1,347 PEOPLE REGISTERED | 51 EXHIBITING COMPANIES
36 SPEAKERS | 10 WORKSHOPS | 4 MEGA SESSIONS | 2 KEYNOTES | 2 PANELS
KNOWLEDGE
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What Sponsors, Speakers, and Supporters Have To Say About The WIC Conference
DIVERSIFYING THE INDUSTRY"Men showing up daily as allies to assist our women comrade in the development of their careers and supporting them into roles of leadership in key to diversifying the industry and tapping into new talent"
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SPOTLIGHTING CHALLENGES"The more people we have representing lived experiences across from all of our diverse backgrounds will give us a stronger and more successful outcome."
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FOR EVERYONE"Everyone is welcome! You can come here and learn something, weather you're a man or woman or person of color you're gonna gain some insight!"
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IMPORTANT CONVERSATIONS | PANELS & WORKSHOPS
Leveraging a DEI Plan and Workforce Development for Inclusive Action
Leveraging a DEI Plan and Workforce Development for Inclusive Action
Workforce shortages are affecting nearly all AEC firms and impacting a company’s ability to complete projects safely, within contract budgets and schedules. The workforce shortage requires inclusive actions that are both wholistic and effective to address complex requirements. Do you often find yourself or your team challenged with developing a DEI Plan or a Workforce Development Strategy and having many questions around where we start or how do we start? Now, more than ever companies are faced with answering the call to inclusive action.
This session will explore leveraging a DEI Plan and Workforce Development for Inclusive Action and provide the fundamental strategies for stakeholder engagement. (organization, jobsites, and the community). The speakers will discuss the importance of understanding plan components, goals, data needed to for measurements, and deep dive into how to navigate what could hinder achieving program goals and successful implementation.
Workforce shortages are affecting nearly all AEC firms and impacting a company’s ability to complete projects safely, within contract budgets and schedules. The workforce shortage requires inclusive actions that are both wholistic and effective to address complex requirements. Do you often find yourself or your team challenged with developing a DEI Plan or a Workforce Development Strategy and having many questions around where we start or how do we start? Now, more than ever companies are faced with answering the call to inclusive action.
This session will explore leveraging a DEI Plan and Workforce Development for Inclusive Action and provide the fundamental strategies for stakeholder engagement. (organization, jobsites, and the community). The speakers will discuss the importance of understanding plan components, goals, data needed to for measurements, and deep dive into how to navigate what could hinder achieving program goals and successful implementation.
- Provide a clear path for the foundations in the development of a DEI and Workforce Plan
- To understand how important data and establishing measurable metrics is in developing a strong foundation for plan development.
- To provide resources and examples of current tools and best practices for supporting DEI efforts for office and project sites.
- To provide an understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion by rethinking jobsite conditions and internal office logistics needed to create psychological safety and leadership opportunities.
- To focus on developing an inclusive culture both in the office and on the jobsite.
- To understand how to maximize engagement of talent pools that have traditionally been under-accessed.
Now to Lead: The Turning Point for Women in the AE Industry
Now to Lead: The Turning Point for Women in the AE Industry
First conceived and produced in 2011 by the AIA SF Communications Committee, and launched in earnest in 2014, The Missing 32% has led to a national movement, including symposiums, studies, and panel discussions on gender inequities in the AE Industry. Now, over a decade later, the tide has shifted and is rising for women in all careers within the built environment. In the United States, women now represent 50% of the students graduating from accredited architecture programs, approximately 25% are licensed architects*, and are gradually rising to senior leadership positions. Join the conversation on the roots of change, remaining challenges, and opportunities to lead.
*Per 2021 Data published by the American Institute of Architects (AIA)
First conceived and produced in 2011 by the AIA SF Communications Committee, and launched in earnest in 2014, The Missing 32% has led to a national movement, including symposiums, studies, and panel discussions on gender inequities in the AE Industry. Now, over a decade later, the tide has shifted and is rising for women in all careers within the built environment. In the United States, women now represent 50% of the students graduating from accredited architecture programs, approximately 25% are licensed architects*, and are gradually rising to senior leadership positions. Join the conversation on the roots of change, remaining challenges, and opportunities to lead.
