2025 Women Who Build Summit program book

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2025 Women Who Build Summit

April 9-10, 2025

AGENDA

Wednesday, April 9, 2025 1:00 - 7:00pm

1:00pm Learning Session at Smith College

3:00pm Architectural Tours at Smith College

5:00pm Welcome Reception

Amherst Room, 10th Floor, Hotel UMass

Thursday, April 10, 2025 8:30am - 4:30pm

7:45am Registration & Light Continental Breakfast

8:30am Welcome Remarks

Nancy Greenwald

The Construction Institute

Carolina Cudemus Jones

Yale University

Alexis Mangan

The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

8:45am Opening Keynote

10:00am Panel Discussion

Introduction by Yanel de Ángel Salas, Perkins&Will

11:15am Morning Breakout Sessions

See session descriptions for room assignments

12:15pm Lunch

AGENDA

1:30pm Champions of Change Awards Presentation

2:15pm Afternoon Breakout Sessions

See session descriptions for room assignments

3:30pm Afternoon Keynote

4:15pm Closing Remarks & Raffle Drawing

WELCOME TO THE CONSTRUCTION INSTITUTE

Ignite, Empower, and Engage - that is our mindset for creating an inclusive network. We are powered by people with real world expertise. Our collective mission is to advance the AEC industry through education, innovation, and developing essential skills to deliver a better built world. Why? It’s really this simple: we create the connections that will revolutionize the future of our built environment.

The Institute provides opportunities to share information, exchange innovative ideas, and build new relationships. The Construction Institute is a real and virtual think-tank.

Women Who Build

CONFERENCE DESCRIPTIONS

Opening Keynote 8:45 - 9:45am

Be a SPARK! Lead Yourself and Others to Greater Success

Be a SPARK - a doer, thinker, and initiative-taker who creates results - no matter what your job title is. Leave equipped to inspire others, nurture your team’s success, and contribute to a better leadership culture within your organization.

This keynote is ideal for leaders at all levels who need practical strategies for inspiring their disengaged or burned-out teams, want to lead their team to success but are n0t sure what steps to take, and are struggling to build trust and engagement within their team and organization. Leave with confidence in your ability to transform a group of individuals into a team and a recommitment to team building; an unforgettable reminder that leadership is a choice and you can choose not only to lead but also to strengthen your leadership skills; a clear understanding of the value of accountability and engagement, and simple ways you can implement both to build trust.

CONFERENCE DESCRIPTIONS

Panel Discussion 10:00 - 11:00am

Women’s Hall of Fame Panel Discussion

Our 10th anniversary Hall of Fame Panel Discussion celebrates dynamic women from all aspects of the construction industry. Hear their powerful stories of resilience, evolution, and success, as these past Women Who Build Summit speakers share personal and professional milestones that define their journeys. This engaging conversation explores challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned, offering universal inspiration and actionable insights for anyone looking to elevate their career. Do not miss this opportunity to honor the vision and impact of women who are reshaping the construction industry and paving the way for future generations.

Ju lie Brown, JBBD, Inc

Avishan Montazer, The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

Anamaria Popescu, Ankura

Wendy Venoit, Cozen O’Connor

Sponsored by

CONFERENCE DESCRIPTIONS

Morning Breakout Sessions 11:15am - 12:15pm

Embracing Transitions

When you think of the transitions you have experienced in your career do they elicit happy memories or painful ones? Transitions can be hard! They can also be beautiful. Attendees will realize that they are not alone in facing these challenges and have significantly more power than they may have realized in harnessing transitions for themselves. Join us to hear stories, learn a framework to understand what transitions are, and leave with a roadmap for transition planning that demonstrates these tricky moments can be creative and powerful periods of growth in our leadership.

