High-Profile: Women In Construction 2021

March 2021

WOMEN in CONSTRUCTION Women in Construction

1

Deb Cronin, member of Carpenters Local 328, on site at the Tobin Bridge, working on the Chelsea Aqueduct project in Chelsea, Mass.

March 2021 Annual Supplement photo by Gary Barbosa

www.high-profile.com

Women in Construction

2

March 2021

Publisher’s Message Anastasia Barnes

Danielle Crafford, general superintendent at Gilbane Building Company, overseeing the campus expansion project at the Bristol County Agricultural High School in Dighton, Mass.

WOMEN in CONSTRUCTION

A supplement to High-Profile Monthly PUBLISHER: Anastasia Barnes P.O. Box 7, Pembroke, MA 02359 Phone: 781-294-4530 Send comments to anastasia@high-profile.com Online at: www.high-profile.com

This year’s WIC Week is March 7-13.

To learn how you can participate, visit https:// nawicnortheast.org/.

Baltimore, MD • 135

Greater Washington, DC • 67

Maine • 276

Boston, MA • 15

Greater Worcester, MA • 241

No 1 of Rhode Island • 52

Capital District, NY • 261

Granite State Chapter, NH • 218 Philadelphia, PA • 145

Eastern Maine • 329

Greater New York • 240

Greater Rochester, NY • 314 Hartford, CT • 165

www.high-profile.com

South Central, PA • 386 Wilmington, DE • 96

This is HP’s third annual Women In Construction supplement. Our team is proud to produce this supplement every year, as we get the opportunity to learn about and share the stories of all of the women who are shaping the architecture, engineering and construction industry.

Anne Pfleger, 2021 NAWIC president, states it perfectly in her article on page 4. She says, “Construction is the only industry that encompasses almost every professional discipline. Literally every career sector is available to you: trades, project management, administration, law, finance, insurance…the list is virtually endless.” That’s what you’ll find in the next 24 pages: a diverse group of women that make up the design/build community in New England.

On page 5, you’ll learn about Jeysi Zuniga of Synergy Contracting, who I had the pleasure of meeting at a diversity and inclusion panel a few years ago. I am so glad we had the chance to share her insights!

I found a really interesting article, written by Lior Zitzman, that breaks down the role of women in construction.

The article summarizes that, “although women are still underrepresented, they are making significant progress as leaders in the industry. A substantial portion of women executives and construction managers entered those roles in the last five years, suggesting that companies are more recently promoting women to leadership roles. Furthermore, companies and associations are increasing their efforts to promote women in their organizations and educate young women about the benefits of working in the industry.” Read the entire article at https://www.bigrentz.com/blog/womenconstruction.

I have put together a list of organizations that are worthy of checking out if you’re new to the AEC community and looking to connect with other women.

Most of these are national organizations with local chapters: the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC.org), the Society of Women

Engineers (SWE.org), and Professional Women in Construction (PWCUSA.org).

Select chapters of The American Institute of Architects (AIA.org) also offer women in design groups.

Here in New England, Building Pathways (www.bulidingpathwaysboston. org and www.buildconnecticut.com) not only promotes women into the trades, but minorities and veterans as well. Check out page 6 to learn about the 15th Annual Women In Construction Conference, a nonprofit that operates on both coasts!

Lastly, I would like to highlight Marion Barnes, my grandmother, and one of three editors that work for this publication. She and her husband, Ralph (my grandfather) have been a part of High-Profile’s editorial team since HP started in 1997.

They (along with our third editor, Emily Langner) put a lot of time and heart into the March issue and this WIC supplement in a short amount of time.

Marion and Ralph Barnes

Speaking of my grandmother, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the influence she has had on me. This issue highlights all of the glorious women in the AEC industry, but I would like to shine a spotlight on the matriarch of the family and the woman who continues to be my role model and an example of a strong woman and leader.

If you like this issue, share it on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook!

Enjoy the read,

The articles and profiles in the following pages are a portion of the submissions that were sent in from architecture, engineering and construction firms in New England. All submissions can be found at https://www.high-profile. com/category/women-inconstruction/

neyMarch Company leading the way for equity at the Hub on Causeway Women in Construction 2021

THE WOMEN POWERING VERIZON TOWER

3

Kerri Pandolfi, Project Manager and Coordination Activities Lead with John A. Penney, said that for women, the field is a ey Company completes work on the 1.5 milliongreat opportunity for a great se project on and around TD Garden, the career. She said Penney has of women on the job marks the company’s committed to promoting equity John A. Penney Company leading way for equity at the Hub on Causeway diversity and equity. andthe opportunities for women to advance into leadership ey Company is built around values, and we positions. brate the increasing inclusion of women in a rk environment,” Alan C. Scharfe, Executive “They Penney The Bostonsaid skyline grows with the addition of the Verizon tower, [John a Kerri A. Pandolfi, Project Manager Penney.Boston “Diversity andandequity aren’t Company] the support Activities Properties Delaware Northsimply venture, reaching up 31 give andme Coordination bringing much-needed additionand to downtown.

John A. Penney, said e know stories the and work we ado is enhanced that I need,” Lead Kerriwith noted.

“I’ve that for women, the ange of team members. The collaboration and taken two maternity leaves since field is a As the John A. Penney Company completes work on the 1.5 milliongreat opportunity for a great appen when a diverse team project works on on and a project on She Causeway square-foot mixed-use around TD taking Garden, the the Hub career. said Penney has Kerri Pandolfi ults on major andnumber complex projectsonsuch as the project.

They’ve given me the significant of women the job marks the company’s committed to promoting equity solid commitment to diversity and equity. andthat opportunities for women work-life balance I need. They’ve been nothing but accommodating, to advance into leadership they just get it.”

“The John A. Penney Company is built around values, and we positions.

John A. the Penney approach recognize The and celebrate increasing inclusion of women in a wellwork represented bysaid Frances Women in the“They U.S. earn traditionallyismale environment,” Alan C. Scharfe, Executive [John onA.average Penney 81.1 percent of what men Vice President with Penney.

“Diversity and equity aren’t simply Company] give me the support Andruszkiewicz, who was on make. The gender pay gap is significantly smaller in construction buzzwords her here,way we home know the work we do is enhanced and that I need,” Kerri noted. “I’ve from work one occupations, with women earning on average 99.1 percent of elevated by a wide range of team members. The collaboration and taken two maternity leaves since 22 when yearsa diverse ago when men make, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. hard work evening we see happen team workswhat on a project taking the Hub on Causeway Pandolfi she saw a on flyer forand a complex meetingprojectsThe byThey’ve Penney and the growing Kerri number of women means improved results major suchstrides as the made project. given me the Hub on Causeway.” work-life balance that I need.

They’ve been nothing but accommodating, about women working in the in construction exemplify the possibilities when there is a real construction trades. commitment. they just get it.”

grows with the addition of the Verizon tower, a and Delaware North venture, reaching up 31 a much-needed addition to downtown.

The John A. Penney approach is well represented by Frances Women in the U.S. earn on average 81.1 percent of what men “I lived in Dorchester and IBEW Kerri, whose father andgender grandfather both workedsmaller in construction, Andruszkiewicz, who was on make. The pay gap is significantly in construction her way home from work one occupations, with women earning on average 99.1 percent Local 103 was right down remembered an instance about seven years ago when she was in aof 22 yearsmeeting. ago when men across make, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. the street from me,”evening Frances “I waswhat sitting from a guy whoU.S. announced to everyone she saw a flyer for a meeting The strides made by Penney and the growing number of women recalled. “I went to theabout meeting that he thought they wouldexemplify need three of me to when run this women working in the in construction the possibilities thereproject,” is a real and it got me excited about trades.

Kerri said. “By commitment. the end of the project, he was thanking me for the job construction

working in trades and working I’d done.”

“Ithe livednext in Dorchester and IBEW Kerri, whose father and grandfather both worked in construction, in the unions.”

Over szkiewicz Local 103 was right down remembered an instance about seven years ago when she was in a two decades, Frances As for Frances,meeting. she recalled “I jumped in with both at what was a the would street from me,” Frances “I was sitting across from a guy who feet, announced to everyone apprenticeship and go from being recalled. the only exciting time.

The change been considerable.”

“I went tovery the meeting that he thought theyhas would need three of me to run this project,” it got me excited about Kerri said. “By the end of the project, he was thanking me for the job b to spending the last four years as one and of several working in trades“When and working I’d done.” ne of Boston’s biggest projects. The joint IBEW I first got into the business, I could count on one hand the in the unions.”

Over the next Frances Andruszkiewicz t Apprentice Training Center (JATC) two excels in Frances number of women met in she my recalled first five years. On this project toa decades, would As forI Frances, “I jumped in with both feet, atalone, what was g workers from start to finish, like Frances count of women both my toes, and some complete a 5-year apprenticeship and goand from being the the onlynumber very exciting time. I’d The use change has hands, been considerable.” womanin onthe a given job to spending the last four years as one of several ers of women program. of my appendages,” she added. “Certainly, we need to make a lot women working on one of Boston’s biggest projects. The joint IBEW “When I first got changed into the business, I could count on one hand the more gains, but things have considerably.”

