skills as a mechanical engineer to bear on infrastructure projects and those with complex systems.
Erin Wasserman and Kim Newell were promoted to project manager bringing with them their respective backgrounds in the fields of architecture and building construction technology.
Rupi Kaur, estimating/diversity and outreach manager, brought her interest in D&I to a special subcontracting program, designed to not only increase our diverse supplier list, but to ensure success on urban projects, making her a natural fit for this advanced recognition.
Our team continues to seek new avenues for discovery and learning: Jenny Murphy, marketing director and Elaine Women’s Group co-chair, researches the marketplace, analyzes best in class programs, and seeks out partnership opportunities to advance the pace of learning and address issues of gender and inclusion.
“Our group has two primary goals: to reinforce a culture of belonging, and to empower women to become ambassadors for our industry. Whether you choose to work in an office or the field, the construction industry is dynamic and rewarding. Together we can support the growth and advancement of women in construction,” said Jenny Murphy.
Our talented team is currently working on projects for MIT, Northeastern University, Wellesley College, Dean College, The Possible Project, GrubStreet, and Intersystems. As a client-centric company, we are dedicated to building long-term relationships and serving our clients, our employees, and the building community.
Submitted by Elaine Construction.
DURING WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION WEEK AND ALWAYS
Dorogusker Named Hereva COO Women On The Move
Boston – Hereva Consultants, Inc. announced that Robin Dorogusker has been promoted to chief operating officer effective immediately.
Dorogusker has been with Hereva since its inception in 2014 and has fostered a culture of excellence and continual improvement within the company. She has been a key player in business development, client management, team leadership, talent acquisition and development, marketing, and branding for Hereva while providing project management and client services. She has been instrumental in bringing in new business, while stressing the need to give back to the community which Hereva serves. Dorogusker has guided the organization toward a future designed to not only give the best to its clients but also help its project professionals, mentoring them to help accelerate their careers and make their goals a reality.
In providing subject matter expertise on large projects, Dorogusker is a true visionary and an advocate for resiliency in planning. She often sees beyond where others see boundaries, and her innate creativity is evident in her approach to problem solving.
This made her a natural fit for COO, where her leadership will mark an era of increased collaboration sure to galvanize stakeholders in support of Hereva’s work which is showcasing the impact and value of project management in support of the life sciences community. “Hereva has seen remarkable growth and is now recognized as one of the lead players in project management focused on helping life science companies achieve their goals,” said Dorogusker. “This growth has everything to do with our people. We have a mix of young energetic professionals working alongside seasoned professionals. This fosters a broad diversity of ideas which leads to greater innovation and more creative customer solutions. It’s an honor to be part of that.”
Dorogusker looks forward to working with the team on new initiatives designed to sharpen the firm’s strategic direction, by enhancing capabilities to embrace new technologies and shifting workplace trends to deliver unparalleled value to Hereva’s clients. Robin Dorogusker
Choity Khan Elected SABAC Secretary
Hartford, CT – Robinson+- Cole’s construction associate, Choity R. Khan, has been elected secretary of the South Asian Bar Association of Connecticut (SABAC). She is among the all-female slate of officers elected to serve during the 2020 term.
A member organization of the South Asian Bar Association of North America, SABAC was formed in 2004 to function as a resource to South Asian lawyers and law students for growth, professional development, networking, and community outreach.
Khan represents construction industry clients including owners, contractors, subcontractors and design professionals by providing litigation and transactional services. In addition to her role with SABAC, she serves as co-chair of the Women in the Law Committee for the Connecticut Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section. Choity Khan
Wisler Named President of AEI
Boston – Architectural Engineers, Inc. (AEI), a WBE/ DBE mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and lighting design services firm based in Boston, announced that Susan Wisler, PE, LEED AP has been named president of the 30-person firm. In this role, she will be responsible for oversight of operations, staffing and technical excellence across the company.
Wisler, a registered professional engineer in five states and a member of the board of directors for PWC Boston, has been a principal and the chief mechanical engineer at AEI for 15 years. She serves as principal-in-charge for many complex new construction and renovation projects with a focus on the sustainable design of rehabilitation and new mechanical HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection systems for projects in all of AEI’s target markets. Susan Wisler
DiPrete Promotes Two
Dedham, MA – DiPrete Engineering, a civil engineering firm located in Dedham, has announced the promotion of Sheryl Guglielmo, LEED AP, to senior project manager and Pamela Aybar, EIT to project engineer.
Guglielmo, who joined DiPrete in 2006 and also serves on the Attleboro Planning Board, recently managed the site/civil engineering for a new building at Millstone Medical Outsourcing, LLC’s headquarters in Fall River. As a senior project manager, she will continue to run and develop her own portfolio, represent and build upon the firm’s brand in the Southern New England region, and represent and navigate clients and their projects through the real estate development process ultimately to construction completion.
Aybar joined DiPrete in 2018 after working as a civil designer in Pawtucket, Sheryl Guglielmo
Pamela Aybar
R.I. for three years and as an on-site field engineer in the Dominican Republic prior to that. She is currently working as the lead engineer for a high-profile commercial solar project. As project engineer, she will handle project designs that meet regulatory requirements and client needs, as well as coordinate and schedule regulatory submittals.
Sullivan Named President of OTO
Springfield, MA – O’Reilly Talbot & Okun Associates, Inc. (OTO) announced that Ashley L. Sullivan, PE has been elected as president, effective January 2020. OTO is a 25-year-old specialty geoenvironmental engineering consulting firm headquartered in Springfield. Sullivan started with OTO in 2000 and has 20 years of experience designing geotechnical systems. Since the beginning of her career, she has been instrumental in growing and developing business in the geotechnical and construction services of the company. Her focus has always been on providing value to projects and clients, giving consideration to disciplines other than her specialty.
Prior to this position, Sullivan was a key mentor to junior staff and advisor to upper management. She’s been an influencer on OTO’s marketing, work culture and business development, which led to the nomination of the leadership role. She promotes the development of staff and encourages lifelong learning, as well as bringing in professional guidance in areas such as finance, law, and leadership. “It’s key to have yourself surrounded with an amazing network of smart people, and that is what OTO does best,” said Sullivan.
Through 2019, Sullivan helped guide the business through an internal transition that set the framework for OTO to become a generational organization. The spirit of the transition includes a transfer of knowledge and experience from the founding principals, as well as mentoring and support of the next generation. In addition, the new management group is putting a new spin to company values – transparency, respect, and teamwork – and creating a culture of trust, flexibility and growth.
“OTO is a wonderful organization and I get to work with amazing people every day,” said Sullivan. “Many clients are considered friends, and I love being part of a team both inside and outside the company. OTO provides great service to projects that positively impact our community or communities just like ours, and that is very important to me.” Ashley L. Sullivan
Sullivan also instructs the civil engineering capstone design course at Western New England University. In this role, she guides graduating students through a mock building project where many of her peers join her in presenting practical technical knowledge, writing skills, and soft skills training. “OTO is a wonderful organization and I get to work with amazing people every day,” said Sullivan.
