2022
COHORT PROFILES
We Are AEC
We Are AEC will expand the awareness of the AEC industry within the general public through imagery and therefore, will reinforce the premise that people from many different walks of life can find fulfillment within these careers.
Amanda Prosser
Bringing over 17 years of professional experience as a Licensed Landscape Architect, Amanda serves as a Vice President at ISG. She is responsible for the management and oversight of the Landscape Architecture group, Sports and Recreation business unit, and the firm’s Minneapolis West office. Tapping into her inclusive and empowering personality, she believes people produce their best work when they feel supported to try new ideas. She cultivates this trust by promoting a positive work environment and building teams that complement each other’s skill sets. A respected thought-leader, she was recently appointed to the ISG Board of Directors and is spearheading a firm-wide initiative to facilitate ongoing professional development to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and mentorship of emerging designers.
The blend of architectural design and its placement in nature are an ideal match for Amanda’s strengths and passions. An avid outdoor enthusiast, her creative mind is constantly surveying her environment and visualizing new ways to optimize the space. From urban plazas and trails, to playgrounds and athletic complexes, Amanda understands the importance of spaces that reflect the site’s context to meet multiple functions, improve the lives of the end users, and enhance the environment in which we exist.
Christina Turner
Christina Turner is the Proposal Database Manager for Prime AE Group, a growing multi-discipline engineering and architecture firm that operates in nine states and has more than 400 employees in 18 offices in the U.S. She is responsible for the development, construction, and ongoing maintenance of the proposal content library to ensure timely and accurate data integrity. She proactively meets with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)and partners to enhance the existing content and develop procedures to strategically position the team when responding to submissions. Christina joined the firm in May 2021.
After graduating from Towson University in Maryland, her career began in the Insurance industry. In 2008, Christina started in the A/E/C community. She has always been passionate about helping everyone reach their potential, especially when it comes to supporting women in the workplace, building their confidence, and sharing growth opportunities.
A few proud moments in her career include launching a Women’s Employee Resource Group that fostered a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with the organization’s mission, values, and goals. The group provided opportunities to network, professional development, mentorship, and comradery. All benefited from varied experience and backgrounds and created a safe space for productive conversations about the challenges and triumphs in all phases of their careers. At another firm, she created a unique work arrangement before it was the norm, sharing a full time job with another co- worker, proving that it was possible to maintain a professional position and provide work life balance when her family was young.
Christina is passionate about the elevateHER movement and looks forward to bringing positive change regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or ethnicity. She looks forward to being involved in this initiative to better the future of the A/E/C Industry.
Karen Purcell
Karen Purcell, P.E., is the founder, owner, and president of PK Electrical, Inc., an electrical engineering, design, and consulting firm with offices in Reno, NV and Denver, CO. She has over 30 years of experience in the design and project management of electrical systems. Ms. Purcell has served on the Nevada State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors since 2015.
Karen authored Unlocking Your Brilliance: Smart Strategies for Women to Thrive is Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, drawing on her experiences to inspire young women to pursue and thrive in a STEM career. Karen speaks to the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry and gives advice to encourage women to follow in her footsteps. Karen has spoken to audiences across the U.S., Australia, and China on the importance of females in STEM and even founded the PK Electrical Scholarship to provide resources to women to achieve their career goals.
In 2021 Karen received first place in the Northern Nevada Business Weekly’s Leader to Know (High Profile) category and was also voted most Influential Woman of the Sierra Nevada.
Ms. Purcell serves as Treasurer of the Nevada Women’s Fund, empowering achievement of women in northern Nevada. Karen also serves on the JUSTin Hope Foundation board, working to build a supportive and engaging community for families and individuals with disabilities.
Kim Pham
Senior Associate and Senior Electrical Engineer in Training at O’Connell Robertson
Kim Pham
Kim Pham is a Senior Associate and Senior Electrical Engineer-In-Training at O’Connell Robertson in Austin, Texas. The combination architecture-interiors-engineering firm has been her only workplace since graduating from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) in 2007. Kim has a professional passion for engineering design at healthcare facilities and tracing out vintage electrical systems within renovations. Previously coming from the San Antonio office, Kim has been able to mentor the UTSA Society of Women Engineers roundtable events as well as the San Antonio chapter of the ACE Mentor Program. She first took notice of the lack of gender diversity in the engineering sector when her electrical engineering classmates comprised of 12 women out of a graduating class of 70 for their Bachelor’s degree. The next observation was, and still is, a lack of gender and race diversity within senior leadership structures. These consistencies spurred a willingness to approach and continue learning about DEI initiatives to support a positive difference in the future – including joining the ElevateHER cohort! Her personal time includes caring for 2 senior rescue dogs, hiking, aerial arts, learning to pick locks, and taking a monthly flight to see her boyfriend and 3rd rescue dog in Denver.
