2020
COHORT PROFILES
Carrot
Aaron Tippie
Sr. Vice President, Power
Westwood Professional Services
Minnetonka, MN
The challenges related to recruiting and retaining women in the AEC industry are complex and require time to resolve. Given the continued growth of the AEC industry, the stresses on companies to add and keep good people will only increase. We clearly need more women to enter the AEC space and to remain in the industry long term. So, as we unravel that story to understand what has worked well in terms of recruiting and retention, we need to convert those circumstances into intentional efforts going forward.
Biography:
Aaron’s dedication to the development of emerging energy markets has provided him a wide perspective regarding the factors impacting utilities and energy technology today. Having joined Westwood in 2005, Aaron is currently senior vice president of the power division, leading a talented team of individuals responsible for developing the firm’s wind, solar, storage, and power delivery markets. He leads strategic planning for the division and collaborates across the organization to accomplish Westwood’s vision for creating entrepreneurial partnerships that exceed expectations and advance energy infrastructure for a better tomorrow. Aaron is a shareholder in the firm and has served consistently on Westwood’s board of directors since 2012.
Fred Vinciguerra
CEO Forensic Analytical Consulting Service
Tulsa, OK
For me, it’s about how to engage women to be proactive in their careers. I am blessed to have three daughters, one of whom wants to be an engineer. I would like her to have opportunities that may not be as readily available. For these reasons I would love to help develop strategies to ensure these opportunities exist for women while also learning more about the current options available to all others.
Biography:
Fred Vinciguerra grew up in Dolton, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. He played baseball in high school and at Loras College. He would later transfer to Northern Illinois University where he graduated with a major in Biological Sciences.
After graduating from NIU in 1988, Fred began his professional career working for an environmental consulting laboratory and was quickly promoted to Lab Manager. As the Lab Manager, he was responsible for technical quality and profit and loss of both laboratory and field services. During his time in Chicago he worked as the Health and Safety Director for Lake County Grading Company in the cleanup of the Johns Mansville Plant in Waukegan, Illinois. This was a large Superfund Cleanup Site being overseen by the US EPA.
In 1991, Fred moved to northern California where he joined Forensic Analytical as a Lab Microscopist. He quickly realized his passion was not behind a microscope but rather providing environmental health consulting and working with clients to problem solve. In 1992, he transferred over to Forensic Analyticals Environmental Services Division which consisted of two offices and a total of a dozen consultants. Fred would quickly assume the role of Project Manager and would later take over as the Hayward Office Local Director (Branch Manager). In 2008, Fred was promoted to Chief Executive Officer. Since his taking over as CEO, Forensic Analytical has grown organically seven-fold. Forensic
Analytical is now recognized nationally with 11 offices across the country and almost 200 employees. Fred maintains his State certifications for asbestos and lead consulting and is also an approved instructor for asbestos and lead State accredited courses. Fred has been a member of Vistage, the world’s largest CEO member organization, for over 15 years and credits them with helping fuel Fred’s professional growth.
Fred currently resides in Castro Valley, California and is married with three children, all girls. His daughters are 15, 16 and 17. An interesting note about his family is that after the birth of their first child, Fred and his wife were in the process of adopting their second daughter from Guatemala. The adoption process took a total of five months from the time their adopted daughter was born until they could pick her up. The night before they were leaving for Guatemala, they found out his wife was pregnant. Fred’s favorite role is being a father and helping to guide them as they carve out their own futures. Fred’s oldest daughter will be attending Hastings College in Nebraska this fall where she will play soccer for the Broncos while pursuing a degree in education. His middle daughter is still figuring things out while his youngest daughter is very interested in an engineering career.
In Fred’s spare time, he likes to give back to his community and various organizations. Forensic Analytical’s headquarters are in Hayward, California where the average household income is far below the state average and thus the schools are in need of additional help. Therefore, Fred joined the Board of Directors for the Hayward Education Foundation (HEF). The goal of HEF is to raise funds to help local teachers obtain much-needed resources for their classrooms. Although his Board terms are up, he continues to support HEF at every opportunity. In 2010, after the death of a FACS employee who was just 32 years old and the father of four, Fred would co-found the Michael Thompson Memorial Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to raising money for families that lost the main breadwinner of the family. The MTMF has grown annually and is now in its 10th year. In 2012, Fred founded the Association of Northern California Environmental Consultants (ANCEC). ANCEC is comprised of local environmental health consultants with the goal of improving the quality of services provided in that field. ANCEC now has membership of approximately 20 different firms. In 2019, Fred was also recently added as member of the Board of Directors for the Northern Illinois Alumni Association. His admiration for how NIU’s programs were able to provide the foundation for his professional goals was instrumental to his decision to join the Board.