103 and NECA Joint Apprentice Training Center (JATC) excels in number of women I met in my first five years. On this project alone, to recruiting and training workers from start to finish, like Frances and count the number of women I’d use both hands, my toes, and some With the construction industry she employing over 10 million people the increasing numbers of women in the program. of my appendages,” added. “Certainly, we need to make a lot more gains, but things changed across the United States, therehave are moreconsiderably.” than enough women

who would be a great fit in the field. As more contractors follow With the construction industry employing over 10 million people the path beingacross blazed employers like are John A. than Penney andwomen the the by United States, there more enough environment continues to a improve, aremore on contractors their wayfollow to who would be great fit in women the field. As path being blazed by employers like John A. Penney and the being a major the presence in construction.

environment continues to improve, women are on their way to being a major presence in construction.

www.high-profile.com

Women in Construction

4

March 2021

Connect, Collaborate, and Construct with NAWIC

by Anne Pfleger Construction is the only industry that encompasses almost every professional discipline. Literally every career sector is available to you: trades, project management, administration, law, finance, insurance…the list is virtually endless.

The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) brings together women from each of these career sectors to strengthen and amplify their success in the construction industry.

In a recent interview with one of NAWIC’s association partners, I was asked, “Has the prevalence of women in the construction industry changed since you joined NAWIC?” My response was, “YES!” The industry has changed in the sense that construction is no longer

a male “dominated” industry but a male “populated” industry. Women are often seen in the forefront of construction, both in the field with boots on the ground and sitting at the table, impacting the direction of the construction industry.

An essential purpose of NAWIC is to build leaders for the construction industry.

With over 66 years of experience, NAWIC continues to provide support to thousands

of members and helps them flourish both professionally and personally. This is done by providing educational programs, networking, leadership and community

involvement at the chapter, regional and national levels.

One of NAWIC’s main annual events is Women in Construction (WIC) Week. The event, which started in 1998, highlights women as a key component in the construction industry. This year, chapters across the country will be celebrating WIC Week March 7-13 with the theme, Connect-CollaborateConstruct. Chapters will host a variety of events spanning from education and awareness, networking, and community service.

With the pandemic going on, chapters are thinking outside the box to get together and celebrate safely. Some of these activities are virtual scavenger hunts, recorded videos passing the hammer to sister chapters in their region, drone jobsite tours, virtual happy hours, adopt-a-highway programs, and more.

The hashtag #WICWEEK2021 will also have a strong social media presence with information about WIC Week activities, posts highlighting women in the construction industry, blogs, ads,

WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION WEEK March 7-13, 2021

National Association of Women in Construction 327 S. Adams St. Fort Worth, TX 76104 800-552-3506 www.nawic.org www.high-profile.com

interviews, and articles.

In addition to WIC Week and monthly chapter meetings, NAWIC hosts two conferences in each of the eight regions, one in the fall and one in the spring. On the national level, the annual conference is currently scheduled to take place in-person Aug. 11-14 in Charlotte, N.C. Something new this year will be a virtual component, which will include live and/ or recordings of all general sessions, keynotes, National Board installation, awards gala, and with the support of our annual conference sponsors, possibly the breakout sessions.

One of my goals as NAWIC National president and as a woman in construction is to be a conduit to CONNECT and communicate COLLABORATIVELY to have the conversations to CONSTRUCT the best course of action for women in the construction industry. WIC Week is the perfect opportunity to do this.

Anne Pfleger, CIT is the 2020-2021 national president of NAWIC and has been working in the construction industry for over 25 years.

Women in Construction

March 2021

5

Meet the Powerhouse that is Jeysi Zuniga, Owner of Synergy Contracting, Inc. look different than you. I have an accent, and I do a hell of a job.”

HP: Why do you feel women-owned (WBE) and/or minority-owned (MBE) businesses are so important?

High-Profile: Can you share how you first got into construction and your journey to opening your own firm?

Jeysi Zuniga: I’ve always had a fascination for watching projects take shape from when they were nothing; how an idea, a plan, can become a beautiful building, a dream home, a nice place to watch or play a game, or simply walk and spend time.

In July 2001, a friend of mine asked me to accompany him to his job, so I went. I walked into that building, and as soon as I entered, I witnessed absolute mayhem… it was payday. I couldn’t stand so much chaos, so I jumped in a chair and told everybody in the lobby to make a line, grab their check and go home to their families. In between layers of people, I met the owners, and on my way out I had a job offer. That’s how my journey in the construction industry began. It was supposed to be a summer gig, and it lasted 18 years.

I took a leap of faith and opened Synergy Contracting in 2019. I am now building the company I always dreamt of.

HP: Can you share some of the challenges you have faced and overcome in this industry?

JZ: Because that’s what America is all about. America was built by immigrants, and if you dig a little, there is not one single business in which a woman hasn’t played a role. So, it’s only natural that a good percentage of businesses are created by minorities/women. There’s so much diversity in this country, so much talent, and that’s what makes us the best country in the world.

Jeysi Zuniga JZ: There are challenges wherever you go, no matter the industry, but in construction I could mention toxic masculinity, misogyny, and racism, just to name a few.

I come from a long line of matriarchy, so none of this scares me. On the contrary, I use them as a catapult. So, when I notice someone trying to diminish me or my work, I make sure to give my 200% and to deliver more than what’s expected. It’s my way of telling them, “Yes, I’m a woman. I

HP: What resources are available for WBE or MBE firms?

JZ: We’re starting to see an increased effort in including women-owned and minority-owned firms in federal, state, and local contracts, especially here in Massachusetts. With its Affirmative Marketing Program, The Commonwealth, through SDO & DCAMM, set higher MBE/WBE participation goals this past July. Also, a new executive order signed

by Mayor Marty Walsh established a 25% MBE/WBE participation goal in

all city projects. Now more than ever, we can have a fair chance at competing for contracts. The Supplier Diversity Office certifies women and minorityowned businesses. Betty Francisco and her Amplify Latinx have done an amazing job at putting many resources together for our Latino community. Karen Kelleher from LISC and the IXL Center have excellent programs to help small business owners navigate through these difficult times. There are so many wonderful people out there helping us get through, yet I think the best resource is within ourselves: advocating for ourselves, building relationships, and knocking on doors until they open.

HP: What advice would you give to a young woman entering this field?

JZ: Believe in yourself. Start off with a winning mindset. You can have all the components to succeed, but if you don’t believe you have what it takes, then you won’t succeed. Building a company or a career takes time, so don’t be discouraged at the first obstacle. Learn from mistakes, adapt, and keep going. Yes, this field can be challenging, but also very rewarding.

Welcome aboard!

Building Better,

Together Quincy | Falmouth | DellbrookJKS.com

www.high-profile.com

Women in Construction

6

March 2021

Bald Hill Builders Salutes Women in the Firm

Brenda Laurenza

Carol Fuller

At Bald Hill Builders (BHB), our women are the building blocks to our success. We are proud to have such talented individuals representing our business. We understand the importance in creating equal opportunities for both men and women in the construction industry. Thank you to all our hard-working women, we salute you!

Brenda Laurenza, president, is a co-founder of BHB. She began her construction career at a young age while assisting her father in the family business with such tasks as cutting tiles and grouting floors. She provides the strategic direction of Bald Hill by identifying new work opportunities, project quality control, operating procedures, recruiting, hiring, and developing philosophies that embody the Bald Hill Builders’ company culture.

Jess Morrissey

Melissa Watson

Carol Fuller, director of compliance & inclusion, plays a major role in developing, managing, and providing oversight of our inclusion management program. She strives to meet the City of Boston, Boston Housing Authority, and the community’s hiring requirements while implementing strategic diversity standards. She provides oversight on subcontractors’ performances against project goals to ensure the proper action is taken and documented.

With 10 years at BHB and over 15 years of combined residential and commercial building experience, Jess Morrissey, estimating & operations manager, collaborates with designers to understand the full scope of work to produce detailed and accurate estimates.

She performs cost/benefit studies

Stacy Holyoke

and provides management services to deliver the maximum value for the established budget.

With years of experience as a construction sales specialist and fieldman, Melissa Watson, diversity, equity & inclusion coordinator, has gained much insight and knowledge for maintaining overall project conformance. Her current roles include defining and fostering our company wide culture that values the diversity of talent, ideas, and backgrounds.

Before joining the BHB team in 2013, Stacy Holyoke, office manager, executive assistant, VP of operations, was an office administrator to a family-owned HVAC contractor. She holds a proactive and flexible approach to juggling the many different priorities of the business including scheduling, training, events,

Sonja Horrace

Lisa Moniz

project coordination, and much more.

Sonja Horrace, financial project coordinator, joined BHB in 2018. Her strong communication skills come into play as she ensures all projects run smoothly with daily tasks such as insurance compliance, contracts, and project accounting. Her infectious smile radiates through our office and all those she encounters.

Lisa Moniz, project & marketing coordinator, utilizes her organizational skills to assist project managers on multiple projects at various stages of the construction process. Her degree in marketing is beneficial in promoting the BHB brand across social channels including Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Submitted by Bald Hill Builders

WIC Organization Gears Up for 15th Anniversary Event Women in Construction (WIC), cofounded in 2006 by Barbara Werther, Samek, Werther & Mills, LLC., and Barbara Wagner, Clark Construction Group, LLC., now operates on both the east and west coasts. In 2017, the East Coast group became Women in Construction, Inc. (WIC), a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization.

WIC hosts its annual conference in October and is gearing up for its 15year E.P.I.C. (Extraordinary Partners In Construction) anniversary event on Oct. 22 at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C. Although the conference was initially DC-centric, the attendance has expanded to include most of the East Coast and midAtlantic areas, with panelists and guests from Boston, Nashville and New Orleans.

Proceeds raised at the conference have been donated to mission-aligned groups including the ACE DC Mentor Program and Grace Gold Memorial Scholarship Fund to fund college scholarships for students interested in pursuing a career in architecture, construction or engineering and supporting Hard Hatted Woman, a documentary about women breaking down gender barriers in blue-collar construction. WIC has proudly donated over $25,000 to ACE DC alone.