*Per 2021 Data published by the American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Through the Lens: My Journey as a Black Woman in Construction
Through the Lens: My Journey as a Black Woman in Construction
Throughout her 11 years in the construction industry, Courtney Kelly has often been the only Black woman in many of the spaces she has found herself. Whether at the jobsite or in the office, the number of people who resembled her was few and far in between. While efforts to increase representation across the industry have helped tremendously, underlying issues remain in the pursuit of the tenants embodied by diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Take a moment to walk along the journey that has led her from being inspired to pursue a career in construction after evacuating from Hurricane Katrina in 2005 to becoming an award-winning project manager in 2023. Hear about the setbacks and hurdles that shaped the trajectory of her path. Celebrate the change makers who opened doors and pulled up a seat at the table. Delve into the roadblocks that stand in the way of progress. Learn what can be done internally and externally to accelerate growth in these areas. Leave with thought-provoking questions to ponder as we work collectively to make the vision of a more inclusive industry possible.
Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Courtney grew up wanting to be a veterinarian - until Hurricane Katrina changed the course of her life. After attending numerous engineering and math camps, she left Louisiana to pursue degrees in civil engineering and mathematics at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas.
She began a career in construction project management of heavy civil infrastructure projects that has included work at DFW International and Love Field Airports, highways, and local municipalities. Courtney went on to obtain a master's degree in civil engineering with a concentration in structures from SMU and a master's degree in business at Lamar University in Beaumont, TX. She is a licensed professional engineer in the state of Texas and was recognized in 2023 as an Engineering-News Record Texas and Louisiana Top Young Professional.
Courtney is passionate about motivating the next generation of construction professionals. Her self-published children’s book, Celeste Saves the City, and forthcoming title, Celeste Tunnels Underground, encourages readers to consider careers in construction and engineering. She was proud to serve on the inaugural committee for CIEF’s first Design Build Competition in Dallas, Texas and continues to serve on various industry-related boards and committees. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, attending arts events, discovering new music, watching Korean dramas, and spending time with her fluffy bunny, Albus.
Throughout her 11 years in the construction industry, Courtney Kelly has often been the only Black woman in many of the spaces she has found herself. Whether at the jobsite or in the office, the number of people who resembled her was few and far in between. While efforts to increase representation across the industry have helped tremendously, underlying issues remain in the pursuit of the tenants embodied by diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Take a moment to walk along the journey that has led her from being inspired to pursue a career in construction after evacuating from Hurricane Katrina in 2005 to becoming an award-winning project manager in 2023. Hear about the setbacks and hurdles that shaped the trajectory of her path. Celebrate the change makers who opened doors and pulled up a seat at the table. Delve into the roadblocks that stand in the way of progress. Learn what can be done internally and externally to accelerate growth in these areas. Leave with thought-provoking questions to ponder as we work collectively to make the vision of a more inclusive industry possible.
Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Courtney grew up wanting to be a veterinarian - until Hurricane Katrina changed the course of her life. After attending numerous engineering and math camps, she left Louisiana to pursue degrees in civil engineering and mathematics at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas.
She began a career in construction project management of heavy civil infrastructure projects that has included work at DFW International and Love Field Airports, highways, and local municipalities. Courtney went on to obtain a master's degree in civil engineering with a concentration in structures from SMU and a master's degree in business at Lamar University in Beaumont, TX. She is a licensed professional engineer in the state of Texas and was recognized in 2023 as an Engineering-News Record Texas and Louisiana Top Young Professional.
Courtney is passionate about motivating the next generation of construction professionals. Her self-published children’s book, Celeste Saves the City, and forthcoming title, Celeste Tunnels Underground, encourages readers to consider careers in construction and engineering. She was proud to serve on the inaugural committee for CIEF’s first Design Build Competition in Dallas, Texas and continues to serve on various industry-related boards and committees. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, attending arts events, discovering new music, watching Korean dramas, and spending time with her fluffy bunny, Albus.