Misela Gonzales-Vandewalle
Misela Gonzales-Vandewalle is an Architect and Senior Associate at O’Connell Robertson where she leads talented teams of problem solvers to design buildings that enrich the lives of the people they serve. O’Connell Robertson is a comprehensive architecture, engineering and interior design firm dedicated to creating environments that serve our most essential needs and leave lasting impacts on communities.
Misela’s experience as the daughter of bilingual educators led her to a career committed to education. She is focused on shaping educational environments tailored to client goals that inspire innovation, foster security, and adapt to the evolving requirements of education. Using her knowledge and expertise, Misela provides students with access to the tools necessary to create futures with greater possibilities, and advocates to create equivalent opportunities for all students regardless of background. This effort has influenced her personal mission to be instrumental in cultivating a more diverse future for the AEC industry.
As part of her community outreach, Misela is an alumna of the SAHCC Latina Leadership Institute. She currently sits on multiple boards including the South Texas Chapter of the Association for Learning Environments and the Board of Directors for the North East Educational Foundation, where she works alongside a diverse group of professionals to broaden the range of student educational experiences.
Nicole M. Dress
Nicole Morris Dress, AIA, LEED AP, WELL AP is a senior architect with 30 years of experience as a principal and as a project manager of multi-billion-dollar projects of a wide variety including higher education, high-rise residential, hospitality, and mixed-use projects. In addition to leading teams on projects, she has created mentorship and career advancement programs at her firm throughout her career, ultimately earning national recognition from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for a comprehensive intern and mentorship program. Nicole has also been involved in various equity initiatives since re-convening and chairing the AIA Philadelphia Chapter’s Women in Architecture Committee in 2010. She has organized programs that showcase women presenters, highlight women architects’ achievements, and provide resources for various career stages. For example, she organized and moderated a discussion on the state of women in architectural education leadership amongst a panel of four women architecture program leaders, held at the AIA’s 2016 National Convention. She is currently studying bias interrupters and how to implement within the AEC industry. Nicole is married to an architect and has two teenage boys.
Breaking Bias
Our mission is to create gender bias awareness at all levels of an organization by developing engaging activities, based on research and statistics, that break down defense barriers by using an approach that incorporates humor and friendly competition that will inform, educate, enlighten and create a culture committed to breaking the bias.
Vanessa Davis
Vanessa Davis, Professional Geologist, PG
Vanessa Davis is a Professional Geologist for a consulting company in Northern California. With her background in geomorphology, she works on a variety of interdisciplinary projects and is also a GIS specialist. Some of the projects she works on include conducting inventories of rural and forest roads for the purpose of reducing their capacity to deliver sediment to sensitive streams, investigation of environmental projects, geotechinical reports and watershed restoration. Vanessa also volunteers for the Northcoast Regional Land Trust.
Born in the Pacific Northwest, Vanessa has always loved the outdoors and was drawn to a career where her passion could be woven into her work life. Vanessa is the mother of two children who spend most of their time on outdoor adventures with the family dog in tow. Vanessa also enjoys woodworking, gardening, fishing, photography, and cooking.
Carrie Casillas
Carrie has over 20 years of experience in managing the Human Resources function in a wide range of industries including Higher Education, Industrial Controls and Automation, the Medical Field and Non-medical HomeCare. Her areas of expertise are 401(k) and Benefits Administration, Compensation, Talent Acquisition, Affirmative Action, Risk Management, Employee Relations, Safety, Employee Development and Performance Management. Carrie has also served as a coach and advisor to leadership teams in her various roles. Currently, she manages every aspect of the Company’s employment needs and ensures that all Human Resources initiatives are strategically aligned with the vision, mission and core values of the organization.
Carrie West
Carrie M. West is the Chief Financial Officer for DBR Engineering Consultants, Inc. She is responsible for all financial functions, including accounting, audit, treasury, and corporate finance. She provides leadership, direction and management for the accounting team. Carrie consults with the CEO and the firms Partners daily regarding management of the firm’s cash, annual budgets, forecasts and ownership transition. She advises the Compensation Committee and provides the Board of Directors financial data and analysis for quarterly meetings. Carrie is also a Senior Associate and key member of the Leadership Committee. Her career spans almost 30 years in various roles in financial management, accounting, business leadership and corporate strategy. Carrie graduated with an accounting degree with Honors from the University of Houston.
Lauren Kirschbaum
Lauren Kirschbaum is an accomplished Project Civil Engineer at CORE Consultants with half a decade of experience in residential, multi-family, commercial and industrial Land Development projects in the States of Colorado and Georgia. Her day-to-day tasks include project and task management, client coordination, and civil technical design. Currently, she leads the civil design for a half million-dollar multi-use development.