The conference was founded as a way to give back and to impart lessons and wisdom to those early in their construction-related careers. The goal

www.high-profile.com

From the 2018 WIC Conference: (l-r) Back row: Kathy Stnons, BDO; Robyn Stanfield, Envol Construction Consultants, LLC; and Margaret Lucey, Deloitte. Front row: Rashida MacMurrayAbdullah, Wiley Rein; Lisa Mingoia, Skanska USA; Laura Fredricks, 2018 WIC Conference keynote speaker; Iris Pattillo, retired, David Pattillo & Associates; Rivka Bier, BDO; and Barbara Werther, Samek, Werther & Mills, LLC. / Photo courtesy of The Booth

was to bring people together to discuss important construction-related topics as well as some life-specific matters. WIC’s mission to support and advance the careers of women in the build industry has evolved to “take the whole person into account when planning the agenda and identifying topics,” said Gayathri Shetty, senior manager at Exponent and 2021 WIC programming co-chair. ​The organization sends surveys to all conference registrants asking what topics they would like to see the following year, as a way to ensure the audience feels connected. “Our board members represent varied sectors of the construction industry, so we are conscious of current trends and developments in the

industry,” explained Shetty.

However, what distinguishes this group from many others is the genuine support and friendship among the stakeholders, even those who may be considered competitors. “WIC doesn’t just feel like a family, we are a family,”

shared Rivka Bier, tax managing director at BDO and WIC treasurer.

In addition to the annual conference, WIC hosts several smaller events each year, led by the Stewardship Committee. These more intimate gatherings allow conference attendees a chance to network and build relationships in groups of 50 or less.

Each March, the Stewardship Committee organizes an in-person or virtual event in celebration of Women’s History Month. In 2020, prior to the pandemic, WIC hosted a luncheon and fishbowl-format program in Chevy Chase, Md. The leadership, programming and networking aspects of the conference are integral to today’s female construction professional. “By maintaining a moderate cost of registration, we’re more affordable than most conferences. We work hard to ensure accessibility for all,” shared Lisa Mingoia, corporate counsel at Skanska USA Building and WIC vice president.

Submitted by Women in Construction

How to Build Your “A” Team panel session at the 2019 WIC Conference: (l-r) Moderator Lynn Stith Bennett of Coakley & Williams Construction, and panelists Rosana Barkawi, USDA Forest Service; Monique Holley, Clark Construction Group; Adrian D’Arcy, Shields Mott; and Jennifer Rizzotti, GW Women’s Basketball / Photo courtesy of Stewart Image

Women in Construction

March 2021

BALD HILL BUILDERS

7

CELEBRATING WOMEN AS THE FOUNDATION OF OUR INDUSTRY!

WALPOLE, MA BALDHILLBUILDERS.COM 781-806-5951

www.high-profile.com

8

Women in Construction

March 2021

Women Are Changing the Face of HVAC Commercial Services Women in the male-dominated field of commercial/industrial HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) are challenging the industry stereotype, proving their value and helping fill a labor gap.

Many baby boomers have reached the ends of their careers, and many more will retire within the next 10 years. That is leading to a severe shortage of skilled trades workers and other roles that support the industry, making it necessary to look outside of the usual job pool to fill empty positions.

The team at HB McClure Company believes it can play a leading role in encouraging new female talent to consider a career in an industry that is experiencing a global trades shortage.

Drawn to careers in HVAC commercial services, the women of HB McClure enjoy the risks and range of the job. Four of the firm’s female employees share their stories, all full of optimism, enthusiasm and engagement.

Kara Boeckel, an HVAC technician, is one of many women who found a professional pathway in the commercial services industry, starting with the company as a technician, and now working as a preventive maintenance coordinator. As Boeckel puts it, “When you go to a nursing home and the heater

isn’t working, you not only fix it but you’ve taken care of bringing warmth to someone’s grandmother, and she’s thanking you. Working in HVAC is very rewarding.” She adds, “I don’t see being a female as a weakness. I see it as a strength.”

Shelly Matter, director of business development, is another who did not allow gender disparity to become a barrier. She has been in the commercial/industrial HVAC industry for over 20 years.

“Working in the industry is not limited to being a technician,” she says. “This is a win-win for women who are looking for rock-solid career opportunities and commercial contractors are in dire need of talent.” Matter entered the industry as a single mom with three daughters. She saw commercial HVAC as a business that would always be needed: “a necessary service no matter what.”

Kelly Overlander was the owner of a successful hair salon. She sold her business and joined the mechanical trades industry. “I went from human beauty to helping beautify buildings,” she says. As a new business development representative at McClure, she loves what she does.

“My job delivers a variety of challenges and many opportunities for professional growth,” she adds. “The best part is meeting wonderful customers and helping

solve their commercial HVAC problems.”

The collection of shoes she carries in her car, from heavy boots to pumps, attests to the different environments she finds herself in on the job: attending networking events and meeting with clients in their offices or on job sites.

Angela Klingler, a new business developer at HB McClure, says, “Start by making a bigger impact at home.

With children, from an early age, don’t stigmatize dish washing or laundry or fixing cars as ‘girl’ or ‘boy’ chores.”

Klingler knows first-hand that this approach works. She worked beside her mechanic father at age 5, helping him by

handing over whatever tool he asked for when repairing cars. She’s now walking the walk with her 9-year-old daughter who wants to start her own business designing T-shirts.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, HVAC employment is expected to increase 15% through 2026. The growth rate, coupled with the current labor shortage, means technicians are needed to fill the estimated 115,000 new positions the industry expects to be available by 2022.

Submitted by HB McClure Company

Proud to support Women In Construction Week and the important impact of Women in our industry www.GastonElectrical.com

www.high-profile.com

March 2021

Women in Construction

9

Women Take the Lead: Design Collaboration at Kronos Bio Kronos Bio team truly loves their new home. While moving from a 4,000sf to 40,000sf space is “in itself a home run,” it is the design and functionality that makes this space an “interesting and airy environment to conduct research in.” Concluding our conversation, Shana added that those working in the space have said how “good they feel to work in a space that feels like it was designed for them.”

Stephanie Goldberg, AIA, LEED AP BC+D is a principal with Lab/Life.

Science. Architecture, Inc.

by Stephanie Goldberg Recently I had the opportunity to work with an incredible team on the design and construction of Kronos Bio’s new lab in Cambridge. Kronos Bio, a clinical stage company dedicated to the discovery of novel cancer care therapeutics, was relocating from SmartLabs to a space in Kendall Square. While I have worked with a broad range of teams on biotech projects throughout the Boston area, this project was unique as the majority of the leadership group were women.

A highly engaged and collaborative team, we worked to create an open an d fun environment for scientific discovery.

Amy Foley, project planner with the Richmond Group, along with Shana Mendozza, project leader and executive director of operations, and Lori Kelley, senior operations manager, both with Kronos Bio, were all involved from the start, following the project through construction.

Recently, I asked the group what they thought about the process and result of the project. Each agreed that the project was highly collaborative. As Amy noted, while the design team provided options and concepts to guide the design, the client created cost buckets to allow for

Kronos Bio lobby

flexibility and coordination. Lori felt that the team listened to the client’s needs, adjusting elements as these needs were more closely defined. Shana echoed Lori’s comment about listening, adding that the team “aligned on the mission to create a fun, beautiful space focused on collaboration from the beginning,” which translated into a finished product that “everyone felt good about.” Shana and Lori also noted that bringing in the furniture vendor, Total Office, early

in the process was a huge help as they provided not only the furnishings, but the wall systems.

With an open communication pathway, the team was able not only to stay within budget, but to come in under budget, even with COVID-related delays and the necessity for virtual communication. As Shana mentioned, “We met our objectives and had fun doing it.” The company settled into the new space at the end of this past year. Lori emphasized that the

View to alcove

www.high-profile.com

Women in Construction

10

PROFILE:

PROFILE:

Haylee Bacik

Alondra De Leon

Hired by Gilbane as a college senior after three successful internships, Haylee Bacik currently serves as a project manager in Massachusetts, providing oversight to projects of varying sizes, including the Reebok headquarters relocation and her current assignment, a corporate interior fit-out for Apple in Cambridge, Mass.

With a master’s degree in construction management, Haylee is also a graduate of Gilbane’s highly vetted, two-year internal management candidate program.

With a solutions-oriPROJECT ented approach, Haylee MANAGER leads through the development of key relaGilbane Building tionships. “I really enjoy Company working with tradespeople and design teams to solve complex problems. Working collaboratively to develop solutions that allow everyone on site to move forward while preserving the designer’s intent is a big part of what we do, and for me, it is the most rewarding part of my job,” she said. “Problem solving in the field is about creating relationships and establishing trust. There is nothing better than seeing a project come to life from a set of drawings!”

As the Massachusetts lead for empoWer, Gilbane’s employee resource group focused on the advancement

Alondra De Leon serves as a project manager for Gilbane’s Connecticut business unit, focused primarily on the K-12 and healthcare markets. Originally from the Dominican Republic, she began studying architecture until she moved to Rhode Island and enrolled at Roger Williams University, where she graduated with a bachelor’s in construction management in 2008.

Throughout the nearly 15 years Alondra has been with Gilbane, she’s played a pivotal role on numerous complex projects, such as the Hartford Hospital PROJECT Bone and Joint Institute MANAGER and the West Haven High School Additions and RenGilbane Building ovations.

Company “Some of the most rewarding moments of my career have been through my involvement in the ACE Mentor Program and having the opportunity to help inspire the next generation of women in construction, particularly women of color,” she said, as she reflected on advice for the next generation of women in construction. “Young women and girls should set ambitious goals and advocate for themselves to those who can help remove barriers and provide opportunity.”