Workforce Secret Weapon: Why the Millennial Generation is the Best Yet and How to Recruit and Retain the Best of Them
Workforce Secret Weapon: Why the Millennial Generation is the Best Yet and How to Recruit and Retain the Best of Them
The market for recruiting and retaining top talent has never been more challenging and it will never look like it used to. Businesses that win at recruiting and retaining great young talent, build highly integrated workforces and take a strategic approach to developing that workforce will have a distinct advantage. The organizations that strategically adapt to these changes will never have to worry about the workforce and they will have a strong competitive advantage. Avoiding bottlenecks in their ability to grow, expenses from high turnover and the grind of constant workforce churn and moral issues are just a few benefits of building talent recruitment strategies and processes. The current generation of Millennials is the most underrated and under leveraged resource in decades. Applying some proven frameworks stolen from the marketing side and useful concepts from operations, we can build organizations that consistently recruit and retain the very best of them.
The market for recruiting and retaining top talent has never been more challenging and it will never look like it used to. Businesses that win at recruiting and retaining great young talent, build highly integrated workforces and take a strategic approach to developing that workforce will have a distinct advantage. The organizations that strategically adapt to these changes will never have to worry about the workforce and they will have a strong competitive advantage. Avoiding bottlenecks in their ability to grow, expenses from high turnover and the grind of constant workforce churn and moral issues are just a few benefits of building talent recruitment strategies and processes. The current generation of Millennials is the most underrated and under leveraged resource in decades. Applying some proven frameworks stolen from the marketing side and useful concepts from operations, we can build organizations that consistently recruit and retain the very best of them.
- Learn what are the overlooked characteristics of the millennial generation that the best companies will be embracing
- Implement systems to make better hiring decisions from the start to avoid costly mistakes
- Apply proven marketing messaging to consistently attract top talent
A Data-Driven Look at Retention in Construction
A Data-Driven Look at Retention in Construction
Attracting a diverse talent pool is only one part of the equation to solve the labor shortage. Retaining and promoting that talent is essential to developing a diverse pipeline of construction leaders. A recent grass-roots effort launched a survey to better understand what promotes retention and where organizations are at risk of losing talent along the way.
Attracting a diverse talent pool is only one part of the equation to solve the labor shortage. Retaining and promoting that talent is essential to developing a diverse pipeline of construction leaders. A recent grass-roots effort launched a survey to better understand what promotes retention and where organizations are at risk of losing talent along the way.
- Learn more about the findings of the survey, what takeaways you can act on today and where you can evolve your policies and employee experiences to future proof your talent acquisition efforts, regardless of your company size.
Behaviors of Inclusion: Strategy for Your Leadership Toolbox
Behaviors of Inclusion: Strategy for Your Leadership Toolbox
Most of us experience feeling excluded or like an outsider at one point or another in our lives. When our team members feel a sense of belonging, we see increased innovation, creativity, and collaboration. So how can leaders incorporate inclusion into their day-to-day to help their teams thrive?
Most of us experience feeling excluded or like an outsider at one point or another in our lives. When our team members feel a sense of belonging, we see increased innovation, creativity, and collaboration. So how can leaders incorporate inclusion into their day-to-day to help their teams thrive?
- Participants will learn three key behavioral shifts they can make to promote inclusion in the workplace.
Building your teams for success with Enneagram
Building your teams for success with Enneagram
Take the Enneagram Personality assessment before the workshop by visiting https://www.truity.com/test/enneagram-personality-test , or at https://www.wepss.com/ to get a more complete report on your Enneagram type. During the workshop Rodman will walk through the strengths and weaknesses of each of the 9 Enneagram types and share some tools on how to build better teams. Enneagram helps you understand yourself and others.
Take the Enneagram Personality assessment before the workshop by visiting https://www.truity.com/test/enneagram-personality-test , or at https://www.wepss.com/ to get a more complete report on your Enneagram type. During the workshop Rodman will walk through the strengths and weaknesses of each of the 9 Enneagram types and share some tools on how to build better teams. Enneagram helps you understand yourself and others.
Design for Good: Architecture Beyond Architects
Design for Good: Architecture Beyond Architects
As a purpose driven firm with a mission to Design for Good, we will go behind the scenes and share practical strategies for building more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive communities. Understanding that architecture must reach beyond the traditional definition of design services to serve the greater good of the communities we work and live in, we will dive into the processes and tools we use to integrate justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI), sustainability, and community engagement to help define who we are and what we do.