Lauren is from Georgia and Florida and started her career in Land Development after graduating from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She is currently active in Denver’s community with Habitat for Humanity and STEMBlazers. For STEMBlazers, she has hosted a construction walkthrough, hosted a Mocktail social, presented at multiple chapter meetings, and designed a bike pump experiment with a mechanical engineer for Middle and High School girls. Lauren’s goal is to master all things civil engineering so she can make an impact on the world as well as help increase the role and retention of female engineers and increase diversity in the AEC industry. Her favorite motivational quote is, “She believe she could, so she did”.
Jenny Kiel Thomason
Jenny has been practicing architecture for 14 years and currently is a Senior Associate and Project Architect at OMNIPLAN in Dallas, Texas. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis and a master’s from Rice university. Her work since graduating has included K-12 schools, commercial office, mixed use developments and most recently is focused on building a multi-family portfolio within the firm. She has practiced in Texas, Arizona and California and currently, her multi-family projects are part of the revitalizing efforts in the Deep Ellum and Bishop Arts neighborhoods of Dallas. In 2016 she was selected to participate in the AIA Dallas Emerging Leaders program. Having served on the AIA Dallas publication committee, Columns, since 2016, this year she was named the Editor in Chief of the all-volunteer and award-winning publication with plans to help promote a more robust digital format for the future.
Always active, Jenny used to enjoy running marathons and training at the lake near her house with the Dallas Running Club. Since becoming a mom to an even more active little boy, she now runs less and can be found at the playground on the weekends. In the spirit of growth, her goal for this year is to learn how to ski with her so
Jen Harkleroad
Jen Harkleroad is an experienced professional with over 20 years managing time sensitive and complex projects. She excels at organizing and leading in a high pace environment while achieving transformational change focused on data driven insights. She has a reputation for building strategic client relationships and communicating distinctive value proposition. Her superpower is combining business building skills with a technical background that supports the organizations goals.
She is a people leader passionate about fostering a growth mindset environment with personal and professional development opportunities that create a sustainable work environment especially for mothers. She believes it is critical to keep mothers in the workforce and provide opportunities for diverse leadership which will ultimately create more inclusive workplaces and reduce the pay gap.
Jen is the oldest of five siblings and grew up in a Navy family moving nine times in sixteen years. She is a proud graduate of the University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and enthusiastic Terrapin basketball fan. Jen lives in Maryland with her husband and two daughters.
Empower Space
Due to fear of speaking up, people are finding increased job dissatisfaction leading to people exiting the work force and not moving up to higher level roles. Self-advocacy, confidence, and assertiveness are meaningful tools that everyone can use to increase their job satisfaction by being an active contributor to their own success. Unfortunately, the opportunities to learn these skills are not evenly distributed in the workforce. By creating an easily accessible space that is curated to address common issues and provides an opportunity for mentorship when you need it, more people can learn to speak up.
Hillary Crabb
Hillary Crabb is a Senior OSP Engineering Technician at BHC, a civil engineering and surveying firm located in Overland Park, Kansas. She’s worked nationwide on different FTTX builds, helping provide design and quality control. Her goal is to improve the process so future transitioning that will be a standard throughout. Hillary is passionate about diversity and inclusivity, especially after facing many challenges of being a woman in a male dominated industry and looks forward to learning about how to make the AEC industry a more welcoming place for everyone.
Hillary is a graduate of the University of Kansas with a degree in Environmental Studies and a focus in information sciences. She enjoys watching cheesy horror films, concerts, and rock climbing with friends during her off time.
Kristin Worrell
Kristin Worrell | Executive Director of Business Development
Kristin Worrell has more than 25 years of experience in Business Development for the Real Estate and Environmental Consulting industry. After nearly a decade of business development exclusively for Hillmann Consulting, LLC, Kristin transitioned into her role as the Executive Director of Business Development for the firm. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in both the sales and technical arena, which afford her the ability to identify the immediate needs of her clients and co-workers, and assist in the management of the company-wide Sales and Doer/Seller team.
Kristin continues to expand her knowledge and skills in real estate, environmental, and construction consulting by attending industry-relevant conferences, seminars, training programs, and networking events. Kristin’s focus is on contributing to her co-workers’ professional development and the company’s continued expansion nationwide. She is an advocate of promoting the Hillmann values that have served the company for over 35 years. Her role was instrumental in the acquisition of Hillmann’s fully owned subsidiary, Developer’s Assistance Corporation, DAC, LLC and Hillmann being named as one of Inc. 5,000’s fastest growing privately held companies in 2020 and 2021. Kristin holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Harding University. She is an active member of numerous professional organizations and sits on their Boards of Directors.
Kristin has always been active in her community, serving as a Volunteer Firefighter in Burlington, NJ and participating in several local community organizations. She is passionate about meeting new people and bringing people together for a common purpose, which is why she truly enjoys what she does for a living. Her hobbies include golf, spending time with her rescue dogs, and traveling as time allows.