In 2020, Fred has joined Zweig White’s ElevateHer cohort class. He is excited to be part of a group of individuals committed to providing more opportunities for women to elevate their careers in the AEC industry.
Liz Bartell
Patel, Greene & Associates
Liz Bartell, PE, CFM, MBA
Senior Project Engineer | Patel, Greene & Associates
Winter Park, FL
As a graduate of the first class of engineering majors from a women’s college (Smith College ’04), I am intimately familiar with the importance of representation from people of all genders, races, sexual orientations, and ethnicity in the engineering industry. At Smith, we defined engineering as the application of math and science to benefit humanity. It is my firm belief that the AEC industry requires input from all demographics if we are to properly advance humanity. To accomplish this, recruiting and retention efforts need to strive for a more comprehensive representation of our society within the industry.
Biography:
Liz Bartell, PE, CFM, MBA, is a Sr. Project Engineer for Patel, Greene & Associates in their Winter Park, Florida office. Liz graduated from Smith College in 2004 with a BS in engineering science and was a proud member of the first graduating class of engineers from a women’s college. She began her career in transportation engineering immediately upon graduation, quickly finding a passion for stormwater. She also holds a Masters of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering (Engineering Management) and an MBA from the University of Florida. Liz does her best to carve out time in her schedule to travel the world with her fiance, finish her required reading for book club each month, and support her local wine bar with the help of close friends.
Kristan Greene
Human Resources Director | Manhard Consulting
Lincolnshire, IL
My passion circles between company culture and diversity. Diversity is no longer about pure demographics, and more about core values. Most employers are focused on hiring for diversity, but an inclusive workplace is part of the diversity equation. An inclusive culture is an environment in which respect, equity, and appreciation of differences are cultivated for a positive employment experience.
Biography:
Kristan Greene, MBA, PHR believes employee happiness at work multiplies success and should be a manager’s top priority. Kristan is the Director of Human Resources with Manhard Consulting, a nationwide civil engineering firm. In this role, she synchronizes all aspects of human resource management with organizational objectives. Core competencies include Talent Acquisition and Development, Benefits Administration, Total Rewards and Performance Management, and Employee Engagement.
When she isn’t working, Kristan and her daughter travel to experience other cultures, foods, and appreciate collective human history.
Drive
Maryanne Wachter
Senior Structural EngineerBuroHappold Engineering
Fullerton, CA
In terms of recruitment and retention challenges, I want to target early career individuals, because from my personal experience and from data gathered by SE3, a lot of people leave structural engineering after 3 years. I firmly believe this is because companies have stopped investing in their junior engineers until they have “proved” themselves from several years of grueling projects. Young engineers don’t get the breadth of experience or mentorship that older engineers did, because projects today are so much more complex; we’re expected to deliver a much more complicated structure in less time, and the software tools available can be more of a hindrance than help.
Biography:
Coming soon.
Thy Daniels
Thy Daniels
Marketing ManagerPortland, OR
As a woman of color and someone who has personally considered leaving the industry several times, I’d like to help my organization implement a change in culture, recruitment and retention. I am passionate about internal programs and creating a culture shift that ultimately changes how firms are recruiting and retaining female talent. This could be related to the language we’re using in job postings to the guidelines that we’re using to promote employees within our organizations. I am also interested in community outreach and creating programs that help empower young women or individuals from marginalized communities to enter the AEC industry.
Biography:
As a well-versed marketer and content creator, Thy Daniels has spent the last 10 years working in a variety of industries including professional services, beauty, lifestyle, and consumer goods. Her experience includes managing the creative and technical elements of brand development including copywriting, collateral design, and social media strategy. At her current firm, Thy leads the marketing and communication efforts for KPFF’s Portland Structural office as well as assist in new business development opportunities. Recently, her role has shifted towards culture cultivation and helping facilitate leadership conversations regarding gender intelligence within her organization. Through her unique perspective from working in mostly female-dominated industries, Thy understands how conversations on gender can shape an organization’s growth.