As a purpose driven firm with a mission to Design for Good, we will go behind the scenes and share practical strategies for building more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive communities. Understanding that architecture must reach beyond the traditional definition of design services to serve the greater good of the communities we work and live in, we will dive into the processes and tools we use to integrate justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI), sustainability, and community engagement to help define who we are and what we do.
- Identify the importance of working with, listening to, and understanding the communities you impact.
- Understand all the ways sustainability can be included in your organization and your projects.
- Learn strategies for advancing JEDI in your organization.
Confronting Conflict with Confidence
Confronting Conflict with Confidence
This workshop uses the four competencies of emotional intelligence to explore differing perspectives of interpersonal conflict, providing learners with practical tools for conflict management and resolution in future personal and professional relationships with confidence.
This workshop uses the four competencies of emotional intelligence to explore differing perspectives of interpersonal conflict, providing learners with practical tools for conflict management and resolution in future personal and professional relationships with confidence.
- The learners will identify their own perspective of handling conflict (self-awareness)
- The learners will identify impacts of different perspectives of conflict and tensions produced (relationship management and social awareness)
- The learners will identify aspects of self-management as related to future conflict management and resolution.
Recognizing and Activating Your Value While Navigating the Changing Environments within the Built World
Recognizing and Activating Your Value While Navigating the Changing Environments within the Built World
Skilled workers are the foundation of the built world - they are the engine that drives more than $1.7 trillion in construction spending every year. As such, your insights and preferences are integral to decisions across the organization, creating an opportunity to get a seat at the table. And with 91% of construction firms struggling to hire and retain workers, opportunities are being created for YOU; mid-market and large ENR builders are eager to hire and retain workers in full-time craft roles. This workshop will give attendees a framework for understanding their true value, a path to activating it within the organization, and the tools to navigate positive as well as potentially damaging situations to ensure safety and success.
Skilled workers are the foundation of the built world - they are the engine that drives more than $1.7 trillion in construction spending every year. As such, your insights and preferences are integral to decisions across the organization, creating an opportunity to get a seat at the table. And with 91% of construction firms struggling to hire and retain workers, opportunities are being created for YOU; mid-market and large ENR builders are eager to hire and retain workers in full-time craft roles. This workshop will give attendees a framework for understanding their true value, a path to activating it within the organization, and the tools to navigate positive as well as potentially damaging situations to ensure safety and success.
- Understand the societal and economic value of skilled workers in today's market and how costly it is not to pay attention
- Understand the changing nature of construction employment and culture
- Learn how to advocate for yourself and others (women helping women) - responding with purpose, identifying allies, and educating the workforce
- Learn how to navigate complicated and dangerous situations on and off the job site
- Know how to work your way up (and across) the ladder as a woman in construction
Emotional Intelligence; Today’s Soft Skill for Success
Emotional Intelligence; Today’s Soft Skill for Success
More so than ever before, today's environment requires the use of our soft skills to support our teams, our students, ourselves, and our families. In this interactive workshop, we will dissect the core facets of emotional intelligence (EQ), identify the differences between EQ and IQ, learn how to identify EQ in others and ourselves, complete our own self-assessments, build a personal improvement plan, and identify our personal coping mechanisms. Unlike IQ, EQ can be improved with training and this workshop is designed to give you the tools necessary to grow your own emotional intelligence for successful relationships both personally and professionally.
More so than ever before, today's environment requires the use of our soft skills to support our teams, our students, ourselves, and our families. In this interactive workshop, we will dissect the core facets of emotional intelligence (EQ), identify the differences between EQ and IQ, learn how to identify EQ in others and ourselves, complete our own self-assessments, build a personal improvement plan, and identify our personal coping mechanisms. Unlike IQ, EQ can be improved with training and this workshop is designed to give you the tools necessary to grow your own emotional intelligence for successful relationships both personally and professionally.
- Understand the core facets of emotional intelligence and how to identify it in both ourselves and in others. Become more aware of our own emotions, understand what they tell us, see through emotion to the rationale, realize how our emotions affect those around us, and learn to control those emotions and our own perspective.