Melissa Frausto
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Melissa Frausto graduated from California State University, Chico with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Geography and Planning and a minor in Environmental Studies and Sustainability. Melissa’s planning experience includes working with rural northern California counties, and tribal nations working on hazard mitigation plans, long- and short-range transportation plans, current planning, and grants to secure funding for projects. Melissa excels at writing and communicating with technical audiences. Her passion for planning originates from learning about the vast planning world during her undergraduate experience and from attending the American Planning Association California Conference. Melissa aspires to obtain an AICP certification and to become a published author. In her spare time, she enjoys writing, playing the ukulele, and spending time in nature.
Michele Spinowitz
MICHELE M. SPINOWITZ
Hillmann Consulting, LLC
Michele Spinowitz is a principal and the Chief Business Development Officer at Hillmann Consulting, LLC responsible for designing and implementing sales strategies to maximize client value and elevate the customer experience. With more than 25 years of sales management, relationship cultivation, and proposal development, Michele is known for bringing value-driven solutions to help clients achieve their environmental, health, and safety goals. Her expertise encompasses leading sales teams, developing and implementing action programs to drive revenue and expand market share. Michele is passionate about relationship management leading Hillmann’s customer engagement programs and actively mentoring young professionals.
An avid humanitarian, Michele is a co-founder of Amanda’s Dream to Walk, a committee dedicated to raising awareness and resources for paralysis research. She has helped raise over $200,000.00 serving as the annual golf outing committee chairperson. Michele is also a past chairperson and current committee member of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Union County’s annual golf outing raising over $100,000.00 for the organization.
Michele holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Studies with Concentration in Management from Stockton University.
Rachel Paterno
Environmental, Health, & Safety Division Supervisor at Hillmann Consulting, LLC
Rachel Paterno
Rachel Paterno is an Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) department supervisor at Hillmann Consulting, where she performs industrial hygiene field work, trains personnel on various indoor environmental health services, and leads her growing team to ensure exceptional project management and client satisfaction. She is also a dedicated member of the disaster services team working throughout the country to provide national clients environmental consulting services following catastrophic events. Prior to entering a supervisory role, Rachel was a project manager in EHS and performed field work as an industrial hygienist. Rachel has been at Hillmann for 7 years where she has accrued multiple professional licenses and certifications in her field, been a member of the corporate Health and Safety committee, and participated in the company’s Strategic Planning. Rachel holds an MPH from Kent State University and bachelors in environmental health from Stockton University. Rachel is also a Certified Safety Professional (CSP).
Samantha Collins
“I went to the University of Virginia to get her undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering, and is currently working on her masters in Civil Engineering. After graduation I worked at Barton Malow Construction as a project engineer with a focus on civil subcontractors for two years. After two years, I decided the construction industry was not the field I wanted to be and now work at Dewberry Engineers as a site civil design engineer. I focus mostly on stormwater management projects in Virginia, and am currently certified in plan review in the state. Currently I plan on getting my P.E. this year. When I started working at Dewberry, I decided that in order to further my career, I wanted to pursue my masters. Being back in school (part time), my passion for students and recruiting came back to the forefront. I’m passionate about building up younger engineers, specifically want to advocate for women. While retention at our jobs is incredibly important, it is also important to get women into the field in the first place. ElevateHER would be a good opportunity to potentially be more involved in that.” – Samantha Collins
Tasha Bolivar
Tasha Bolivar is the development services team manager for Galloway & Company, Inc. where she leads a team of nine in helping public and private development partners navigate the regulatory approval process. Tasha represents and advises clients to secure development entitlements and permitting, and she coordinates with internal and external design teams to accomplish permitting and construction schedules. Additionally, she leads collaborative efforts between community neighborhood organizations, developers, and political approval authorities to meet development objectives, while facilitating problem solving and dispute settlement on individual development cases.
During Tasha’s 16 years with Galloway, she has risen through the company to become the first woman principal in 2018. She also advocated for and supported the creation of Galloway’s women’s network. Tasha currently helps lead Galloway’s leadership development program to support the next generation of leaders, and she also helps lead the legacy program that recognizes the contributions of long-time employees. She is deeply committed to creating an exceptional company culture and is highly involved in organizing Galloway’s corporate social and wellness events and activities.
Tasha is a 2004 graduate from the University of Colorado where she earned her bachelor of business administration degree as well as her real estate certificate
Jessica Schmidtetter
Jessica Schmidtetter is a Business Development & Marketing Associate at The Vertex Companies where she manages corporate social media campaigns and the marketing initiatives for the company’s Surety and Expert Services groups. Jessica has a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Public Relations and Advertising and a minor in Environmental Policy. She graduated with honors from the University of South Florida in May 2021.