Jennifer Ridd
Associate / Senior Project Manager | JQ
Dallas, TX
I recently heard the CEO of a prominent engineering firm say they didn’t have diversity problems because our employees enjoy the work they do. If only that were enough to keep us all here. I’ve also seen how difficult D&I initiatives are, even in firms that make a commitment to equity. Thus, the goal of creating an industry-wide culture where individuals of all backgrounds can thrive is important – not just to the individuals, but to the whole industry. Personally, I want to be a part of the ElevateHer initiative on behalf of every woman who has ever felt less than or overlooked women who are good at their jobs and committed to success and growth but just don’t see a way they fit.
Biography:
Jennifer Ridd is an Associate and Senior Project Manager at JQ Infrastructure, a multidisciplinary civil and structural engineering firm in Dallas, Texas. With over 15 years of experience in structural engineering design and project management, she specializes in sports work, higher education, and performing arts venues.
In addition to her professional responsibilities, Jennifer has been actively involved in the ACE Mentor Program of America for 15 years where she is the current chairperson of the Dallas-Fort Worth Associate Board. She also sits on the advisory group for the Architectural Engineering program at the University of Texas at Arlington where she helps guide curriculum and student job placement in the industry. Most recently, she has been serving as a voting member of the National Council of Structural Engineering Association’s SE3 Committee, a group focusing on equity and engagement in the Structural Engineering profession.
A third-generation Purdue Boilermaker, Jennifer enjoys traveling, knitting, reading, and cooking. While originally from Ohio, her hatred of snowy weather has led her to call Texas home for over 17 years. She lives in Dallas with her rescue pets – a golden retriever and a cat.
Shannon Acevado
Senior Planner | Matthews Design Group
St. Augustine, FL
As a planner, the decisions I make have a real impact on the communities where we live. The planning principles, design, and development options I incorporate into my work will affect how people interact with their environment for generations. For this reason, I think it is so important for people like me who are influencing and making those decisions to be a diverse and representative group of people. If there is a lack of diversity of people working in this industry, there could be a lack of diversity in the breadth of innovation, solutions, and approaches taken which moves this industry forward.
Biography:
Shannon Acevedo is a planner at heart with expertise in land planning, research, data analysis, and project management. She currently plans and manages development for residential, commercial, and industrial projects with Matthews Design Group. Previously, she led a team of planners in development review for St. Johns County, a government within northeast Florida. Shannon has a colorful work history spanning regional planning work to educational non-profit research, to music marketing management. She even did a brief stint as a music teacher. Shannon is always up for a challenge and is not afraid to push past her comfort zone. On a personal note, her hobbies include having lots of hobbies! The short list might be theatre, singing, gardening, writing, painting, sewing, and all sorts of beach activities. She also loves to salsa dance, especially with her husband, Angel.
Andrea DuMont
Engineer; Project Manager | Jacobs
Austin, TX
As I progress in my career it becomes more and more obvious the obstacles that women face at far greater lengths than men. I got into engineering because I’m passionate about changing the world and I don’t see how we can do that without first changing our engineering paradigm.
Biography:
Andrea DuMont is a water engineer and AEC industry blogger based in Austin, Texas, USA. With Jacobs Engineering, she manages large civil infrastructure projects such as dams and reservoirs and is technically focused in groundwater supply and aquifer storage and recovery. She also works alongside the Jacobs executive leadership team to support corporate functions and help advance careers of technologists in the company. Her personal mission is to be more thoughtful of global communities and foster social enthusiasm for engineering. She does this with thought leadership pieces that link industry challenges with innovation and inclusivity. Her blog is www.andromedadumont.com and she can be found on Instagram at @dumontandi.
Redefining Success
Maggie Snape
Human Resources Director ResourcesFuss & O’Neill
Manchester, CT
I am very passionate about gender equality and women in the workplace. With over 30 years in HR, I have worked hard on gender equality in the workplace. I have been amazed these past five years just how far behind this industry is. Just today, I had someone in my office tell me their supervisor called her and another woman in who were not getting along and asked, Do we have a ladies problem here? This infuriates me. We need to educate those in the industry who don’t see this as an issue, and I’d like to be a catalyst to move this forward within the AEC industry.
Biography:
Human Resources and Recruiting professional with over 10 years of experience in the Engineering Consulting, Distribution, and Manufacturing/Production industries. Experience in strategic planning, recruiting, total rewards (benefits and compensation), employee relations, training & development.