- Understand the core facets of emotional intelligence and how to identify it in both ourselves and in others. Become more aware of our own emotions, understand what they tell us, see through emotion to the rationale, realize how our emotions affect those around us, and learn to control those emotions and our own perspective.
- Utilize the “Johari Window” to identify our self-perception and the perception of those around us for better interpersonal interactions and outcomes. Learn how to build safe spaces and quick recharge into your daily routine to maximize your EQ battery.
- Examine the real reason and find the true purpose of someone’s communication regardless of tone, delivery or sentence structure. Utilize the provided tools to empower yourself with the ability to drill down to someone’s intent, further protecting yourself from the influence of their emotions or your own impulsive reaction.
- Build your own personal improvement plan and use the “Sphere of Control” to recenter whenever thrown off course. Strengthening your EQ muscles takes time and consistency and this plan will give you a great place to start growing. Additional books and resources will be listed for those wishing to extend their own growth.
Empowering: Architecture Diversity Continuum: What's Next, What Still Needs to Change
Empowering: Architecture Diversity Continuum: What's Next, What Still Needs to Change
Join us for panel discussion with Cal Poly SLO covering what has been achieved and what still needs attention in the area of inclusion and diversity in the architecture practice pipeline--from education to profession and beyond.
Join us for panel discussion with Cal Poly SLO covering what has been achieved and what still needs attention in the area of inclusion and diversity in the architecture practice pipeline--from education to profession and beyond.
- Gain knowledge on what leading architecture school, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, is doing to address the challenge of exclusivity in education as a barrier for women and BIPOC students.
- Learn about alternates and approaches to increasing diversity including the community college pathway, which provides an accessible and affordable opportunity to enter the profession; utilizing the “experience only” approach; and starting early by exposing children K-8 to the profession through programs such as the AIACV Committee on Architecture for Education (CAE) pilot program Architecture by the Book and the CIEF Create Mentoring program.
- Identify how you and your firm/company can support women and BIPOC individuals through leadership programs, firm culture and community engagement such as the SAY IT LOUD program + exhibition.
Get a Grip on Your Business
Get a Grip on Your Business
Are you a business owner or a senior level executive and want to see your business consistently run better and grow faster? Joyce Hettrich, Professional EOS Implementer, will deliver a powerful, inspirational presentation that will introduce you to the Six Key Components of a successful business.
Are you a business owner or a senior level executive and want to see your business consistently run better and grow faster? Joyce Hettrich, Professional EOS Implementer, will deliver a powerful, inspirational presentation that will introduce you to the Six Key Components of a successful business.
- Walk away with a set of simple practical tools that you and your leadership team will use immediately to focus on priorities
- Get clear on issues
- Gain traction together as a healthier leadership team
VOICES OF CHANGE | SPEAKERS & PANELISTS
Hon. Angelique Ashby
CA State Senator read bio
A video welcome from California State Senator Angelique V. Ashby. Senator Ashby is the first woman elected to represent Sacramento in the California State Senate in more than 20 years. Prior to joining the legislature, she was elected to the Sacramento City Council, where she served for 12 years. She was the sole woman for more than half of her tenure, and is the only member in city history to serve as Vice Mayor or Mayor Pro Tem for 8 years. After becoming a single mom at 20 years old, Senator Ashby worked full time and attended the University of California at Davis. After completing undergrad, she went on to the University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctorate. Senator Ashby was the first Councilmember to give birth while in elected office in Sacramento. |
Cathy Orquiola
President, US West Region Lead PCL Construction read bio
With 28 years in the industry, Cathy Orquiola is an experienced builder of structures and skilled builder of people. In her current leadership role as regional president, Cathy builds tangible legacies, overseeing the strategic growth, successful business operations and overall performance of PCL Construction’s western region which includes Hawaii, California and the Pacific Northwest. Additionally, through her unified team approach, she is leading the company’s entrance into the data center market across North America. She is the first female to sit on PCL’s Board of Directors and represents the interests of more than 4,600 employee shareholders. Known for her strategic and critical thinking abilities, Cathy is a purpose-driven leader with a focus on communicating the “why” and activating the people she works with to excellence. She fosters a culture of belonging, creativity and innovation, and has been recognized for her efforts by the Los Angeles Business Journal as one of the Top 500 Most Influential Leaders in Los Angeles and as one of the Most Outstanding Women in Construction and Design. Cathy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the Florida Institute of Technology. Personally, Cathy is raising two teenage daughters and advocates for the advancement of women in STEM fields. |