Heather Currier Hunt, Perkins&Will

Yanel de Ángel Salas, Perkins&Will

Emily Grandstaff-Rice, Perkins&Will

Sponsored by

Room 174 (1st Floor Campus Center)

Blueprints for Success: Women Entrepreneurs in Design and Construction

This dynamic session features four inspiring women who have forged their own paths as business owners in design and construction. From engineering and architecture to lighting manufacturing and general contracting, these trailblazers will share their journeys, motivations, and lessons learned. Gain practical insights on navigating challenges, building networks, and seizing opportunities in a competitive industry. Whether you are contemplating entrepreneurship or seeking to expand your current career path, this session will empower you to turn your vision into reality. Do not miss this opportunity to learn from leaders who are redefining the future of the built environment.

Tiffany Cartier, Cartier Structural Design

Brenda Laurenza, Bald Hill Builders

Jessica Mularski, Renova Lighting Systems

Karin Patriquin, Patriquin Architects

Sponsored by

Room 162 (1st Floor Campus Center)

Meet our Women’s Hall of Fame

Here is your opportunity to meet our Women’s Hall of Fame panelists and other past speakers in an engaging roundtable conversation that offers a unique chance to connect. In small groups of about 10 attendees, you will hear career insights, personal stories of success and challenges, and have the chance to ask questions in an intimate setting. Speakers will rotate among tables every 10 minutes, ensuring all 55 participants — first come, first seated — can meet and interact with these inspiring women. Do not miss this chance to build meaningful connections and walk away inspired by some of the brightest minds in the industry.

Julie Brown, JBBD, Inc

Kathyann Cowles, KC Architects

Carolina Cudemus Jones, Yale University

Avishan Montazer, The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

Anamaria Popescu, Ankura

Wendy Venoit, Cozen O’Connor

Sponsored by

Room 163 (1st Floor Campus Center)

Negotiating Essentials for AEC Professionals

Have you ever walked away from a negotiation wondering if you could have done better? Negotiations can be nerve-wracking, but they do not have to be. So often, we enter negotiations focused on winning or avoiding conflict, but what if we approached them as opportunities for creative problem-solving and relationship-building? By shifting our mindset and learning a few essential strategies, we can turn even the toughest negotiations into productive conversations that lead to better outcomes for everyone involved. We will explore the fundamentals of negotiation — how to prepare, communicate effectively, and find solutions that align with your goals. Through real-world examples and interactive discussions, you will gain the tools to approach negotiations with confidence and clarity.

Nancy Greenwald, The Construction Institute

Room 165 (1st Floor Campus Center)

2025 Champions of Change Awards 1:30 - 2:00pm

Melissa Sheffy is President of Network Interiors, Inc., a commercial interior subcontractor, and majority owner of Network Framing Solutions, LLC, a prefabricated metal wall panel manufacturer. Her firms have earned multiple CT ABC Excellence in Construction and Safety Awards. Sheffy has received numerous honors, including the 2019 PWC Woman of Achievement and the 2025 Southington-Cheshire YMCA Person of the Year. She advocates for careers in the trades and mentors young people through apprenticeship, professional development, and continuing education in construction.

Matthew

Matthew Tomaszewski is a proven strategic leader and facilitator with 30 years in higher education. In October 2024, he became Vice Provost for Space Programming and Planning at Princeton University, advising on the vision and allocation of campus spaces. He brings an academic lens to planning, enhancing environments for faculty, students, and staff. He previously served as Associate VP for Campus Planning and Sustainability at Smith College, and as Executive Associate Provost for Capital Planning at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He remains active in professional organizations and development.

Melissa

Gilbane Building Company

“Gilbane is proud to be one of the first of seven industry leaders to sign onto the U.S. Commerce Department’s Million Women in Construction initiative. Gilbane is a long-time supporter of creating an industry that is welcoming and inclusive for all. Since 2022, Gilbane has achieved pay equity with respect to gender and race.”

Gilbane Building Company, a family-owned global firm since 1870, delivers innovative, sustainable construction solutions. Led in Connecticut by Eric Cushman, Gilbane blends national resources with local focus, prioritizing people, safety, and quality on every project.

Turner Construction Company

“Signing the Million Women in Construction Community Pledge supports our vision to reflect the communities where we live and work, at all levels of our company. Turner has long been creative and intentional in our efforts to increase access and belonging in the construction industry.”

