Women in Construction
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PROFILE:
PROFILE:
Kate Martin
Jessica Gesamondo
Kate Martin, assistant estimator at BW Kennedy & Co., joined the company in June 2020. A quick learner, she brings a keen attention to detail, an affinity for numbers, and strong communication skills to her role. Construction is in the family, with her mother having worked as a construction project manager and her father in HVAC. Initially after high school, Kate thought she would like to become an architect and she enrolled in Vermont Technical College (VTC) ASSISTANT where she received an ESTIMATOR associates in architectural engineering. She then BW Kennedy changed direction to & Co. finish her coursework at VTC in construction, earning a bachelor’s in construction management. She had the opportunity to try several different roles as an intern, and discovered she liked working with numbers as an estimator. At BW Kennedy, Kate works with the senior estimator and preconstruction planner, Brian Kennedy, and others to develop accurate project budgets, utilizing historical data and subcontractor feedback. She participates in design meetings to ensure program, budget, and schedule are aligned. She likes how each project is different, and enjoys having
Jessica Gesamondo started her career by earning a Bachelor of Science in interior design from the Wentworth Institute of Technology. After several jobs in Florida and Massachusetts, she transitioned from interior design to construction, joining Connolly Brothers in 2017. A construction management firm serving private commercial, industrial, and institutional clients, Connolly Brothers, Inc. is a five-generation family business established in 1880. As an assistant project ASSISTANT manager, Jessica’s job PROJECT involves creating systems MANAGER to coordinate multiplesized projects and parties Connolly Brothers so that the project team is up-to-date, on-track, and exceeding client expectations. Her background in interior design and construction has been a major advantage in her career. Jessica prides herself on her reputation as a solution-oriented, knowledgeable, and understanding resource to her co-workers and clients, leveraging her knowledge of the industry while providing others with the tools necessary to get the job done. As a woman working in construction, Jessica presents herself with confidence, understanding that everyone is equal and has individual strengths to bring to the
“We are given opportunities to learn and advance in the paths we have all chosen, and never have a reason to feel uncomfortable asking for help.” the opportunity to learn not just the construction aspects, but about the life sciences industry, the prime focus of BW Kennedy clients. Kate says, “Here at BW Kennedy, women are considered crucial members of the team. We are given opportunities to learn and advance in the paths we have all chosen, and never have a reason to feel uncomfortable asking for help.”
March 2021
table. She recognizes there will be times that are uncomfortable, with conflicting perspectives, but ultimately the agenda is the same: to succeed at a common goal. With her organizational skills at the forefront, Jessica thrives at keeping all parties of a project on the same page and on track, which will certainly take her far in her chosen field. Her advice to other woman entering the field is to take what you’re good at and use it to help yourself and others.
Her advice... is to take what you’re good at and use it to help yourself and others.
PROFILE: Celebrating Women in Construction
Teamwork
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Dedication
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Cailtin Greenwood Caitlin Greenwood, AIA, IIDA has always been surrounded by strong women and has been inspired by many since launching her career as an architect. Tapping into this support system, whether it be family, colleagues, friends, industry partners, or even competitors, has resulted in a network of women who en courage each other to drive their careers forward. Caitlin’s advice for young females interested in design and construction is, “There will be times that ARCHITECT/ you are the only female ASSOCIATE in the room; use that to inspire you and push you Margulies further. Be confident, Perruzzi smart, effective and show that you are just as important to the conversation as anyone else. If you do that, then there will be no hesitation that you deserve the same respect as anyone else in that room.” As an architect, associate and project manager, Caitlin brings extensive design experience to the Margulies Perruzzi team through all phases of design and construction. Currently she is working with Middlesex Savings Bank, and the project team is an example of how far women have come in the world of design and construction: The architect,
interior designer, project executive and owner’s rep are all women. A member of NAIOP, Caitlin participated in the Leadership Institute, an exclusive program that helps develop leadership skills through educational training for the next generation of the CRE industry. She is also a member of the Wonder Women Committee for WWIRE (Wellness for Women in Real Estate), that promotes and connects strong women in the industry through health and wellness events.