Jessica recently moved to Denver, Colorado where she enjoys all the outdoor activities the state has to offer such as hiking, camping, and kayaking. As a new member in the AEC industry, she is excited to learn and contribute to company and industry growth.
Tony Casagrande
Tony Casagrande is a Registered Professional Engineer and President of Campos Engineering, a minority owned professional services firm that provides Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Engineering Services through its four Texas offices. Tony oversees the firm’s performance on all contracts, leads innovation in the firm’s services and internal processes, and spearheads Campos’ corporate marketing strategy. Tony moved to Dallas from Arlington in 1995 to begin his education at Southern Methodist University where he studied Biology and Mechanical Engineering. His career at Campos Engineering started in 1997, where Tony interned for two summers and one semester before joining the firm full-time in 1999 after graduating with his bachelor’s degree. Tony is most proud of his contribution to the long- term commitment of the firm to develop the next generation of leaders through intentional recruitment and mentoring of minorities and women. This includes Campos’ Associates Training and Advancement Program that he co-created and administers. This program helps ensure the firm remains in the able hands of excellent future leaders.
Well-Engaged
A confluence of factors is impacting our AEC workforce. Taking care of people, finding people and retaining people is challenging like never before. The challenges show no sign of letting up and likely will continue to influence our industry. We believe wellness is a sound way of thinking about and addressing challenges. Simply: Healthy people for a healthy business.
Ana Ramirez
Ana Ramirez LEED AP, WELL AP
Senior Lead Designer
With over 15 years of experience in all stages of design, from concept through construction administration and project management, Ana provides clients with creative leadership and technical proficiency. Her deep interest and expertise in Wellness allows her to holistically design sustainable destinations, inspiring her team and clients to prioritize human health and well-being in the built environment.
Specializing in luxury hospitality Ana’s portfolio includes a wide range of renown brands across the United States, Central America, and the Caribbean. Certified in LEED AP and WELL AP, she uses her expertise to make informed decisions that allow for aesthetically pleasing and environmentally conscious projects.
Motivated by location and the environment, Ana leads teams to create a strong sense of place for each project, while ensuring every milestone is met without sacrificing quality.
As a Senior Lead Designer at OBMI, Ana holds a unique position as a liaison between the project and the leadership teams. This role allows her to have a holistic view of the company’s well-being and its employees. Ana shares mindfulness, mental and physical wellness tips to our teams worldwide to make them feel more focused, revived, and connected as a team and to our work.
In her personal time, Ana practices Sacred geometry design, Ayurveda medicine,
Qi Gong, Reiki, Ashtanga Yoga, Forest bathing and Mushroom foraging.
Chris Haas
Chris Haas
Principal, CORE Consultants
As Principal-in-Charge of Energy at CORE Consultants, Inc., Chris regularly relies on his keen sense of strategic planning and over 23 years of educational and industry experience to navigate a complex regulatory world. In fact, working with clients through complex and difficult permitting hurdles is one of Chris’s favorite challenges because it also often results in successfully developing projects while adhering to local, state, and federal regulations.
Chris loves the integration of teams to achieve project goals. He is highly adept at supporting projects that involve multiple disciplines and he looks forward to projects that require teaming with all of CORE’s service lines.
Chris holds a Master of Science in Conservation Biology from California Polytechnical University and a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Fisheries Management from Frostburg State University.
Dathan Gaskill
Dathan Gaskill bio
Dathan Gaskill has a 34 year career in finance. He most recently was the CFO of Garver, LLC, a 100 year old award winning firm active in 13 states with 35 offices. Prior to Garver, Gaskill was Treasurer and Head of Corporate finance and M&A at Acxiom, a $1.4 billion (revenue) data and outsourcing company. He also spent a decade in equity research at Stephens Inc, the largest investment bank off Wall Street.
He also helped develop and was an executive sponsor of Connect. Garver’s professional women based mentoring and support group.
Dathan brings long experience in capital markets, both buy and sell M&A transactions, international M&A (Europe and Mexico), complex financing, risk management, governance, and investor relations.
He is a team player and team builder. Hobbies include cycling, community service and working.
Dathan holds a BS in Computer Science and an MBA with a concentration in Finance.
Emily Waldenmeyer
A Kansas City native, Emily Waldenmeyer has landed deep in the heart of Texas after earning her Architectural Engineering degree from Kansas State University (Go Cats!). She has worked in the AEC industry since 2013 and joined HP Engineering in 2020 to launch their Dallas-Ft. Worth office. In the middle of a pandemic with a newborn joining her in an empty office building, she has built actual walls, an accomplished team and a project portfolio that has surpassed all expectations in the last 18 months. Emily has tremendous design experience at award-winning firms but building something from the ground up has renewed her resolve.