Cindy Sachnoff
Vice President, Human Resources | WGI
West Palm Beach, FL
With over 30 years in HR I have worked hard and am very passionate about gender equality and women in the workplace. I have been amazed these past 5 years just how far behind this industry is. We need to educate those in the industry who don’t see this as an issue and I’d like to be a catalyst to move this forward within the AEC industry.
Biography:
Cindy Sachnoff is currently the Vice President, Human Resources at WGI, a national design and professional services firm leading in technology-based solutions for the construction of public infrastructure and real estate development with corporate headquarters in West Palm Beach, Florida. She has been with WGI for 5 years. Prior to joining WGI Cindy had her own Human Resources consulting business. Cindy has 35 years of Human Resources experience, spending the first part of her career working in New York City for a variety of firms including Fortune 100 companies and some of the leading advertising agencies. She is a leader with demonstrated success in developing, managing, and delivering a wide variety of Human Resources services. She excels at implementing creative and innovative people strategies and programs in alignment with business objectives positively impacting workforce productivity, employee retention, and Human Resources operations. Her responsibilities include talent attraction, recruiting and retention, workforce planning, employee relations, management, and leadership development, benefits administration, performance management, compliance management, compensation administration, and organizational development.
Cindy currently resides in Singer Island, Florida enjoying the beach when she is not at work.
Dawn Kopecky
Senior Mechanical Engineer | Barr Engineering Co.
Bismarck, N
I’m particularly passionate about attracting younger people into the industry. But for someone who seriously considers an AEC career, the culture of the industry must be more amenable to the value system of younger people. I see this as being a way to make the industry a better place to work for the next generation by helping it become more inclusive, more compassionate, and more accepting.
Biography:
Dawn Kopecky grew up in rural Wisconsin, and after high school attended the US Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point NY. Zie graduated in 1991, and then sailed in the merchant marine for a few years. Zie then worked for Parsons Corporation for several years operating a cogeneration plant in California and then designing, building, commissioning and testing power plants around the country. Zie provided consultation for power projects in Korea, China, Saudi Arabia, and the Czech Republic (now Czechia), and spent a few years in Bulgaria. Zie now works at Barr Engineering Co in Bismarck ND on power and petrochemical projects.
She Belongs Here
Angel Farley
Human Resources Manager | QK
Visalia, CA
Although I fill a support role for the engineering industry, I have promoted diversity and inclusion throughout the firms I’ve worked with and I deeply understand how crucial it is for us to grow the profession. I think that we need to focus on community outreach so that we can inform women and those of color about the profession long before graduating high school and then continuously throughout college and post-college years. Talent is our most valuable asset in any company, and it keeps the profession alive, growing and healthy.
Biography:
Experienced Human Resources professional skilled in creating an engaging an authentic work culture by strengthening employee collaboration through communications training, educating members to appreciate different perspectives, and cultivating the ownership mentality. An activator, change agent and advocate at heart always encouraging others to see their own unique talents and how those talents can help them reach their goals and dreams. Angel is an ElevateHer inaugural cohort member and one of the original three She Belongs Here program creators currently on a mission to build a talented future of AEC professions by helping youth, from all backgrounds, especially those underrepresented see themselves in the AEC world.
“I have been and always will be an advocate at heart. I will always be a voice when someone needs it. Helping those who need a voice is part of my purpose, passion and one of the most fulfilling honors for me.”
Melanie Bowcutt
Melanie Bowcutt
Marketing Manager | Layton Construction Company, LLC
Sandy, UT
Outside of the typical marketing and communications team in AEC, there are simply not enough women. While it’s better today than it was when I first entered the industry in 2001, I’ve grown tired of the lack of a seat at the table for me and my female coworkers. There are younger groups of women entering the field that I know we can provide better opportunities for, but we have to start building leaders. I want to be that leader.
Biography:
In 2001, completely by accident, I started my career in AEC Marketing when I took my first marketing position with an architectural firm, mostly due to proximity to school. I surprisingly found I had an undiscovered talent for marketing and graphic design and slowly changed my major from BioMed to Behavioral Health with a Marketing Emphasis. After graduation, I transitioned in to Marketing Manager for one of the largest architectural firms in the Intermountain Region. Since then I have worked as a AEC marketing consultant for various firms, focusing on State Funded proposals and marketing re-branding. I have had the opportunity to also work with a regional structural engineering firm, providing both Business Development and Marketing services. I joined Layton Construction in 2015 as a proposal manager and moved to Proposal Development Team Manager in 2017. I have enjoyed now having a well-rounded AEC marketing experience.