As co-chair of HOL@, Gilbane’s Hispanic/Latinx employee resource group, she helps foster a culture of belonging for

We Salute

of women, Haylee sees opportunity for women considering a career in construction. “There is something so rewarding about being a part of a project that makes a difference in the world. We build schools that allow people to learn, hospitals that allow people to heal, and workplaces that are developing cutting edge technologies,” she said. “To help deliver these facilities is something to be proud of, and I think that there are so many young women who would thrive in an industry where planning and organization are keys to success.”

“Young women and girls should set ambitious goals and advocate for themselves to those who can help remove barriers and provide opportunity.”

Latinos at Gilbane and the industry at large. What Alondra enjoys most about her job is the relationships she builds with her teams, project partners, and clients, through collaborative problem-solving “to deliver projects that positively impact the communities where we live and build.”

PROFILE:

WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION

Danielle Crafford

As one of only two women general superintendents working in Gilbane’s New England division, Danielle Crafford has learned to approach challenges with the goal of opportunity. She is one of the youngest women to hold the role companywide and leads with compassion and inspiration, recognizing that true success means a successful outcome for all.

Danielle is responsible for the overall management of the active job site, which includes the GENERAL safety of personnel, SUPERINTENDENT schedule maintenance, coordination of trade Gilbane Building partners, and the quality We strive to raise awareness of the Company of installation. However, opportunities available for women Danielle takes pride in the softer skills in the field, and to emphasize the of which her role requires: She cultivates Associated Subcontractors growing role of women in our industry. open and transparent communication of Massachusetts, Inc. with owners to provide daily updates of ASM is the state’s leading association for specialty construction activities that will directly contractors. Since 1950 we have represented affect their campus (or community, companies of all trades, large and small, union building, etc.), and keeps neighboring and open shop, who work on major building homeowners or community members projects across the commonwealth, in both the public and private sector. aware of potential disruptions.

In the 12 years Danielle has been with Gilbane, she’s worked on countless Visit www.associatedsubs.com to join. projects that have contributed to company growth, but she considers her Protect, Connect, Educate

www.high-profile.com

March 2021

Building a better future for specialty contractors since 1950 www.associatedsubs.com • 617.742.3412 • mail@associatedsubs.com

truly valuable contributions to be the relationships she’s made throughout.

“I believe in ‘growth of thought,’ and I play an active role in empoWer, our company’s employee resource group focused on the advancement of women. This group provides a platform for its members to grow and thrive in their professional and personal lives by creating opportunities and connections.

I am proud to champion this group in Rhode Island and believe that its existence is a good step in the right direction for our company, and industry as a whole.”

Women in Construction

March 2021

PROFILE:

11

PROFILE:

Aleita Hall

Joi Therrien

In high school, Aleita Hall was introduced to engineering through a chance encounter that led to a passion for building. She joined an after-school program targeted at exposing women and people of color to careers in the STEM fields and eventually earned a B.S. in civil engineering from the University of Connecticut. Her college internships in various fields ultimately led her to construction management as a career, and Gilbane Building Company as her employer of choice.

SENIOR PROJECT Aleita joined Gilbane MANAGER in 2000 as an office engineer; she currently

Gilbane Building serves as a senior project Company manager. She has spent

her entire 20-year career at Gilbane where she is now responsible for the day-to-day activities on large-scale commercial and institutional construction projects. Some of her notable projects include Brown University Watson Institute, RISD Living Learning Center, Hasbro Headquarters Renovation project, and the historical renovation of South Street Landing in Providence, R.I. She is currently overseeing the construction of the new 305,000sf East Providence High School project which is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2021.

Aleita’s favorite part of her job is the satisfaction of delivering a building to her clients on time and on budget. “Many times, they are moving from outdated or inadequate facilities and they are excited at the opportunity for a fresh start. I love being a part of making that happen,” she says. For young women thinking of entering the construction industry, Aleita advises them to follow their passion.

Though it remains male-dominated, the path for women to be successful in construction has been paved by many like her who consider mentoring the future generation of female leaders a top priority.

Joi Therrien always had a passion for engineering, so after high school she went to community college and got an associate’s degree in engineering science. She later transferred to a four-year university to pursue a degree in civil engineering. At that same time, she started an internship with Gilbane after an introduction at a career fair. She enjoyed her internship so much that she ultimately accepted a fulltime position. She continued to pursue her degree while working full time at Gilbane, graduating with a degree CONTRACTS in project management.

COORDINATOR She has been working in the purchasing departGilbane Building ment and has used her Company experience to streamline the purchasing process and improve compliance with company policy.

Joi enjoys the interaction that she has with the project teams. Purchasing is the start of every project so, with each new job that is awarded, she can build new relationships, allowing her to expand her network.

For any woman looking to get into construction, Joi would advise, “Don’t let an existing process stop you from creating opportunities for yourself and don’t be afraid to follow a nontraditional path. The reason I’m at Gilbane is because I asked

for a chance to prove myself and the opportunity was created for me to do that.”

“Don’t let an existing process stop you from creating opportunities for yourself and don’t be afraid to follow a nontraditional path. The reason I’m at Gilbane is because I asked for a chance to prove myself and the opportunity was created for me to do that.”

Celebrating

WIC Week The women of Gilbane are builders, leaders, creators, and innovators.

We celebrate their numerous contributions to the construction industry this week, and every week, as we highlight their achievements and look toward a more inclusive future. www.gilbaneco.com

www.high-profile.com

Women in Construction

12

PROFILE:

PROFILE:

Kate Martin

Jessica Gesamondo

Kate Martin, assistant estimator at BW Kennedy & Co., joined the company in June 2020. A quick learner, she brings a keen attention to detail, an affinity for numbers, and strong communication skills to her role. Construction is in the family, with her mother having worked as a construction project manager and her father in HVAC. Initially after high school, Kate thought she would like to become an architect and she enrolled in Vermont Technical College (VTC) ASSISTANT where she received an ESTIMATOR associates in architectural engineering. She then BW Kennedy changed direction to & Co. finish her coursework at VTC in construction, earning a bachelor’s in construction management. She had the opportunity to try several different roles as an intern, and discovered she liked working with numbers as an estimator.

At BW Kennedy, Kate works with the senior estimator and preconstruction planner, Brian Kennedy, and others to develop accurate project budgets, utilizing historical data and subcontractor feedback. She participates in design meetings to ensure program, budget, and schedule are aligned. She likes how each project is different, and enjoys having

Jessica Gesamondo started her career by earning a Bachelor of Science in interior design from the Wentworth Institute of Technology. After several jobs in Florida and Massachusetts, she transitioned from interior design to construction, joining Connolly Brothers in 2017.

A construction management firm serving private commercial, industrial, and institutional clients, Connolly Brothers, Inc. is a five-generation family business established in 1880.

As an assistant project ASSISTANT manager, Jessica’s job PROJECT involves creating systems MANAGER to coordinate multiplesized projects and parties Connolly Brothers so that the project team is up-to-date, on-track, and exceeding client expectations. Her background in interior design and construction has been a major advantage in her career.

Jessica prides herself on her reputation as a solution-oriented, knowledgeable, and understanding resource to her co-workers and clients, leveraging her knowledge of the industry while providing others with the tools necessary to get the job done.

As a woman working in construction, Jessica presents herself with confidence, understanding that everyone is equal and has individual strengths to bring to the

“We are given opportunities to learn and advance in the paths we have all chosen, and never have a reason to feel uncomfortable asking for help.” the opportunity to learn not just the construction aspects, but about the life sciences industry, the prime focus of BW Kennedy clients.

Kate says, “Here at BW Kennedy, women are considered crucial members of the team. We are given opportunities to learn and advance in the paths we have all chosen, and never have a reason to feel uncomfortable asking for help.”

March 2021

table. She recognizes there will be times that are uncomfortable, with conflicting perspectives, but ultimately the agenda is the same: to succeed at a common goal. With her organizational skills at the forefront, Jessica thrives at keeping all parties of a project on the same page and on track, which will certainly take her far in her chosen field.

Her advice to other woman entering the field is to take what you’re good at and use it to help yourself and others.

Her advice... is to take what you’re good at and use it to help yourself and others.

PROFILE: Celebrating Women in Construction

Teamwork

Success

Integrity

Dedication

Life Sciences | Commercial | Educational BWKENNEDYCO.COM

www.high-profile.com

Cailtin Greenwood Caitlin Greenwood, AIA, IIDA has always been surrounded by strong women and has been inspired by many since launching her career as an architect.

Tapping into this support system, whether it be family, colleagues, friends, industry partners, or even competitors, has resulted in a network of women who en courage each other to drive their careers forward.

Caitlin’s advice for young females interested in design and construction is, “There will be times that ARCHITECT/ you are the only female ASSOCIATE in the room; use that to inspire you and push you Margulies further. Be confident, Perruzzi smart, effective and show that you are just as important to the conversation as anyone else. If you do that, then there will be no hesitation that you deserve the same respect as anyone else in that room.”

As an architect, associate and project manager, Caitlin brings extensive design experience to the Margulies Perruzzi team through all phases of design and construction. Currently she is working with Middlesex Savings Bank, and the project team is an example of how far women have come in the world of design and construction: The architect,

interior designer, project executive and owner’s rep are all women.

A member of NAIOP, Caitlin participated in the Leadership Institute, an exclusive program that helps develop leadership skills through educational training for the next generation of the CRE industry. She is also a member of the Wonder Women Committee for WWIRE (Wellness for Women in Real Estate), that promotes and connects strong women in the industry through health and wellness events.

Women in Construction

March 2021

13

MOCC Recognizes Outstanding Women For over four decades, M. O’Connor Contracting (MOCC) has been providing a variety of construction services including general contracting, preconstruction services, and cost estimating.