Turner Construction Company is a North American-based, international construction services company. Turner is recognized for their large, complex projects, fostering innovation and emerging technologies while making a difference for its clients, employees, and community.

Afternoon Breakout Sessions 2:15 - 3:15pm

Out of Order: Navigating Your Own Leadership Growth When the Elevator Is Broken

In an industry where women are often overlooked for leadership positions or growth opportunities, being able to advocate for yourself may be the difference between flourishing and flopping. Last year, May spoke about the importance of advocacy for female leaders in our industry, both finding one and being one - literally sending the elevator down to help make the path easier for others. But what if your advocate does not work in the same company as you or you have not landed a great advocate yet? In short, what if the elevator is temporarily out of order? Learn strategies for women to advocate for their career growth in a way that is authentic and effective. Key topics covered include leadership, career growth, advocacy, and communication.

Karri May, CannonDesign

Room 174 (1st Floor Campus Center)

Keeping Your Delays Out of the Courtroom

“Time is money” in construction and knowledge is power. The goal of a construction project is to complete the full scope of work on time and on budget; however, when that goal is not met and delays begin to grow, projects can end up in the courtroom or other dispute forum. Learn to recognize schedule delay issues and warning signs, and what you and your team can do to mitigate delays to stay out of what can be a costly and time intensive effort in the courtroom. This session will touch on the owner, contractor and design professional’s role in schedule delays and what it can look like if delays are not recognized and addressed at the time they occur. The speakers will define controversial issues in the construction industry such as concurrent delays, pacing delays, early completion schedules, errors and omissions/design related delays, and other delay concepts.

Sara Bryant, Harris Beach Murtha

Emily Federico, Ankura

Sponsored by

Room 163 (1st Floor Campus Center)

CONFERENCE DESCRIPTIONS

Creating Successful Collaborations

Collaboration is the future of working successfully in the AEC industry. Teams are more complex than ever and project success is measured uniquely by each individual. The speakers will share what they have learned through their experience in developing teams that can collaborate across areas of difference and responsibility. As projects increase in complexity, strategies for effective collaboration and integration of efforts is critical to the success of the project and the entire team. Espada and Wedge will share their strategies and lessons learned as well as engage the attendees in reflecting on their own diverse experiences. Shared conversation will bring new ideas and best practices to the future of collaborative work.

Natasha Espada, STUDIO ENEE architects

Carole Wedge, Heaths Bridge LLC

Sponsored by

Room 162 (1st Floor Campus Center)

Blueprint for Leadership: Crafting Your Leadership Philosophy

Strong leadership starts with a solid foundation. Your leadership philosophy is more than just words – it is the framework for how you lead, make decisions, and shape workplace culture. In this interactive breakout session, you will define the values that drive you, start to transform them into a leadership philosophy, and engage in hands-on exercises to refine your approach. Through discussions and guided activities, you will leave with a personalized leadership blueprintone that you will evolve as you grow. Whether you are leading a team today or preparing for future leadership roles, this session will help you lead with intention, confidence, and clarity.

Cherie Comeau, Consigli Construction Co.

Dave Thomas, Consigli Construction Co.

Sponsored by

Room 165 (1st Floor Campus Center)

CONFERENCE DESCRIPTIONS

Closing Keynote 3:30 - 4:15pm

No More Limits!

No more limits is a tactical and powerful approach to ensuring as women we are maximizing our potential in our industries. We must take full ownership of our destiny and do what is necessary in the face of challenge to achieve our goals and champion the work of Women Who Build all over the world!

Julie Brown is a powerhouse speaker, networking guru, and unapologetic champion for women carving out their space in maledominated industries. With 25 years of experience in the AEC industry, she knows firsthand the challenges of thriving in traditionally maledominated fields — and how vital a strong network is to overcoming them. As a networking expert, business strategist, and the no-BS author of This Sh!t Works: A No-Nonsense Guide to Networking Your Way to More Friends, More Adventures, and More Success , Brown breaks down the barriers to building genuine connections. Her mission is to arm women with the confidence to grow networks that open doors, break ceilings, and lead to extraordinary success.