Shibani Bisson, PE
Senior Project Manager/Senior Associate: WSB, LLC
Minneapolis, MN
Biography:
Throughout her career, Shibani has often questioned, do I belong here as a female engineer in a primarily male centered industry. Shibani has witnessed small steps moving forward over the past 20 years with representation of women in the MN AEC market and in leadership positions. She believes that society needs to continue to shift their mindset to expect that civil engineers will be female and not be surprised by it. Society often does not associate women to be engineers or to hold positions in construction or leadership. It’s not necessarily that our employers co-workers make us feel that way, but it’s the unconscious bias and expectations of the traditional female role. These biases and stereotypes are improving, and we are making progress with diversity initiatives in the industry, but the statistics of the number of women entering the AEC industry is still not improving and we need to better understand why.
Shibani Bisson, PE is a Sr. Project Engineer and Sr. Associate with WSB,LLC at their headquarters in Minneapolis, MN. Shibani graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison with a BS in civil and environmental engineering. Shibani has been with WSB for over 20 years in their municipal engineering services division. Shibani has served as a consultant City Engineer for several communities in MN. She has managed and overseen several small and large scale public infrastructure and private development projects, engaged with stakeholders and delivered successful and valued project outcomes to several communities. Shibani also works with WSB’s growing renewables group managing community solar farm projects.
WeRise
Aaron Tippie
President & CEO | CORE Consultants
Littleton, CO
In starting a firm, I believed a people-focused, culture first, purpose driven company would set us apart. That culture, and a more diverse team would be key to grow and sustain CORE. Now I’m starting to believe it’s vital to our industry too. I believe changes are long overdue and this is not a female-centric topic. To create a cultural change towards diversity, it starts from the top. Company leaders must lead, act, and set an example of inclusion every day. It must be ingrained into the culture and values of the company. Set the tone, and others will follow.
Biography:
Blake Calvert is President & CEO of CORE Consultants, a full-service civil engineering, environmental, land surveying, and development services firm focusing on infrastructure solutions in the land development, public, and energy sectors. He has more than 25 years of experience in civil engineering, management, and land development consulting. Blake is a passionate and innovative leader responsible for the overall direction, growth, operations, and management of the Colorado-based firm. He works closely with the CORE leadership team to execute the firm’s mission to empower their people to thrive at home, at work and in their community. Under Blake’s leadership, CORE has been recognized both locally and nationally for its exponential growth and as a Best Place To Work.
Jennifer Porter
Jennifer Porter
Vice President | Gershman, Bickner & Bratton, Inc.
McLean, VA
I am the youngest of four children and my parents always gave back and served their community. I have a breadth of public sector and non-profit experience prior to joining the AEC industry and I have been active in every community I have ever been part of in Pennsylvania, New York, and Oregon. Such as serving on the Board of Directors for a federal clean air coalition, and volunteering for a 90+ year old community park. For these reasons, I believe in continually improving skills through lifelong education. Service to others is a cornerstone to my life and I am very eager to make the personal connections through ElevateHer which I believe will raise my own expectations of myself and my company.
Biography:
Jennifer Porter, Vice President of Gershman, Brickner & Bratton, Inc. (GBB), a national solid waste consulting firm, is a sustainable development leader with more than 18 years of experience in government and private sector sustainability initiatives. She has extensive experience and expertise in solid waste management, recycling, and composting program development and evaluation.
During her time with GBB, Jennifer has managed multiple key projects including leading the team tasked with planning and implementing the development of a circular economy Sustainable Business Park with an ambitious goal to achieve 90% waste reduction by 2030, in Kent County, MI. She also led the strategic review of solid waste management services, contracts, and service providers for the City of Taunton, MA, including the procurement efforts for waste collection and processing services. She was also Project Manager for public-sector assignments in Marion County, OR; Deschutes County, OR; Boston Logan Airport, MA; the Chittenden Solid Waste District, VT; the City of Baton Rouge/Parish of East Baton Rouge, LA; Charles County, MD; and the City of Columbus, OH.