MOCC has paved the way for women in construction since its inception in 1976.

Opportunities, and a supportive network, have empowered the women of the firm to flourish in the industry.

In honor of Women in Construction Week, MOCC is proud to recognize its women team members who have played an integral role in the company’s success.

In honor of Women in Construction Week, MOCC is proud to recognize its women team members who have played an integral role in the company’s success.

Elizabeth O’Connor, CFO, graduate of Emmanuel College, has been the corporate clerk and controller of MOCC since its inception. She has been a strong

Elizabeth O’Connor

Krystal Burrows

role model and provides a welcoming, supportive environment for women in construction.

Krystal Burrows, VP of operations, joined MOCC in 2006, and in 2009 completed the construction project management program at Northeastern University. Keen attention to detail has contributed to her track record of consistent on time/on budget delivery regardless of project scale. Krystal’s project portfolio is a record of success and her experience in building and leading teams for all types of projects makes her an invaluable member of MOCCs team.

Her successful track record of many years of managing large and complex construction projects in various market sectors has made her a trusted leader in the industry.

Siobhan Coffey

Siobhan Coffey, accounting manager, grew up with MOCC and began working at a young age in the front desk capacity.

In 2015, she became office manager. Her accommodating attitude to go where needed, and her willingness to assist on project management to ensure that bids are prepared and presented on time, led her to taking over the accounting department in overseeing the commitment and budgeting concerns of every contract.

Siobhan also actively works on the business development efforts to continue to ensure that her parents’ legacy continues well into the future.

Priscilla Silva, project manager, a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, joined MOCC in 2015 and is a LEED Green Associate with extensive knowledge and understanding of green

Priscilla Silva

Jennifer McGrath

design, construction and operations. She took on the role of LEED coordinator for the Bridgewater Academy building project, which achieved LEED Silver certification. In 2018, Priscilla became a project manager and continues to grow relationships with owners, architects and subcontractors for successful projects.

Jennifer McGrath, assistant project manager, graduate of University of Massachusetts, has over 15 years of field experience in construction. Her handson field experience is a valuable asset in supporting project managers and site supervisors in all phases of construction projects. Jennifer completed the graduate certificate in accounting from Northeastern University in 2015, which has been an invaluable tool for further assisting in managing projects.

Submitted by M. O’Connor Contracting

www.moccontracting.com www.high-profile.com

Women in Construction

14

March 2021

PROFILE:

PROFILE:

Laurie Webber

Cassandra Archer

Laurie Webber joined Erland Construction in 2000 as a front desk coordinator. Her responsibilities quickly grew, and she was soon assisting the Human Resources department with various projects. Shortly thereafter, she was promoted to payroll coordinator and asked to join Erland’s internal Safety Committee, which is where her interest in safety began.

She recalls the exact moment when she decided to take on safety as her full-time role. She had been in a safety committee meeting with Tom BlesASSISTANT so, SVP, management/ SAFETY operations support at ErDIRECTOR land. She had a question regarding steel erection Erland and Tom sat down with Construction her until she completely understood the safety requirements for the scenario. She realized that joining Erland’s safety department would allow her to learn and grow even more, and that she’d be challenged to understand a whole new realm of construction. So, on she went to becoming Erland’s assistant safety director.

Laurie’s dedication to keeping the Erland staff safe throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has been instrumental. She leads the company’s contact tracing, working with employees and subcontrac-

Cassandra Archer is a senior architect at Centerbrook Architects & Planners in Centerbrook, Conn.

Cassandra received a Bachelor of Science in architecture from Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston in 2012.

After graduating, she moved to California to begin her career. She worked for two different San Jose based firms that specialized in education and public works buildings. In 2016 she moved back to the East Coast, working at KBA in New Haven and now with SENIOR Centerbrook. Cassandra ARCHITECT and her husband live in an 1850s farmhouse that Centerbrook they have been actively Architects & restoring since 2017.

Planners Cassandra is a Nigerian-American. Since becoming an architect, she has taken on an active

tors to identify and collect the needed information on cases. She also has been an indispensable resource in the research and development of Erland’s COVID-19 field guidelines. Her polite but persistent interaction with the subcontractor community has enabled the company to not only remain compliant and minimize risk, but also get workers back to jobs as soon as protocols allow.

The reported COVID-19 cases come in at all hours, and on the weekends too.

Laurie is always available and willing to do whatever needs to be done to keep Erland’s jobsites safe and productive.

role as a board member of the National Organization of Minority Architects, Connecticut Chapter (NOMAct).

Cassandra is passionate about mentoring the next generation and making the field of architecture more accessible for all.

Since becoming an architect, she has taken on an active role as a board member of the National Organization of Minority Architects, Connecticut Chapter (NOMAct). Cassandra is passionate about mentoring the next generation and making the field of architecture more accessible for all.

The Women of Interstate: Strong, Intelligent, Determined

Valued Partner.

Trusted Employer.

www.high-profile.com

Interstate Electrical Services Corpora on Join our dynamic team! See our careers page for exciting employment opportunities at Interstate.

855.500.IESC

Women in Construction

March 2021

15

ReArch Company Recognizes Female Leaders At ReArch Company, we value our female employees and are proud to have so many talented and dedicated women on staff. We employ several women with diverse backgrounds in various positions in both the field and the office. In honor of Women in Construction Week, we want to extend our gratitude to all our female leaders for forging paths within the construction industry and our company.

As the first female member of our executive team, Christa Vandevord, chief financial officer, is responsible for ensuring that the company’s financial health, staffing, and strategic goals are aligned. She helps establish thoughtful and forward-thinking corporate policies to ensure ReArch is properly positioned within the construction, development and property management markets.

Heather Illick, director of marketing and communications, spearheads all corporate marketing and communication functions. Her efforts have garnered strong brand recognition and name association, and made ReArch more visible to clients and the architectural, owners’ representative, and engineering community.

Holly LeClair, director of health, safety and risk management, manages the status of all employees’ health and

Christa Vandevord

Heather Illick

Holly LeClair

Beth Seniw

Majken Poley

Mary Ann Wood

Tammy Alderman

Kimberly Brown

safety credentials and is responsible for developing wellness initiatives for the office and field staff. She navigated ReArch’s COVID-19 response efforts and put protocols in place to keep our office and staff safe.

Beth Seniw, team development lead/ project manager, is a Certified Healthcare Constructor and has a wealth of project management experience on several large scale, sustainably built, complex projects in the healthcare, higher education, and

housing markets.

She works closely with the VP of construction to allocate staff to projects, and mentors our Project Management team.

Majken Poley, Ann Marie Hoag project manager, has been with ReArch for eight years, starting with us

as a project engineer and working her way up. Clients rave about her attention to detail during the submittal process. She has worked on several significant projects during her time with ReArch and is a member of our Wellness Team.

Mary Ann Wood, controller, supports the CFO to ensure the company’s strategic goals and financial health are adequately aligned. She is responsible for financial forecasting, budgets, preparing trial balances, and monthly financial reporting.

She oversees the accounting team and is a member of our Wellness Team.

Tammy Alderman, AP specialist/ compliance coordinator, manages the flow of payable invoices and works closely with the construction management team to ensure proper entry, timely payment, and adherence to compliance requirements.

As office coordinator, Kimberly Brown’s long tenure has given her experience in project administration and accounting. She manages our IT, keeping all employees connected virtually and making the conversion to working remotely seamless.

Ann Marie Hoag, accounting clerk, provides administrative support for the accounting and construction management departments.

Submitted by ReArch Company

SPECIALIZING IN ENERGY EFFICIENT & SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS Net Zero Energy Ready-Charlotte Library Charlotte, VT

SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT 05403 | 802.863.8727 WWW.REARCHCOMPANY.COM www.high-profile.com

Women in Construction

16

PROFILE:

PROFILE:

Hannah Giovannucci

Arabelle Isaac

Hannah Giovannucci, PE is a civil engineer and project manager at TFMoran. She kickstarted her career in Boston after attending UMass Amherst. Now in Seacoast N.H., she says her passion is “flipping” her client’s properties to “increase land value and aesthetic for communities where we work and play.”

Perceptive to detail and having a large scale understanding of land development, Hannah strives to thoroughly and strategically design CIVIL ENGINEER/ and permit projects as PROJECT quickly as possible. This MANAGER way her boots get dirty in the field to ensure TFMoran quality construction. She guides coordination between the project team and stakeholders from conception through construction.

She enjoys the diversity of projects: commercial, industrial, and residential.

What she loves about land development is that there is always a barrier to overcome: site constraints or persuading communities to approve controversial construction projects.

Originally, Hannah struggled in the industry, being a visual learner and a “big picture thinker” in an environment catering to others. Despite setbacks,

Coreslab Structures (CONN) Inc. is pleased to introduce Arabelle Isaac. Arabelle has been working as a project manager on multiple projects since she started at Coreslab in 2019. A native from Haiti, she moved to Florida as a young teenager and then Connecticut. She joined the Army in 2008 serving tours in Irag in 2009 and 2010 and was then stationed in Schweinfurt Germany until 2012. As a veteran, she has great work ethic and organizational skills which greatly assist with successful project execution.

PROJECT After her service MANAGER in the Army, Arabelle earned an associate’s Coreslab degree from Three RivStructures ers Community College (CONN) Inc. in Norwich, Conn. and continued her education with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Central Connecticut State University in 2019.

She embraces the daily changes that arise in construction with a positive attitude and finds it rewarding solving problems with the help and respect from other professionals in her field. She enjoys the work she does and the fact that it is not a repetitive work day. Every day is a new learning experience. She is a critical thinker, and knows that attention to all details is important for any role in the construction industry.

everything clicked after three years. She says, “If things do not come naturally at first, stick with it. It is okay to ask the same questions. It takes about seven times doing a single task before you are ‘good’ at it. Repetition is the secret to success!”