Harris Beach Murtha

Sara P. Bryant is an attorney at Harris Beach Murtha who represents construction managers, subcontractors, owners, suppliers and design professionals in the trial and resolution of construction disputes on public and private projects. In her construction practice, she handles matters related to allegations of breach of contract, defective work, mechanic’s liens, Chapter 93A violations and compliance with the Massachusetts Prompt Pay Act. Bryant has extensive experience in dispute resolution in all forms including mediation, arbitration, administrative proceedings and jury and non-jury trials. Bryant currently serves as Managing Partner of Harris Beach Murtha’s Boston office.

Tiffany Cartier, PE is the Founder and Principal of Cartier Structural Design. In 2009, her career as a structural engineer began in the heavy civil, transportation, and federal defense sectors. With a passion for designing and renovating the built environment, she specializes in collaborating with owners, designers, and builders to create innovative, sustainable, and functional structures. Her expertise spans across a wide range of projects, from residential to commercial developments, where her problem-solving skills and commitment to quality ensure each project meets both technical and aesthetic goals. Cartier is driven by the opportunity to make a positive impact on the spaces in which people live and work.

Dr. Cherie Comeau is a talent development leader and small business owner with more than 16 years of experience in the higher education and corporate sectors. She currently serves as the Director of Talent Development at Consigli Construction Co., where she leads learning and organizational development initiatives for over 2,000 employees and supports the growth of both the company and its people across multiple regions. Comeau is a certified executive coach, a Certified Genos Emotional Intelligence Practitioner and holds multiple other certifications in leadership and talent development. In addition to her role at Consigli, she is the owner of CC Leadership Solutions, LLC.

Kathyann M Cowles, AIA, NCARB, AAA, studied at Boston College and received her architectural degree from Pratt Institute. As an architect with over 35 years’ experience for diverse and complex design and construction projects, Cowles has a unique perspective on the multifaceted issues facing today’s construction teams. She represents the interests of owners, designers, and contractors in complex science/ technology, academic, industrial, manufacturing, civic and corporate projects, in the public and private sectors. Co-editor/author of The Future of the Design and Construction Industry , Cowles is now an active Member of the American Arbitration Panel, and a certified mediator, focusing on issues facing the AEC Industry.

SENIOR

OF CAPITAL PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT & DELIVERY

YALE UNIVERSITY

Carolina Cudemus Jones is the Senior Director of Capital Program Development and Delivery for Yale University medical and west campuses. Prior to Yale, Cudemus Jones was the Assistant Vice President for Capital Projects at Smith College, where she was responsible for numerous capital projects and initiatives. She previously served as the Director of Design and Construction Management at the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Amherst. She has over 20 years of experience in complex private and public commercial construction projects including healthcare, higher education and K-12 schools. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Master’s in Business Administration.

PERKINS&WILL

Heather Currier Hunt, Associate Principal and Chief Learning Officer with Perkins&Will, brings two decades of experience designing the conditions and solutions for creativity and innovation to thrive in organizations. Formerly an Executive Director and Global Head of Learning and Development at IDEO, she spearheaded the firm’s first global leadership development programs. Currently, her firmwide work spans organizational development, learning and development, performance management, succession planning, and belonging. Based in Perkins&Will’s New York studio, Currier Hunt serves in a firmwide capacity to guide individuals, teams, and the organization to reach their full potential.

As Managing Director at Perkins&Will in Boston, Yanel de Ángel Salas, FAIA, brings strategic thinking, compassion, and design excellence to one of the firm’s largest studios. She is passionate about delivering complex projects and creating a holistic design framework for problem solving. She is a member of the Firm’s Board of Directors and Research Board, and served on the Diversity Council, Executive Committee and Project Delivery Board. In 2020, de Ángel Salas was elevated to AIA College of Fellows. At the Boston Society of Architects, she co-chaired the Women in Design Excellence Awards committee, co-founded the Women in Design mid-career mentoring committee and co-chaired nationally the AIA 2023 Women Leadership Summit.