Eric Foster
Chief Executive Officer Swinerton Builders read bio
As Swinerton’s Chairman and CEO, Eric is responsible for the overall strategic direction and executive management of the company, business development, and strategic and logistical planning. He continues as a member of the Executive Committee, involved in many Corporate Initiatives and special projects. Eric joined Swinerton Builders in 1982 as a Project Engineer after graduating from the University of California, Berkeley with a degree in Civil Engineering. Throughout his tenure with Swinerton, Eric has progressed through a number of roles including Project Manager, Operations Manager, and Division Manager. In 2011, Eric was elected to the Swinerton Incorporated Board of Directors and in 2012 he was elected Executive Vice President, becoming a member of the Company’s Executive Committee. He served on the company’s Corporate Committees; The Swinerton Foundation, Business Technology and Chair of the Operations Committee. In January 2017 Eric was elected President and Chief Operations Officer of Swinerton Incorporated. Eric provided leadership to all the company’s construction operations to ensure strategic alignment, collaboration, and continuous improvement of project execution. Beginning in 2020 Eric was elected CEO of Swinerton Incorporated. During his time with Swinerton, Eric has worked in Northern California, Hawaii, and Oregon, providing leadership on many notable projects including the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the UC Davis School of Medicine Research Facility, the Oakland Convention Center, and the rehabilitation of the historic Monadnock Building in San Francisco. |
Jody Quinton
NEW Regional Leader & Leadership Team Member, DPR Construction read bio
Jody Quinton is a natural problem solver. She began her career in Southern California gaining a broad base of hands-on project management experience, which included one of her most impactful learning opportunities as an assistant superintendent on a 28-story high-rise in downtown Los Angeles. After moving to the Bay Area to join DPR in 1997, she discovered her passion for building high-caliber teams. Jody served as Regional Manager of the Redwood City office with a focus on fast-track corporate offices before joining the Leadership Team in 2015. She is currently leading DPR’s Northwest Region with offices in the Bay Area, Sacramento and Seattle while also providing leadership guidance to the Global Social Responsibility and Ethics, Integrity, and Compliance teams. Jody was honored with a Distinguished Alumna Award from The University of Illinois Civil and Environmental Engineering Alumni Association in 2022. |
Rosa Sheng
Vice President, Higher Ed Studio Leader Director of JEDI, SmithGroup read bio
As SmithGroup's Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion and Higher Education Studio Leader for San Francisco, Rosa hasn’t been afraid to speak her mind throughout her career. Once, while working on a California-based project from her former firm’s Pittsburgh office she boldly suggested that the client relocate the team instead of flying back and forth for meetings. Her team laughed at the idea but the client thought it was great and they moved. "That experience was an affirmation to stand up for what you believe in and don’t be afraid to speak up and ask the stupid question," suggests Rosa. As the Founding Chair of Equity by Design, a national movement created by the American Institute of Architects San Francisco Chapter to advocate for equitable practices and pay in architecture, she has continued to speak up regarding professional issues that move her. Whether Rosa is leading the profession into new and just directions in practice or project work, she is a strong, hands-on designer and project manager with an ability to build consensus and solve complex problems for a diverse range of clients. |
Mary Teichert
President Teichert, Inc. read bio
Mary Teichert is President of Teichert Inc., a construction and materials company founded in 1887 by her great-great-grandfather Adolph Teichert. She has been there for almost 20 years, prior to which she worked at Apple Computer and Bain Consulting. Teichert mines and sells rock, asphalt and concrete and builds roads and streets, subdivisions, levees, airports, gas distribution and various other elements of infrastructure: the company was proud to be the site contractor on Jesuit Sacramento’s Chapel of the North American Martyrs. Mary is a Senior Fellow with the American Leadership Forum and a board member of the California Building Industry Association (CBIA), the California State License Board (CSLB), HomeAid of the East Bay, The Beavers (a heavy engineering construction association of which she is President) and Teichert Inc. She holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor’s degree from Harvard College. |