Challenges are fuel to her fire. Hannah scuba dove with bull sharks at the Big Scare. While sharks are intimidating, she says, she also manages her claustrophobia while 100 feet underwater. No matter the obstacles, Hannah puts the same personal drive and determination into getting clients’ projects permitted and built.

H Voted BEST N rm Fi g in er ne gi En ow!

9 Years in a R

www.high-profile.com

tfmoran.com

Jennifer Porter, PE Brenda Kolbow, LLS, PLS

Irina Donskaiai Hannah Giovannucci, PE

Maureen Kelly, EIT Natasha Kulchitsky, PE

Proud of TFM’s Team of Professional Women Engineers & Surveyors Serving the Construction Industry

Bedford & Portsmouth, NH

March 2021

Arabelle embraces the daily changes that arise in construction with a positive attitude and finds it rewarding solving problems with the help and respect from other professionals in her field.

In her free time, Arabelle enjoys the New England seasons with snowboarding and beach days, and by hanging out with her Australian sheep dog, Chase.

Arabelle is a great asset to the team and continues to bring her cheerful and energetic personality onto each project.

We appreciate the work she does and look forward to great things to come.

PROFILE:

Alicia Caritano Alicia Caritano, AIA, LEED AP is a senior associate, senior project manager, and studio leader with JCJ Architecture.

An architect with over 30 years of experience in the Commonwealth, she brings intelligence and incredible passion to working with clients, managing multidisciplinary teams, and developing the next generation of young professionals.

When asked to share her perspective on the industry overall, Alicia was characteristically candid and forthcoming: “I honestly believe there SENIOR has never been a more ASSOCIATE/ exciting, interesting, SENIOR PROJECT and yet, challenging MANAGER/ time to be a design STUDIO LEADER professional and part of the AEC community.

JCJ Architecture I have been fortunate throughout my career to have worked on residential, mixed-use, healthcare, K12, and higher education projects.

The values that inspired me as a young architect are the same values that drive me today as a project manager: to unlock the possibility and potential of every project, to create a strong connection to place, and to positively impact the lives of children, families, and communities. It’s an incredible privilege to play a key role

in projects where you know your ability to be strategic, creative, and to collaborate will be part of creating life changing experiences.

When considering the current climate of remote work and balancing the demands of an industry that is constantly evolving, I always come back to the importance of working in teams and fostering an open exchange of ideas. I am constantly motivated to manage teams in doing their best work, and have been fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from the many talented young professionals at JCJ.”

March 2021

Women in Construction

IAW Celebrates WIC Week

PROFILE:

Kirsten Bouteiller Kirsten Bouteiller joined Flow Tech, Inc. in 2018 as an HVAC field service technician. As Flow Tech’s first female field tech, she is reinforcing the positive effect women have on the AEC industry through her hard work, dedication and customer-focused approach.

Kirsten is authorized to perform service on many of Flow Tech’s engineered HVAC equipment and systems. She travels throughout Connecticut and Western Massachusetts, providing service to customers, including preFIELD SERVICE ventative maintenance, TECHNICIAN troubleshooting, calibrations, fume hood inspecFlow Tech, Inc. tions and 24/7, on-call service. Kirsten is start-up certified and is trained to start-up ABB ACH 550/580 variable frequency drives, Aircuity facility monitoring systems, and Phoenix Controls critical airflow control systems.

Her technical knowledge is impressive, but it is her care for customers that is truly remarkable. Flow Tech’s customers con-

With determination and focus like hers, only the sky is the limit. We are proud Kirsten is a part of the Flow Tech family!

At Integrated at Work (IAW), we believe in creating strong, lasting internal and external relationships. Our co-workers don’t just work together, we support and encourage each other. We are excited for this opportunity to highlight two of our phenomenal team members who are pivotal to IAW’s continued success.

tinually provide feedback on the positive experience she provides.

From offering recommendations to following through on a troubleshooting call, Kirsten assures every job is completed effectively, efficiently and all with a smile. When not in the field, she can be found further developing her career by completing Flow Tech’s manufacturer-certification courses or studying to complete her associate’s degree in electrical engineering and CAD certification.

With determination and focus like hers, only the sky is the limit. We are proud Kirsten is a part of the Flow Tech family!

PROFILE:

We believe in creating strong, lasting internal and external relationships. Our co-workers don’t just work together, we support and encourage each other.

Chelsea Mann, project manager, joined IAW in 2017 and oversees project management from the early preconstruction phase and submittals through final project execution and completion. She is responsible for reviewing drawings and specifications, in-field dimension verification and surveying, procurement and tracking, product and logistics coordination, and overall communication among vendors and clients. Chelsea manages the most challenging projects and, as a result, her significant experience makes her an

Chelsea Mann

Karin Scattolon

outstanding asset to the project team.

Karin Scattolon, estimator, joined IAW in 2019 and has made a significant impact to the pre-construction and estimating team as she works directly with contractor partners to determine project specifics. She is responsible for managing the pre-qualification program and consistently provides accurate and comprehensive estimates including material quantities, equipment requirements, and labor needs for the projects. She has more than a decade of experience in construction management, including a strong knowledge of the glazing industry.

Founded in 2009, IAW is a premier specialty contractor bringing innovation and expertise to building projects, providing robust solutions for both interior and exterior spaces. Both Karin and Chelsea have a proven reputation for exceeding expectations. We are thrilled to have them on our team.

Submitted by Integrated at Work

B R I N G I N G I N N OVAT I O N A N D E X P E RT I S E TO YO U R B U I L D I N G P ROJ EC T

Erica Jarvis Erica Jarvis earned an associate’s degree in architectural engineering technology before being accepted into the design program where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in architecture. Her first internship was at an interior design firm in Rocky Hill, Conn., followed by two consecutive internships at a Boston architectural firm specializing in colleges and movie theaters.

After graduation, Erica worked as a project engineer at Eastern Contractors, a construction firm foPROJECT cused on public schools, MANAGER before moving to Metric Construction where she NEI General spent 15 years as assisContracting tant project manager and project manager.

Since joining NEI General Contracting, she has found historic rehab projects most rewarding. She enjoys peeling back layers and valuing the beauty in how things were constructed and how they have

17

stood the test of time.

Her advice to anyone considering a career in construction is, “Believe in yourself! Evaluate your strengths and make them work for you; recognize your weaknesses and try to improve. It’s a balance every day, but if you challenge and believe in yourself, you will be successful.”

“Believe in yourself! Evaluate your strengths and make them work for you; recognize your weaknesses and try to improve. It’s a balance every day, but if you challenge and believe in yourself, you will be successful.”

Celebrating Women in Construction Providing Interior & Exterior Architectural Products Feature Walls Specialty Doors Storefronts & Curtain Walls Glass & Glazing Moveable Walls Raised Access Floors Learn more www.integratedatwork.com

www.high-profile.com

Women in Construction

18

March 2021

The Future (and Present) is Female

www.cefloyd.com

Women in construction are not a novelty.

While women only make up 10% of the industry, that number is growing. However, after speaking to a few of the women at C.E. Floyd, it’s clear Carissa Ciccone they do not see themselves as a rarity, but as a part of the future. Carissa Ciccone, project engineer; Briana Hardware, project engineer; and Mariel Nowack, estimating engineer; graciously took time out of their busy schedules to give their thoughts on working in the construction industry.

As an industry, we have to continue to normalize women in construction by providing opportunities. Carissa spoke of a recent project in which the project team made it a point to hire a womanled subcontractor. She reflected that this made an impact on her, stating, “Change is happening, and I think this is something to be noticed.”

It is also important to acknowledge the role women have to play, whether they want to or not, as role models and trailblazers. Regardless of the term, women are held to a higher standard than their male counterparts; their work is scrutinized more and mistakes might not be as easily forgiven. But, in Carissa’s experience, it is more of a paradox: “I’ve had some subcontractors take me less

Briana Hardware

Mariel Nowack

seriously, but some have more respect for me because I’m a young woman in construction.” This contradiction is a necessary evil as women continue to dig out their foothold in the industry and cease to become a metric to measure.

While it is important to highlight women in construction because representation matters, all three women felt that gender is not a barrier they face in the industry. Mariel advised women who might be hesitant to dip their toes in the field, to “be true to yourself and value your skills, abilities, and sense of self over the opinions of others.”

As Briana succinctly puts it, “Be the one to set the standard, because the generations behind you will follow in your steps and women will be well represented in the construction industry.”

We all look forward to a future where being a woman in the construction industry doesn’t need to be acknowledged.

Luckily, according to these women, that future is not too far off.

Submitted by C.E. Floyd

PROFILE:

Toni Dupell Toni Dupell joined DPS Group in early 2021 as a business development account manager for Boston project operations.

With more than 13 years of experience in the commercial real estate market, she is focused on developing and strengthening DPS’ relationships with life science clients through alignment and delivery of project goals. Her “client first” mentality, along with her personal approach, helps ensure a robust pipeline of opportunities.

Toni is the co-founder and owner of LACED (Ladies in ArBUSINESS chitecture, Construction, DEVELOPMENT Engineering & Design) ACCOUNT Wellness, a networking MANAGER group for women in commercial real estate DPS Group that hosts curated wellness-based events. Since launching in November 2019, LACED has grown to a team of 20 women leading seven chapters across the country. The volunteer-based group hosts local and national networking events, and all proceeds go to the instructors and workshop leaders to promote women entrepreneurs.