Early in her career, Jennifer was Conservation Program Coordinator for more than 6 years with the City of Portland’s (Oregon) Office of Sustainable Development (now Bureau of Planning and Sustainability) where she managed citywide recycling changes; led multifamily recycling projects resulting in a 21% rise in volume and a 90% decrease in contamination; headed the renewal of the 10-year franchise for the city’s 23 residential waste haulers; coordinated the annual residential rate setting for the $43 million annual enterprise fund; established strong working relationships with multiple stakeholders; and developed a statistical model for a commercial food composting program.
Jason Pereira
Principal | CWEFullerton, CA
Having worked in both the public and private A/E sector over the last 25 years, I’ve observed challenges that have hindered the growth and advancement of females. These observations provide me with an opportunity to offer ideas and suggestions which counter and breakdown these legacy workplace barriers. Being the father of an eight year old daughter, I’d like to be part of the movement/change that transforms A/E work environments (and hopefully transcends into other industries) so that females, like my daughter, who may want to reach an ownership/management/leadership position can equally achieve these milestones during their career.
Biography:
Jason Pereira is a founding Principal of CWE, a trusted provider of transformational and sustainable solutions to solve complex problems involving civil infrastructure, water resources, and the environment. A civil engineering graduate of UCLA, Jason is responsible for the leadership and strategic growth of CWE and executing its pledge of Creating a Better Tomorrow, Today. Jason has spent his 26 years helping to develop and deliver some of the nation’s most notable multi-beneficial water infrastructure projects, including the Stormwater Basins and Treatment Wetlands Enhancement project in Torrance, California; the Los Amigos Park Stormwater Harvesting and Direct Use project in Santa Monica, California; and the Laurel Canyon Boulevard Green Street Design-Build project in Los Angeles, California.
Janki DePalma
Associate, Business Development Manager | DCI EngineersAustin, TX
I am the only female and minority in a leadership role in my office. When we talk about belonging and creating a space for everyone to thrive, I can bring a unique intersectional perspective. I’m excited to find ways to bring in my own network to spread our message and make improvements to our industry. My personal mission statement is together, we’re better. I enjoy connecting people together and creating synergy. The best way to counteract the isolation and otherness that we may feel is to find ways to connect authentically. I want to gather people together, to help them feel welcomed, and heard. We need to connect, contribute, and conquer!
Biography:
Janki is a connector who loves to bring people together. Her role at DCI Engineers involves client development, client engagement and attaining business for the firm?s Denver and Austin offices. She teaches engineers to make connections, grow their professional networks, and build relationships. She also designed the firm?s Client Experience Workshop and travels the country interviewing clients and leading program. She serves as the Director of Education for the Society for Marketing Professional Services Austin chapter, is an active member of ULI Next, and CREW. Janki is a San Francisco native who loves to spend time with her family and dreams of becoming a novelist one day.
Veronica Porter
Chief Revenue & Marketing Officer | Waggoner EngineeringJackson, MS
As a female that has risen through the ranks in the A/E/C industry, I have often faced challenges unique to women and found myself navigating the way with very little guidance. Because of my experiences, I have a passion to help other women excel in their careers and rise through the ranks. We need more women in Senior roles to help mentor and promote other smart, talented women.
Biography:
Veronica Porter is the Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer at Waggoner Engineering, where she has oversight of strategic market planning, marketing, brand, and corporate business development. Veronica has 15+ years of experience leading product and marketing innovation and business transformation in the engineering and construction industry. Before joining Waggoner Engineering, she worked in strategic business development and marketing at several fortune 500 companies, with a strong track record of establishing lasting partnerships, growing organizational visibility, and increasing market share. She is a member of Leadership Madison County class of 2019 and an active member of PRAM. She lives in Madison and has a daughter that attends Madison Middle School and a son that is a student at Mississippi State University.
Veronica holds a Bachelor of Science, Art Education from Mississippi College, Masters in Public Relations from the University of Southern Mississippi and Master of International Business Administration, Marketing from The Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina.
Elide Pantoli
University of California, San Diego | Post-Doctoral ResearcherOakland, CA
My contribution to supporting other women in my professional life has taken many forms throughout the years. My favorite one is mentoring students, which I did mainly at UCSD when I got my PhD in structural engineering. I believe that the ElevateHer program could create a small group of thoughtful and committed women who can finally push the AEC field to evolve, and AI want to be a part of this. IK am action and solution-oriented and I do not like to wait for other people to do what needs to be done, I want to be part of the change.