Shannon Gustine
Northern California Vice President & District Manager, Hensel Phelps read bio
Shannon has 26 years of construction experience and a portfolio valued at more than $4.2 billion across a variety of vertical markets. She is a graduate of Santa Clara University and Oregon State University, where she earned her Bachelor and Master of Civil Engineering degrees. In 2015, Shannon moved to Seattle where she led the establishment of Hensel Phelps’ Pacific Northwest office before heading back to Northern California in 2021. As Vice President and District Manager, Shannon is a member of the Hensel Phelps Board of Directors and is responsible for Hensel Phelps’ Northern California operations. Shannon is passionate about fostering inclusive work environments. Through active mentorship and her work with industry organizations, she is committed to making an impact both at Hensel Phelps and in our industry. She is also dedicated to creating true partnerships and is a member of the International Partnering Institutes (IPI) Board of Directors and previously the DBIA Northwest Region Board. Shannon and her husband have twin daughters and together they enjoy spending time together creating adventures and seeing new places. |
Dr. Giovanna Brasfield
Chief Executive Officer & Principal Consultant Brasfield & Associates LLC |
Henry Nutt III
Preconstruction Executive Southland Industries |
Jevon Wooden
Author Own Your Kingdom read bio
Jevon Wooden is a business and mindset coach, author, and veteran of the US Army and the tech industry. He specializes in empowering motivated people to build the life of their dreams, professionally and personally. Wooden felt called to this line of work after navigating his fair share of adversity and emerging from it stronger, wiser, and committed to uplifting others. Along the way, he took a few wrong turns. He was arrested at just 17-years-old and faced seven years in prison. This experience was a profound wake-up call that shifted everything for him: his perspective, values, and goals. Wooden learned the power of taking inspired action, investing whole-heartedly in relationships, embracing his authentic self, and genuinely connecting with others from a place of understanding and transparency. His career highlights include leading soldiers on two deployments to Kuwait, supporting strategic and tactical missions as an information technology manager, and setting up the 34th Combat Aviation Brigade’s critical communications to support battlefield operations, with zero downtime, on a 24/7 operation. He was honored and humbled to be awarded a Bronze Star for heroic acts during his deployment to Afghanistan. These experiences taught him the importance of mindset when facing what seemed like impossible odds. They also showed him that you could do more with less, but not without a solid strategy and a commitment to maintaining good mental health. Wooden is passionate about helping business leaders and entrepreneurs do more and be more without losing themselves in the process. |
Ida Clair, AIA
State Architect Department of General Services read bio
Ida A. Clair, AIA, was appointed State Architect in April 2021 by Governor Newsom, and leads the Division of the State Architect in providing design and construction oversight of public schools, community colleges, and state essential services buildings and accessibility plan review for state-owned and leased facilities and state funded construction. Prior to her role as State Architect, Ida was Acting State Architect since January 2019, and the DSA Principal Architect in headquarters since October 2016, where she managed the accessibility, sustainability, and fire & life safety programs for public K-12 schools and community colleges, directed CALGreen regulatory development applicable to school facilities, and directed accessibility regulatory development for the State of California. |
Krista Murphy, PE
Principal AEI/Affiliated Engineers, Inc. read bio
Krista Murphy, P.E., LEED AP BD+C is the managing principal of the Affiliated Engineers, Inc. (AEI) San Francisco office. As Principal-in-Charge of many of AEI’s largest and technically complex west coast projects, she has deep experience in district scale decarbonization. Krista is passionate about working with stakeholders to guide them through planning, design, and implementation of campus scale energy solutions. Krista brings over 27 years of Bay Area master planning, project management, and electrical design expertise to an array of healthcare, higher education campuses, national lab, and biotech clients. |
Lisa Sachs, FAIA, FCMAA, CCM
Managing Principal Emeritus Cumming Construction Management, Inc. read bio