As a leader in the trenches, she teaches, leads and empowers her team to surpass their goals. Emily provides an autonomous yet fully supported team. While personally focused on exceeding expectations, she brings creative solutions to her customers, her team and even to get her kids to eat their vegetables.
Her typically day includes back-to-back meetings or various industry events as she thrives on connecting with others. She is an active member in the community, contributing her time as a co-chair for CREW Dallas and as a member of ASHRAE. She will also take on any instance to learn. Audiobooks run in her car when she finds herself alone to learn (or escape) for a few quiet moments at a time. With only 24 hours in any given day, she strategically grinds each day to give both her family and work her dedicated attention.
Emily Winfield
Emily Winfield is the lead mechanical engineer for Design Alaska, a multidisciplinary architecture and engineering firm based in Fairbanks, Alaska. She leads a team of 10 engineers and EITs in projects across the state. In addition to design and construction projects she has been involved in local professional organizations including ASPE and ASHRAE. Emily leads and designs projects including HVAC systems, plumbing systems, fire protection systems, and building automation systems. She has designed on a wide variety of projects including healthcare facilities, recreational facilities, projects in remote locations, and utility distribution among others. As a Certified Commissioning Authority and LEED-AP Emily is passionate about sustainability and tailoring building design to function efficiently in the Alaskan climate. She believes that sustainable solutions need to be robust and strives to find solutions to meet the needs of each project.
Emily graduated from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada with a Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Prior to studying engineering, she received a Bachelor’s of Arts from St. Mary’s University in Nova Scotia.
Kim Thompson-Smith
ElevateHer 2022 / Kim Smith
As a first generation American, the first in her family to graduate with a professional degree, Kim Smith is passionate about elevating women in the AEC industry. Throughout the years, Kim has committed herself to others through her mentorship, support, and advocacy for women in design.
Kim was the first female Associate Principal of VMDO Architects, a thriving 80-person design firm with offices in Charlottesville, Virginia and Washington, DC. Her leadership is characterized by an attentive management style and commitment to in-depth problem-solving and follow-through at every phase of a project. Her roles at VMDO include leading VMDO’s Staff Development Advocacy Group and leading a number of recruiting and mentoring initiatives for VMDO and beyond.
Over the years, Kim has spearheaded a number of outreach, equity, inclusion, and pro-bono initiatives. Currently, she is reshaping VMDO’s externship and internships participation – to fulfill the firm’s commitment to improve opportunities for people of color in the profession. In addition to recruiting undergraduates from UVA, VA Tech, JMU and graduate from beyond borders of Virginia, Kim helped create scholarships for students at UDC and Hampton University’s schools of Architecture.
In 2009, Kim helped launched the “Women in Design” (WiD) initiative for the Virginia Society AIA. Her vision is to provide a forum for women architects and professionals from allied fields to come together for education, mentorship, camaraderie, networking, community outreach, programs, and research.
As part of the WiD initiative, Kim has helped create networking and mentoring opportunities for women in design education at UVA, VA Tech and JMU with women in the AEC profession. In the early months of COVID quarantining of 2020, WiD directed their focus on women in design education — all programming was created to bring female professionals and design students into a virtual mentoring and network.
Equipped with a designer’s eye, a project manager’s efficiency and a mentoring soul, Kim wants to contribute to building a culture of women – skilled at getting what they want in their careers without sacrificing themselves.
Kristen Jacobs
Kristen Jacobs is the Marketing Director for Windsor Engineers, a fast-growing MEP and Infrastructure Engineering company founded in 2018 with offices in Minneapolis and Duluth MN as well as Vancouver, Washington. As the Marketing Director, Kristen is responsible for creating and implementing the firm’s marketing plan and processes and ensuring alignment among the sales team. Kristen also leads all RFP/RFQ responses, designs all sales and marketing collateral while enforcing the Windsor brand both internally and externally, manages the firm’s social media accounts, and leads external communications. Kristen has spent 13 of her 14-year career in the AEC industry in both the engineering and construction sectors. She has a strong passion for the built environment and thrives in organizations where she can utilize her communication skills to improves processes, operations, as well as employee and client experiences. Kristen also currently serves as Chair of the Marketing and Communications Committee for ACEC Minnesota.
Kristen earned a Bachelor of Art in both Communication and Spanish from the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University, where she met her husband, Jeff. Now, as a mother of three girls working in a male dominated industry, Kristen has often told them “There is no such thing as boy’s or girl’s stuff, there is just stuff.” Kristen is a firm believer this applies to everything in life, including careers. “I want my girls to know they are strong, brilliant, and capable of whatever their little heart’s desire and no one can stop them!” says Kristen. “I know my worth. It’s something I’ve struggled with for over a decade being in this industry, especially as a non-technical professional. I may question it daily, multiple times a day, but I know that despite that voice in my head that I’m a valuable asset. I don’t want other women to question their value. Ever. I’m not afraid to stand up for what’s right. I’m not afraid to push back when I disagree. I’m not afraid to propose alternative solutions. And I’m not afraid to be a woman in construction and neither should anyone else.