Natasha Espada, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP BD+C, is the Founding Principal of STUDIO ENÉE architects, an award-winning women and minority-owned firm in Boston. She has over 30 years of design and construction expertise in both renovation and new construction for institutional, higher ed, civic, cultural, and commercial clients. Espada’s work includes work at UMass Amherst, including renovations to Thatcher and Lewis Residence Halls and the current renovation of Historic Flint Hall. She recently completed a University Masterplan and a Feasibility study for a new entrance to the campus and Nursing School at UMass Boston. In addition to her practice, Espada was the 2020 President of the Boston Society of Architects (BSA)/AIA.

Emily Federico is a highly experienced professional in the construction industry, specializing in planning and scheduling. With over 20 years of experience, she is a certified Planning and Scheduling Professional and an expert in schedule delay analysis. Her work involves preparing and analyzing claims related to schedule delays, acceleration, loss of productivity, and cost overruns for public and private sector projects. Federico has provided expert testimony on schedule delays and costs, and has expertise in schedule development and monitoring from technical and risk management perspectives. She is an experienced presenter, having delivered numerous presentations within the construction industry.

Emily Grandstaff-Rice’s, FAIA, Associate Principal and Senior Project Manager with Perkins&Will, professional career has been built on a commitment to design excellence, equity, and fostering community one project at a time. As 2023 President of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), she honed her skills as a compassionate leader, an engaged collaborator, and a change maker in the field. Both an architect and project manager, Grandstaff-Rice’s work consists of designs for K-12 schools, higher education, cultural and civic institutions, and life science spaces, as well as prominent hospitality projects in Boston and beyond.

Brenda Laurenza has been a leader in the construction industry for over 25 years, beginning her career on the subcontractor side with her family’s tile business before transitioning to general contracting. She gained experience working with two of Boston’s largest general contractors before founding Bald Hill Builders in 2010. Since then, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the company, wearing many hats along the way. As the founder and leader of Bald Hill Builders, Laurenza provides executive management and strategic direction for corporate operations. She is actively involved in business development, client relationship management, and driving process improvements to enhance efficiency and performance.

KARRI MAY

WOMEN AND CHILDREN’S HEALTH CANNONDESIGN

As leader of CannonDesign’s Women and Children’s Health practice, Karri May is a tireless advocate for women and girls. With nearly two decades of experience in pediatric and healthcare design, she excels in creating healing environments that engage and empower. May’s passion for elevating women was shaped by her strategic role at Connecticut Children’s Hospital and her journey to leadership in the male-dominated AEC industry. She is committed to advocacy and role modeling, inspiring women in AEC to lead and drive change.

WHITING-TURNER CONTRACTING COMPANY

Avishan Montazer is an Assistant Project Manager of The WhitingTurner Contracting Company in New Haven, CT. She has experience working in complex utility distributions, and mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. Throughout her time with the construction management firm, Montazer has managed the coordination for purchasing and installations in a higher education campus setting, multi-family apartment complexes and retail spaces. She is an avid problem-solver who enjoys collaboration and is highly motivated by customer satisfaction. Montazer has been a member of the Women Who Build Planning Committee since 2023, and an active member of SWE (Society of Women Engineers).

Angie Morgan has helped thousands of individuals find their way to a new level of success. A highly respected author and thought leader, she literally wrote the book on leadership, actually 3 of them (so far). In addition to her three books, Leading from the Front , Spark , and Bet on You , she is a frequent contributor to Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Inc., and other publications. Over the past 20 years, she has worked with organizations like Google, FedEx, and Boston Scientific to develop their leadership potential through keynotes and consulting and has coached hundreds of individuals to the next stage of their careers.

Jessica Mularski is the President and majority owner of Renova Lighting Systems, a commercial lighting manufacturer based in Warwick, RI. With a degree in Finance from Fairfield University’s Dolan School of Business, Mularski brings a dynamic background in sales, graphic design, marketing, and public relations to her leadership role. Her multidisciplinary expertise drives innovation and growth at Renova, as the company continues to deliver high-quality lighting solutions to the construction and design industries. Her dedication to fostering collaboration and excellence sets the tone for Renova’s success.