Biography:
Originally from Italy, Elide (pronounced: El-lee-day) Pantoli received her B.S. and M.S. in Civil Engineering at the University of Bologna in Italy. Her journey in the United States started in 2007, first as an exchange student at the University of California San Diego (UCSD), then as a visiting researcher at Columbia University. She moved back to San Diego in 2010 and got her PhD in Structural Engineering at UCSD in 2016. During her time as a PhD student researching the seismic behavior of nonstructural components in buildings she had the opportunity to work both at the Powell Laboratories and at the Large Outdoor Shake Table, the largest shake table in the United States! In addition, she was a TA and an Instructor and she worked on many outreach activities to teach earthquake engineering to young students. After backpacking South America for a couple of months to recover from writing her dissertation, early in 2017 she started a job as a forensic structural engineer in the San Francisco office of Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates (WJE). At WJE, she worked on a great variety of projects, including investigation of structures damaged by hurricanes, landslides, fires and construction defects; seismic assessment and retrofit of structures and nonstructural components; and structural monitoring/testing. In the Bay Area, she was an active member of the Structural Engineers Association Of Northern California (SEAONC), and in particular she worked on the Structural Engineering, Engagement and Equity (SE3) Project and she founded and still co-hosts of The Deconstructed Podcast, a podcast to educated the public about structural and earthquake engineering. In January 2020 she accepted a position as a Postdoctoral Scholar back at UCSD, and for the next few years, she will study the seismic behavior of the natural gas infrastructure in California.
Susan Osterberg
Chief Administrative Officer | Smith Seckman Reid
Nashville, TN
Every perspective brings value to a conversation, a decision, or a strategic path and direction. A prominent challenge I see is when diversity initiatives are presented, it quickly becomes a compliance conversation versus seeing the real value. Diversity, whether it comes in age, gender, race or any other form should be valued from that perspective that helps shape companies and decision differently. For these reasons I want to raise awareness of this challenge and believe that when people begin seeing this picture it will open many doors and opportunities for improvement.
Biography:
Susan joined SSR in 2011 as VP of Human Resources to lead the efforts in support of strategic initiatives and goals. Her initial focus on the effectiveness of the organization’s structure and talent contributed to a major restructuring of the firm. In 2015, Susan was named Chief Administrative Officer as part of the executive team and a member of the Board of Directors in 2017. Her responsibilities include leading the firm’s Support Services group which includes Strategic Planning, Organizational Development, Human Resources, Marketing, and IT.
Prior to joining SSR, Susan spent 22 years with a publicly held multi-concept hospitality company where she led various functions including Operations, Human Resources, Training and Development, Communications, Risk Management, and IT. During that time the company grew from 10 units to over 350, went public, and grew through several acquisitions.
Susan received degrees in both Business Administration and Organizational Communications in 1988 from Concordia College in Minnesota.
Outside of the office, travel is at the top of her list! With a love for the theater, several trips to New York a year are a regular adventure to see box office hits with original casting. Her favorite memory of New York was a trip with her sisters to celebrate her Mom’s 60th birthday.
Susan Dawson
Susan Dawson
Marketing Communications Manager
GHT Limited
Arlington, VA
Biography:
Susan Dawson, LEED AP BD+C is a skilled A/E/C Marketer with more than twelve years’ experience successfully increasing revenue for major general contracting and engineering firms in the Washington DC Metropolitan Region. Since joining the industry in 2008, Susan has empowered teams and led change initiatives at several large construction firms, including DAVIS Construction and Grunley. She is an enthusiastic leader of teams with a passion for employee engagement. Susan is committed to building an exceptional, diverse and inclusive work culture at GHT Limited, a consulting MEP engineering firm headquartered in Arlington, VA since 1965. She is responsible for all internal and external marketing communications activities for the firm, from thought leadership and advertising to employee satisfaction and talent development. She lives in Annapolis, Maryland with her husband Chase and two dogs Winston and Teddy; when she’s not working, she enjoys hiking, kayaking and true-crime documentaries on Netflix.