Balancing these priorities results in projects and relationships that advance the quality of life in communities across the globe.
Christine Sheng
Originally from Cairo, Egypt, Christine Sheng brings her knowledge and expertise to Rogers-O’Brien Construction (RO) as a Client Director for the Austin and San Antonio regions. Chris began her career practicing Architecture and a few years later transitioned into the construction world where she leverages her vast skill set to advocate for design intent and collaboration. Chris’ passion for team synergy sparks new ways of operating. For example, after seeing a gap in mentorship programs, Chris co-founded the ACE Mentor Program of Austin and currently serves on its advisory board. A champion of AIA Austin, she has held a variety of roles within the organization including committee member, chair of committee, and board member. Anyone who knows Chris would agree that she lives by the philosophy to spend her life making the lives of others easier. She has consistently chosen a spirit of generosity, mentorship, and advocacy, and champions what she believes in.
Scott Tanner
Hi! My name is Scott Tanner and I’m a Project Engineer at BHC. I graduated with a Civil Engineering and Architectural Engineering degree from Missouri S&T in 2014. I’m currently living in Kansas City, but originally from St. Louis. When I’m not at work I love to hike with my pup, play some sand volleyball, or whip something up in the kitchen (currently on a big HelloFresh kick).
I’m so excited to be joining the rest of you as an ElevateHER Cohort. I was thrilled when my company asked me to apply. Looking forward to working with and learning from you all!
TeacHER
Many AEC firms are struggling to hire due to a shrinking workforce. In addition, there is a lack of awareness and interest about the AEC field in K-12 students. The teacHER group is hoping to combat this challenge by creating resources for AEC professionals to go out into K-12 classrooms and after-school programs and get students excited about the opportunities in the AEC industry. Our goal is to provide our local communities the educational resources to how to build a positive future through available opportunities in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry.
Andi Vicksman
Andi Vicksman is a structural engineer with Martin/Martin Consulting Engineers in Colorado. She primarily works on healthcare buildings including hospitals, medical office building, and tenant improvement projects. Andi is also involved with Martin/Martin’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee.
Andi went to the University of Colorado Boulder for her undergraduate where she double-majored in Engineering Plus and Applied Mathematics. Through the Engineering Plus program, she studied Civil Engineering while also getting a Secondary Math Teaching License. After finishing her degree, Andi spent a year teaching math to 11th graders. She then pursued a career in engineering and earned a master’s degree in Structural Engineering from Purdue University.
Outside of work, Andi loves to find ways to combine her passions of engineering and teaching. She volunteers for ACE Mentor Program and is always looking for opportunities to teach young people about what it means to be an engineer. Andi also loves to read, ski, travel, and spend time with her family.
Anne Brummett
Anne Brummett, Project Manager Howell Construction
Anne Brummett began working in the AEC industry in 2011. In her role as a project manager for Howell Construction, Anne oversees ground up and renovation construction projects focused within the Advanced Industries sector includeing laboratories, data centers, secure spaces, and other mission critical facilities. Anne brings experience working within the electrical specialty trade and serves as one of the firm’s MEP specialists. Her dedication to detail and passion for client service make Anne a favorite among Howell’s clients.
Anne received her Bachelor of Arts in Construction Management from Auburn University in 2011 and is currently enrolled in the University of Denver’s Master of Real Estate & Built Environment program, with graduation scheduled for November 2022. Away from work and study, Anne is an outdoor enthusiast and regularly gets away from the city to take in the gorgeous Colorado mountains, hiking, biking, and skiing. She and her husband, Alex, reside in Denver.
Brittney Boyle
Brittney Boyle-Director of Marketing | Pentalon Construction | S.L.C., Utah
A distinguished marketer, Boyle was named 2021’s Rising Star Award Recipient from SMPS Utah and sits on the 2021-2022 Board of Directors as the Programs Chair. She also sits on the Planning Committee as part of the Communication and Branding team for the SMPS-Southwest Regional Conference that took place in October 2021 in Tucson, AZ. Most recently, she was named to Utah Business Magazine Top 40 Under 40 list. After leading the marketing efforts of a predominately K-12 builder, Boyle joined Pentalon in June 2021 to aid in their marketing efforts, primarily focusing on multifamily and mid-sized commercial construction. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in business administration & marketing from Queens University of Charlotte (North Carolina) and is currently pursuing her Master of Science degree in marketing with a focus on digital content from Southern New Hampshire University. With over 20 years of marketing experience in a variety of different industries, Brittney brings an eclectic set of solutions to any project she works on. A mom of three boys; when she is not working, she can be seen on the sideline of several different sporting events.