Toni earned a Bachelor of Science in

www.high-profile.com

project management from the Wentworth Institute of Technology and she is a member of the CoreNet New England Young Leaders committee and the ISPE New England Women in Pharma Leadership Committee.

Toni is the co-founder and owner of LACED (Ladies in Architecture, Construction, Engineering & Design) Wellness, a networking group for women in commercial real estate.

Women in Construction

March 2021

19

PROFILE:

Miika Ebbrell Two women – a high school drafting teacher and an architecture summer camp counselor – first inspired Miika Ebbrell, AIA, LEED AP to envision what it would be like to be an architect. Today she leads an all-women firm, Ebbrell Architecture + Design, a Massachusettscertified Woman-owned Business Enterprise licensed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Connecticut.

Miika has always found architecture to be the perfect blend of problem solving, creativity and art. “I love PRINCIPAL how architecture plays a major role in people’s Ebbrell day-to-day lives and how Architecture + you can positively impact Design their daily experiences through design,” she said.

A native of Canada, Miika’s first job in Massachusetts was at the Gund Partnership in Cambridge. “I had a fantastic mentor who was methodical in how to think about communicating with clients and contractors, organizing information, and structuring a project approach. As I took on more complex projects and roles, these lessons proved invaluable,” she noted.

Her firm’s niche is commercial interior fit-outs, adaptive reuse, and building repositioning. Her career has

largely focused on managing these types of projects, and shaping the right design approach is almost second-nature these days. She explained that the firm has honed its methodology to be streamlined and collaborative, while they also continue to diversify into different market sectors within the commercial fit-out and renovation space.

Miika left the workforce at one point to be at home with her twin boys. She maintained her contacts in the industry and did a bit of residential work, then started taking on a few commercial projects. “I realized I could do commercial

work outside of a conventional office setting, while being there for my kids,” she said. “This adaptable work structure has allowed us to build a team of top tier talent who also thrive in a flexible organization, enabling us to pursue bigger and more complex projects.”

Miika says that owning her own firm is her favorite job. “It’s satisfying to build a company and provide exciting opportunities for our team members to perform at the highest levels of their profession while working on A-list design work,” she said, adding that a diverse portfolio including corporate interiors, labs, recreation, and industrial projects has strengthened the firm’s capabilities.

When asked what advice she would give a young woman thinking about getting into the field, Miika said that while becoming an architect is a lengthy process, it comes with great benefits.

“The range of opportunities in the design and construction fields, the kinds of projects and challenges we undertake as designers, and actually executing successful solutions is all enjoyable and worth the time and effort. I have always felt passionate about architecture and couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”

... while becoming an architect is a lengthy process, it comes with great benefits. “The range of opportunities in the design and construction fields, the kinds of projects and challenges we undertake as designers, and actually executing successful solutions is all enjoyable and worth the time and effort. I have always felt passionate about architecture and couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”

Experienced. Connected. Streamlined.

The team at Ebbrell Architecture + Design delivers high-quality design from an experienced and talented group of senior-level professionals.

We draw on our extensive background to develop new and creative solutions to even the most challenging design problems, whether we are working on a building refresh, lab, workplace project, or fitness facility.

(left to right) Rachel Molé, LEED AP, Interior Designer; Ariane Purdy, RA LEED AP, Architect; Miika Ebbrell, AIA LEED AP, Principal; Jessica Cargile, NCIDQ LEED AP, Interior Designer; Robin Willcox, M. Arch., Associate AIA, Designer

We approach every project as a unified team, delivering our projects efficiently while providing custom design and individualized service.

Specializing in commercial interior fit-outs, adaptive re-use, and building repositioning

ebbrelldesign.com • (617) 959-4322 @Ebbrelldesign

ebbrell-architecture-design

A Massachusetts-certified woman-owned business enterprise licensed in MA, NH, and CT

www.high-profile.com

Women in Construction

20

Like Mother Like Daughter: Women in Construction

by Jacqueline A. Falla

Why

JF: What’s the biggest challenge working in construction?

MR and ST: Knowing when to ask for help and knowing when it’s important to figure it out yourself.

JF: What’s it like to have your daughter follow in your footsteps?

choose

Maria Ramirez: I realized early on that construction provided a relatively stable work environment which, as a mother, was important to me. Initially I chose construction for the security it provided.

I would learn over time how much more the industry would give me.

Stephanie Torres: My mom and I have always liked a challenge. Being one of a few women in the field makes us feel special, and when we are able to do what all the men can do, well, we know we are, and we get their respect, but most importantly we are always surprising ourselves with regard to our capabilities.

After a long hard day we can look back and say “I did that,” and smile.

Maria Ramirez and Stephanie Torres

JF: What does it mean to be part of a union?

MR: When I started in the union I was one of only three women. It wasn’t always easy, but there was community in it, and they knew how hard I work, kept me employed, and eventually introduced me to Elaine Construction, and for that I am grateful.

JF: Who inspires you?

ST: My mom is my inspiration. Until I became a mother myself I didn’t

CELEBRATING WIC WEEK 2021 March 7 - 13, 2021

celebrating WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION this week...and ALWAYS

WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION WOMEN IN

www.elaine.com

www.high-profile.com

JF: What advice would you give a young woman interested in construction?

MR and ST: You can do so much more than you think you are capable of.

Occasionally you’ll need to have a thick skin, and you’ll need to speak up, but together we women are stronger. Come join the fun.

Maria Ramirez found her way into the construction industry as a laborer 20 years ago. She began with a simple ambition: provide for her four children. What she found was a family in the field, and a permanent home at Elaine Construction, where her daughter Stephanie Torres joined her a few years ago. Stephanie and Maria shared with me their thoughts about the challenges, rewards, and love for the profession.

Jacqueline A. Falla: construction?

March 2021

appreciate all the sacrifices you must make. She gave us all we ever needed and much of what we wanted, without ever spoiling us. She built an empire for herself and I want to do the same.

MR: Lisa Wexler, Elaine’s president. She is a real advocate for women, empowers us, and it makes me want to work harder for her.

MR: I’m excited and proud. She tried it out when she was younger, but took a break. When she returned, she came to work with Elaine Construction. She too has found a home here.

JF: What one item must you bring with you to the site every day?

MR and ST: A utility knife (they say in unison, with a smile in their voices, always).

Jacqueline A. Falla is director of client services at Elaine Construction.

SCI Recognizes Women in Construction Marion, MA – South Coast Improvement Company (SCIC), a design-build general contractor, announced its full support for the upcoming National Women in Construction Week. The annual recognition event, held by The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), takes place during the week of March 7-13.

“We applaud the recognition week NAWIC holds every year as it a great reminder to pay tribute to the incredible contributions of women to our industry,” said Tom Quinlan, president of South Coast Improvement Company. “I can honestly say our company would not have achieved the growth over the past few years, prior to the pandemic, without the incredible women on our team.

“Perhaps what distinguishes the women at South Coast is the diversity of backgrounds. Some have worked in construction for several decades; some are just starting. Some work on the project management end, others are involved in the business side with contracts, bookkeeping and pre-construction.”

Pam Carew, a controller at SCIC, has worked on the numbers side of construction for more than two decades. Her expertise spans all areas of construction accounting, including accounts payable and receivables management, client and AIA billings, budgets, job costing, WIP schedules, payroll and benefits management, and general ledger maintenance.

Conversely, Sue Hackett has been on the management side of things as an

assistant project manager. A U.S. veteran, Hackett achieved rank of Staff Sergeant with the 399th Combat Support Hospital, embarking on a construction career in 2009. She’s currently the assistant project manager on several key South Coast projects, including Brookdale Carriage Club Providence in Charlotte and Five Star Premier Residences in Teaneck, N.J. “Pam and Sue have been in the business for a while. I love having that kind of experience in our ranks,” said Quinlan. “We’re also fortunate to have women in the early stages of their careers already making big contributions.”

Quinlan noted the work of two such staffers: Kathleen Durocher and Rachael George.

George serves an integral role in estimating and preconstruction, handling important logistics such as subcontractor and vendor relations, driving and monitoring the solicitation of quotes from subcontractors and vendors, qualifying subcontractors and their quotes, facilitating and monitoring prebid/pre-con walk through meetings with subcontractors, and coordinating and assisting with critical path submittals and permitting processes.

Durocher joined South Coast Improvement in 2016 as an estimating administrator and, in short order, was promoted to assistant project manager and then lead assistant project manager and was instrumental in South Coast Improvement’s transition to Procore.

Women in Construction

March 2021

21

Massachusetts Makes Strides in Construction Diversity

by Matthew Guarracino Across the country and here in the Commonwealth, research continues to show that diversity, in the broadest terms, enhances productivity and fosters innovation. This is particularly true for the construction sector, which has grappled with inclusivity in a historically male-driven industry.

But that is rapidly changing. The number of women in construction jobs nationwide has risen steadily over the past several decades, and there has perhaps been no better progress than in Massachusetts, where female trade apprenticeships have skyrocketed in recent years.

Today, the number of Bay State women getting their start in construction through union-run apprenticeships is triple the national average. To be sure, strides continue to be made. For instance, according to the Policy Group on Tradeswomen’s Issues, Suffolk Construction had the highest number

of women on a single U.S. job site ever during the construction of the Encore Boston Harbor casino in Everett.

Yet, few would dispute there remains a lingering skills gap in our state, with jobs still left unfilled in the construction industry. That is why leaders in business, government, and labor have launched programs and initiatives to encourage more Massachusetts women to consider this much in-demand career. Through work by the Northeast Center for Tradeswomen’s Equity and union initiatives such as Build a Life MA, Massachusetts women and

disparity in construction. And despite our historic building boom, Massachusetts has one of the largest construction worker shortages in the U.S., while the percentage of construction workers under the age of 25 has shrunk nationwide for the past 20 years.