Ginger Lacy
Office Manager | Watry Design, Inc.San Jose, CA
I’m an intuitive thinker who has had to work at being clear and deliberate in my communication, and because of that practice one of my strengths is identifying disconnects. I’m able to rephrase or re-frame in order to bring clarity and facilitate communication, making me an asset to any team. For these reasons I want to be an example for the young people in my life and show them that it’s important to raise your hand, to step forward, to speak up.
Biography:
Ginger Lacy (she/her pronouns) is an HR Professional and games enthusiast. As the Office Manager for Watry Design Inc.’s 3 locations, she manages the full HR lifecycle: talent acquisition, benefits, payroll, employee relations? all while managing office operations and staff, coordinating both employee and corporate licensing and memberships, and leading the company’s Fun Committee.
She is certified aPHR, a California Notary Public, and a member of the Society for Human Resource Management. She volunteers as Mistress of Administrivia for Apex Masquerade and as Rules Team Lead for Dark Prospects. Previous roles include FLARE Brain and FLARE Base, CS Lead for Star Trek Online, and official Sayer of Nays for Bay Area Masquerade.
Ginger is passionate about inclusivity, equality, and social justice. She strives to make the world a better place for her daughters through small, everyday actions and courageous example (such as championing pronouns in professional signatures). She spends most free time playing games, especially RPGs, MMOs, FPSs, and LARPs. You can find her at www.linkedin.com/in/gingerlacy/.
Dara Davulcu
Dara DavulcuDirector of Marketing | Skiles Group
Richardson, TX
The shortage of qualified professionals of all skill-sets in our industry is detrimentally impacting AEC and this is likely especially true for construction, which I think is often incorrectly perceived as the most blue-collar and the least female-relevant of the three. I know I have never worked with fewer women since moving into construction. But it is by far my favorite! I deeply admire the work these people do in the AEC industry, and the people the unsung heroes of civilization who do the work. I am excited by any opportunity to elevate them, irrespective of their gender.
Biography:
Dara is a seasoned marketing professional with over 23 years of experience, and 15 of these specifically in A/E/C industries. She is director of marketing for Skiles Group, a Texas-based specialty healthcare builder. She joined the firm in 2013 as their first-ever marketer, with a focus on establishing a distinctive corporate culture and differentiated brand in order to elevate the firm’s presence, grow their portfolio of work, and attract key talent. Since joining Skiles Group, the company has tripled in size, developed its own patent-pending crisis management app (Smart Safety), and enjoyed being recognized as one of the Dallas Business Journal’s Best Places to Work for 2019. Very active in the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS), Dara has received awards for both her individual contributions as well as her service to the Dallas Chapter’s Board of Directors. She has served as the chapter’s director for professional development and as their president, and is on her fourth consecutive year as a mentor in their Mentor/Protg Program.
Originally from Charlottesville, Virginia, Dara has lived in Dallas for the last 17 years. She loves reading and writing, and in 2019 edited the book The Lean Builder, which was a much bigger and far more personally fulfilling project than she had originally imagined. She also loves talking about herself in the third-person, nature, travel, photography, live music, and especially her daughter, Chelsea, who can always be counted on to attend a concert.
Jacqueline Devereaux
Jacqueline Devereaux
Jacqueline Devereaux
Architect/Senior Associate | Wiss, Janney, Elstner Assoc. Inc.
San Rafael, CA
I want to be part of the solution to improve our industry for working moms and for the future generation of women entering the pipeline now. I want the women of today to be able to look at the annual leadership photo and see themselves represented. I want to work with other people who are passionate about this topic and discuss real solutions that can be implemented. Simply put – I want to be part of the solution the future of women in our industry rather than perpetuating the current reality.
Biography:
Jacqueline L. Devereaux specializes in the evaluation and repair of existing structures, with an emphasis on historically significant buildings and structures. Ms. Devereaux performs condition surveys of building facades and has investigated and implemented repairs on landmark structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).
Ms. Devereaux has experience in the investigation, evaluation, and development of repair drawings and details for a variety of architectural materials and systems, including clay brick masonry, granite, limestone, cast stone, slate roofs, standing seam roofs, curtain wall, and storefront systems, and aluminum and wood-framed window units. She has significant experience in air and water penetration testing of these assemblies, for forensic investigations as well as new construction testing.
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On a 2AM, mid-week flight, Jamie Claire Kiser found herself contemplating the solution to the workforce inconsistencies in the AEC industry. From 2AM to 5AM, she identified the pain points and rigorously planned for the solution to the issue at hand.