Jennifer Llop-Noy
As a seasoned designer and project manager, Jennifer Llop-Noy brings over 20 years of knowledge and experience in the design and construction of luxury hospitality, mixed-use design, and high-rise residential projects in urban and remote settings across the world.
She is acutely adept at building effective processing and coordinating consultant teams and design staff to deliver highly functional and elegant solutions, achieving financial and aspirational goals for stakeholders. As a key leader and client liaison for developments around the world, Jennifer is involved in every design phase, providing her intimate knowledge and connection to navigate complex challenges and exceed expectations. Her impressive portfolio showcases design at the intersection of community, creativity, and innovation.
In her spare time Jennifer is passionate about serving, volunteering, and traveling, for the various mission and volunteering programs Mindo Futures, a non-profit organization, offers. She also serves in the board of directors for this organization.
Balancing these priorities results in projects and relationships that advance the quality of life in communities across the globe.
Jennifer was born and raised in Puerto Rico and currently resides in Miami, Florida.
As a seasoned designer and project manager, Jennifer Llop-Noy brings over 20 years of knowledge and experience in the design and construction of luxury hospitality, mixed-use design, and high-rise residential projects in urban and remote settings across the world.
She is acutely adept at building effective processing and coordinating consultant teams and design staff to deliver highly functional and elegant solutions, achieving financial and aspirational goals for stakeholders. As a key leader and client liaison for developments around the world, Jennifer is involved in every design phase, providing her intimate knowledge and connection to navigate complex challenges and exceed expectations. Her impressive portfolio showcases design at the intersection of community, creativity, and innovation.
In her spare time Jennifer is passionate about serving, volunteering, and traveling, for the various mission and volunteering programs Mindo Futures, a non-profit organization, offers. She also serves in the board of directors for this organization.
Balancing these priorities results in projects and relationships that advance the quality of life in communities across the globe.
Jennifer was born and raised in Puerto Rico and currently resides in Miami, Florida.
Laurel Stone
Laurel Stone is the Founding Principal of StoArc Studio, an architectural design and project management consulting practice based in Dallas, Texas. Originally from Windsor, Ontario, Laurel received her Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Texas at Austin. She grew her career with the Dallas firm 5G Studio Collaborative where she was a Principal for the last half of her tenure. During her 15 years with 5G, she managed 40 percent of the company’s revenue and completed over three-quarters of a billion dollars in construction value, primarily in large scale hospitality and multi-family projects. Many of those projects have followed Laurel to her consulting practice where she continues to serve both Architects and Owners in a more targeted capacity.
A Texas-Registered Architect and a LEED Accredited Professional since 2009, Laurel has been featured in the AIA Dallas Columns Magazine and has served as guest speaker for both AIA Dallas and Texas Society of Architects panel discussions. She is passionate about mentoring emerging professionals and advocating for the career advancement of women in architecture.
Laurel was the recipient of the 2011 American Institute of Architects’ scholarship for the AIA Dallas Emerging Leaders Class and has since completed 4 years of executive leadership training in the prestigious Vistage Executive Program. In her personal time, Laurel is a volunteer board member of her neighborhood association, a Girl Scout Daisy Troop leader, and all around busy multi-tasking mom to two young daughters.
Michelle Huber
Michelle Huber is the Director of Finance at The HFW Companies. HFW is an AEC industry professional services company investing in architecture and engineering firms who serve metropolitan and infrastructure markets and are open to aligning with a partner for growth. HFW’s member firms, grounded by technical excellence, solve the most important problems facing our built environment, making communities better through creative design, engineering, and planning.
Michelle has over 10 years of combined experience in professional service industries. She leverages her blended AEC and public accounting background to oversee the accounting operations of HFW and its member firms. In her current role, Michelle employs both an analytical and strategic approach to provide essential data to leadership to assist with decision-making processes. She has experience successfully leading multi-entity finance teams and has established accounting best practices for multiple organizations. She holds a B.S. in Accountancy from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville as well as an MBA from McKendree University.
Michelle’s love for the AEC industry began when she took a position as the Financial Controller at Kaskaskia Engineering Group, a woman owned Civil Engineering firm in Illinois. Seeing the lasting impact that the industry has on communities and the nation’s infrastructure has fueled her desire to make her own impression within the AEC space. Throughout her career, she has been fortunate enough to collaborate with skilled and talented individuals and understands the importance of diversity within an organization.
When she is not working, Michelle and her husband spend most of their free time at the ball fields or basketball courts, watching their children participate in various sporting events
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Our cohort members promote inclusion by developing strategic steps and tools! We are grateful for their dedication and commitment to advancing firms across the United States.