The result of the skills gap in construction is clear: The cost of building is rising with projects taking longer than expected to complete. Clearly, this is bad for a company’s bottom-line, and it also demonstrates why our industry must remain accessible to younger workers of

Across the country and here in the Commonwealth, research continues to show that diversity, in the broadest terms, enhances productivity and fosters innovation. other underrepresented groups, including young girls, are increasingly encouraged to explore new career paths and take advantage of training opportunities.

These development strategies can lead to rewarding, good-paying jobs in the professional trades.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic forced the Greater Boston construction industry to pause last year, it was difficult to ignore the correlation between our state’s workforce issues and the gender

all stripes. Keep in mind, construction jobs often pay between $60,000 and $130,000 annually, offering good benefits and family-friendly hours. And, unlike in years past, working in the construction sector now frequently demands a wide range of skillsets, including marketing, technology, and accounting.

One of our apprentices, Amber Marchetto, was recently recognized with an Employee Spotlight at JME. Speaking about her introduction to the field, she

said: “Entering into the construction sector as a 30-year-old woman with no experience was intimidating at first, but four years later, I have no doubt it was the right choice for me. In just a few years, I have seen the number of women entering into the trades increase and I’m excited to see more and more women coming into an industry that that offers opportunities to learn, grow, and gain real-world experience.”

At JM Electrical, we are proud to maintain a long and strong partnership with the Wentworth Institute of Technology which graduates individuals “who consistently bring extraordinary value to their organizations and to the world.” We continue to employ many of the school’s graduates, because Wentworth, like JM Electrical and the Massachusetts construction industry, is committed to cultural and gender diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additionally, our Local 103 chapter embodies the sorts of strides that should be replicated across the country.

With so much talent available in the Commonwealth, companies have begun to recruit the next generation of leaders in the construction fields, reinvigorating our industry and ensuring we are meeting the state’s skills gap challenges head on.

Matthew Guarracino is a principal at JM Electrical Company.

www.high-profile.com

22

Women in Construction

PROFILE:

PROFILE:

Margarita Kvacheva

Pamela Perini

After earning her degree in public relations and economics at Suffolk University and Master of Science in construction management from Wentworth Institute of Technology, Margarita Kvacheva worked in marketing for high tech companies.

Nine years ago, LBC Boston, a real estate development company, recruited her to manage medical and office spaces. Four years ago, the company expanded into residential development and Margarita oversaw the development of Nova Brighton, a SENIOR VICE six-story, 68,000sf PRESIDENT building that offers 80 residential units, with 10 LBC Boston of the units designated as affordable. With a passion for interior design, Margarita designed the common areas for both Nova Brighton and its sister development, Nova Quincy.

The City of Boston launched the Compact Living Pilot project in 2018 to help build more homes that are welldesigned and well-located in order to create living spaces where people have easy access to work and play. Margarita is overseeing the Allston Green project, a $140 million, 250,000sf complex located at 20 Linden Street, which features three buildings on approximately two acres and 350 housing units. The project is slated to

Pamela Perini, PSP is principal security consultant and owner of Pamela Perini Consulting. Her years at various security integration firms gave her the knowledge and skillset to excel as an independent security consultant. Her security design and integration work began with Siemens Building Technologies in Canton, Mass.

Currently she is one of only five women in Massachusetts to hold the Physical Security Professional (PSP) credential from ASIS International, and the only one that is WBE certified.

PRINCIPAL Pamela’s great SECURITY grandfather, Bonfiglio, CONSULTANT/ was founder of Perini OWNER Construction (formerly B. Perini & Sons). Her Pamela Perini grandfather, Joseph R., Consulting was former senior VP and treasurer of Perini Construction, and her father, Thomas B., managed heavy equipment for the company.

Pamela’s technology experience began with her positions in various media and IT companies, building and managing websites and network infrastructure. She holds a degree in economics from Framingham State University, and a Master Certificate in Infrastructure Protection from Texas A&M University Engineering Extension. She also holds various FEMA

www.high-profile.com

Margarita is overseeing the Allston Green project, a $140 million, 250,000sf complex located at 20 Linden Street be completed in the spring of 2024.

In addition to new housing, Allston Green will create over 34,000sf of open space, including over 20,000sf accessible to the public for community gatherings such as farmers’ markets, outdoor movie nights, exhibits, and more. LBC Boston plans to invite local artists to paint murals and to create unique sitting cubes to be installed in the public parks.

March 2021

certifications that include Essentials of Community Cybersecurity, Risk Management for After School Activities & Interscholastic Athletics, Critical Asset Risk Management, Active Shooter, and many others. She is CPTED and OSHA10 construction certified as well.

In her spare time, Pamela focuses on people with food insecurities and helping families. She sits on the board of the 200 Foundation, an organization her grandfather started in 1964 to assist in providing basic needs to those in need.

Pamela currently works with clients and architects in the education and public safety spaces. She is the security consultant of record on a number of MSBA, DCAMM and higher ed projects; and house doctor contracts.

Women in Construction

March 2021

23

Five Steps for Recruiting and Retaining Entry Level Talent in the Construction Industry

by Judi Vigna We are all busy in our careers and personal lives, so finding strategic ways to spread the word about construction industry opportunities is key. Below are five things that you can do with a little time and planning that can increase visibility of the opportunities that exist within the construction industry today.

1. Contact Middle and High Schools for Opportunities to Speak Identify public, private or charter middle and high schools in your area. Reach out to principals regarding opportunities to speak, such as during an 8th grade parent information night, student vocational information night, or high school career and/or college information event.

2. Tell Your Personal Career Story Think back to when you were a middle school and high school student. You may have felt uncertain about your future goals yet pressured to identify them.

Young people don’t know what they don’t know. They can’t aspire to something that they can’t imagine. They need people to show them the way. By sharing your career story – the gifts, the challenges,

the twists and turns, the lessons learned along the way – young people can learn about pathways to explore and career opportunities ahead.

understand the pivot points to advance their career and income. Be yourself. Be real. Young people will be eager to learn from you.

3. Inform and Expand the Knowledge Base

4. Show Them the Industry

Educate young people on the careers available in your field and at your company.

Share with them the careers of others in the industry whom you admire. Talk with students about the different people you interact with daily. Tell students about the jobs, the necessary education, and the number of years it may take to arrive at positions they love.

Tell students about the jobs, the necessary education, and the number of years it may take to arrive at positions they love.

If you work at a large company, show students an organizational chart so they can see how positions are interconnected.

If you work at a smaller company, discuss the different hats you wear and the many projects you manage. Paint a big, exciting, and realistic picture. Help students

Now that you have inspired them, find a few ways to empower students to want to learn more. Arrange for your company to provide a tour of your office or work site, provide a shadow or mentor opportunity, facilitate a panel discussion with women in the industry across multiple disciplines, or provide a scholarship for a summer internship or an after-school, industryrelated enrichment program.

5. Identify and Utilize Your Unique Talent to Recruit, Develop, and Retain the Future Workforce Your talent is what makes you unique.

Identify it. Own it. Share it!

My talent is my ability to use research, collaboration, education, and connection to drive innovation through an integrated

Your talent is what makes you unique. Identify it.

Own it. Share it!

process for workforce development. What is your talent? Does your role in the industry allow you to open a door, mentor a student or new employee, create a career pathway, or open discussions for new opportunities? I believe wholeheartedly that if we work together, we can create a new vision of the construction industry and make invisible career pathways visible for a new generation.

I believe wholeheartedly that if we work together, we can create a new vision of the construction industry and make invisible career pathways visible for a new generation.

Judi Vigna is a workforce development consultant and founder of Specialized Career Guidance, LLC. Sign up for her free Construction Resource Guide at www.specializedcareerguidance.com.

Supporting Women in AEC with PWC CT The Professional Women in Construction Connecticut Chapter (PWC CT) has been providing programming that presents the very latest in current industry topics, as well as providing exceptional networking and business development opportunities for AEC industry professionals, since it was chartered in 2005. Members of PWC CT represent all major disciplines within the AEC industry, and are drawn from Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

As an organization founded to support women in construction, PWC CT offers several opportunities to promote and further their advancement. PWC CT’s board and committee members are primarily women. For all programs, women are selected as panelists and to serve as moderator when available, and they recognize the success, professionalism and career growth of their female colleagues through an awards program. The annual awards program honors women in four

categories: Women of Achievement, Rising Star, Excellence in Mentorship, and Chapter Volunteer of the Year.

PWC CT’s scholarship and mentorship programs are open to both men and women, however they also encourage women to pursue construction careers. The scholarship program provides financial support to students pursuing AEC-related fields of study.

The mentorship program pairs students with established professionals who provide guidance and help support students’ developing careers.

PWC CT encourages you to join their community, get involved on a committee, or attend an upcoming program. The next panel program, “Commercial Real Estate – A sector in Transition,” will be held virtually on April 6 at 5:30 p.m. To register or for more information, visit https://connecticut.pwcusa.org/.

Submitted by PWC CT

Construction Law Employment Law Business Litigation

Helping evaluate potential areas of vulnerability, execute risk management strategy, and prepare each case as trial lawyers.

www.KSlegal.com

BOSTON • 617-722-6045 Old City Hall 45 School Street, Boston, MA

METROWEST • 508-490-8500 Reservoir Corporate Center 144 Turnpike Road, Southborough, MA

www.high-profile.com

Women in Construction

24

Dream Big. Do Great.

Th is week —and every week—let’s c elebrate t he c o urageously driven women transforming the built world.

Invest. Innovate. Build. Challenge your idea of what a construction company can do. | suffolk.com

www.high-profile.com

March 2021