Founder and President of Patriquin Architects, Karin Patriquin is a dedicated professional who brings a wealth of experience and skill to each project. As firm principal, she directs the firm’s overall strategies and leads the design effort of all projects in the office. Strongly believing in the power of excellent design, she strives to bring innovation and sustainability to all the firm’s projects. With a major focus on sustainability, she continues to emphasize environmental accountability, driving her to always consider and create responsible buildings that are efficient, work with minimal energy, and are resilient.

Dr. Anamaria Popescu, PE, PSP,PMP is a Senior Managing Director in Ankura’s Global Construction Disputes and Advisory Practice based in Denver, CO. She is a construction arbitrator with the AAA/ ICDR and a licensed Professional Engineer with more than 30 years of experience in project management, construction claims, delay analysis, productivity loss, damages, project controls, and contract management. Popescu’s project experience includes power generation, pipelines, petrochemical and process plants, oil, and gas production platforms (on-shore and off-shore), mining, water treatment plants, airports, telecommunications, and commercial construction in the United States and abroad.

Sabrina Smith is the Founder & CEO of PROGENY1, LLC, a Leadership Development, Training, and Coaching company. She brings over 23 years of leadership, training, and facilitation experience into learning environments. She has the real-world knowledge, skills, and aptitude to evaluate the needs of others and helps them grow through focused leadership interventions. Smith’s facilitative style is genuine, and she delivers with passion and conviction. Smith also believes in people and feels called to walk alongside others to help them achieve their goals. Her mantra is “transform minds, transform results”. Smith is a Wiley certified to facilitate D.I.S.C. and 5 Behaviors and is committed to continuous growth and development.

Dave Thomas is the Director of Operations – Maine for Consigli Construction Co., where he oversees projects, personnel, and strategic operations across the region. With over 20 years at Consigli, Thomas previously served as a Project Executive, leading highprofile projects in the higher education, healthcare, life sciences, and government sectors. Under his leadership, Consigli has been named the best large company to work for in Maine for three consecutive years. Several projects have also earned recognition from the Associated General Contractors of Maine, the Associated Contractors of New England, Maine Real Estate & Development Association, and Maine Preservation.

WENDY VENOIT

SHAREHOLDER

COZEN O’CONNOR

Wendy Venoit is a Shareholder with Cozen O’Connor in Boston, MA. Her practice focuses on the litigation and arbitration of domestic and international construction disputes, including mediation and arbitration before the AAA, JAMS, LCIA, ICDR and ICC. She is an experienced trial attorney, having handled dozens of construction disputes, some involving claims in excess of $1 billion. Venoit also serves as an arbitrator and is a member of the panel of neutrals of the AAA (Construction), AAA Mega Projects, ICDR, CPR (Construction, Insurance Policy Holder Coverage, and Boston at Large ADR Panels), LCIA, and ICC and is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. She was recently named Massachusetts Lawyer of the Year.

HEATHS

Carole Wedge, FAIA, LEED AP, is a certified Executive Coach and Consultant to businesses in the architecture, engineering and construction industry. The former CEO of Shepley Bulfinch, she led the firm’s evolution to a national design firm and growth into an innovative organization with an open and diverse culture. Throughout her career in architecture and advocacy in the wider community, Wedge has sought to challenge conventions and incite organizations to become more transparent and diverse. Her dynamic and collaborative leadership has powerfully impacted cornerstone institutions — from higher education and civic organizations to the architectural industry.

PLANNING COMMITTEE

The Construction Institute appreciates the time and dedication of the 2025 Planning Committee.

Carolina Cudemus Jones

Yale University

Laura Cruickshank University of Connecticut (ret)

Yanel de Ángel Salas Perkins&Wil

Alondra DeLeon Consigli Construction Co.

Karri May CannonDesign

Jenna McClure Amenta Emma

Dawn Monde Red Thread

Avishan Montazer The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

Nancy Greenwald The Construction Institute

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