For over twenty-five years Lisa was a key contributor to the success of two of the largest multi-billion-dollar educational construction management bond programs in California, initially as a principal of her own firm and then as a managing principal of Cumming after merging firms. Recognized as an industry leader, she was inducted into the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) College of Fellows. She is a Managing Principal Emeritus of Cumming Group, past president of the CMAA Southern California Chapter and Chapter Foundation (one of 7 Founders), and in 2014 was appointed by CMAA as its first Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) commissioner representing construction management in the Applied and Natural Sciences Accreditation Commission (ANSAC) where she is currently the incoming chair. Lisa also serves on the CMAA National Foundation and Southern California Chapter Foundation Boards, The Construction Industry Education Foundation (CIEF) Advisory Board, the Cal State University Northridge (CSUN) CM Industry Liaison Council, the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Architectural Program Advisory Council (her alma matter), as a regent of the California Architectural Foundation (CAF); and has authored a trilogy of books on construction management available in electronic format through the CMAA bookstore with all proceeds benefiting the CMAA National Foundation - What is Your Construction Management IQ, EQ (Emotional Quotient) and VQ (Value Quotient)? |
Marianne O'Brien, FAIA
Principal SmithGroup read bio
Marianne O’Brien, FAIA, DBIA, LEED AP is an Architect and Principal with SmithGroup recognized for industry leadership in collaborative project delivery. Her experience includes award-winning projects acknowledged for design, performance, and delivery success. In her tenure as President of the American Institute of Architects San Francisco Chapter (AIA SF), she helped catapult The Missing 32% - Where are the Women in Architecture to national awareness. Currently President for the Design-Build Institute of America Western Pacific Region (DBIA WPR) Marianne is focused on broadening legislative authority for Progressive Design-Build, believing that a fair and collaborative approach supports all project partners and makes the field more welcoming to women. Ms. O’Brien is the recipient of ENR’s Newsmaker of the Year Award and has presented locally and nationally at AIA, LCI, P2SL, Tradeline, SCUP, and DBIA. Grounded in project work and complemented by an ability to think strategically, she has been at the leading edge of a shifting industry. Marianne brings a wealth of practical and theoretical knowledge forward, imbuing each presentation with inspiration, insight, and application understanding. |
Courtney Kelly
Project Manager, McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. Author, Celeste Saves the City and Celeste Tunnels Underground read bio
Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Courtney grew up wanting to be a veterinarian - until Hurricane Katrina changed the course of her life. After attending numerous engineering and math camps, she left Louisiana to pursue degrees in civil engineering and mathematics at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas. She began a career in construction project management of heavy civil infrastructure projects that has included work at DFW International and Love Field Airports, highways, and local municipalities. Courtney went on to obtain a master's degree in civil engineering with a concentration in structures from SMU and a master's degree in business at Lamar University in Beaumont, TX. She is a licensed professional engineer in the state of Texas and was recognized in 2023 as an Engineering-News Record Texas and Louisiana Top Young Professional. Courtney is passionate about motivating the next generation of construction professionals. Her self-published children’s book, Celeste Saves the City, and forthcoming title, Celeste Tunnels Underground, encourages readers to consider careers in construction and engineering. She was proud to serve on the inaugural committee for CIEF’s first Design Build Competition in Dallas, Texas and continues to serve on various industry-related boards and committees. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, attending arts events, discovering new music, watching Korean dramas, and spending time with her fluffy bunny, Albus. |
Hon. Eleni Kounalakis
California Lieutenant Governor read bio
Ambassador Eleni Kounalakis was sworn in as the 50th Lieutenant Governor of California by Governor Gavin Newsom on January 7th, 2019. She is the first woman elected Lt. Governor of California. A native Californian, she visited each of the state’s 58 counties during her historic campaign. In addition to her duties as Lt. Governor, Kounalakis is California’s Representative for International Affairs and Trade, appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom by executive order. From 2010 to 2013, Kounalakis served as President Barack Obama’s Ambassador to the Republic of Hungary. Kounalakis was the first Greek-American woman – and at age 43 one of America’s youngest – to serve as U.S. Ambassador. Her highly acclaimed memoir, “Madam Ambassador, Three Years of Diplomacy, Dinner Parties and Democracy in Budapest” (The New Press, 2015), chronicles the onset of Hungary’s democratic backsliding. Governor Jerry Brown appointed Kounalakis to chair the California Advisory Council for International Trade and Investment in 2014. Kounalakis was a Virtual Fellow at the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR) between 2014 and 2017, specializing in international trade and immigration. She is currently a director of the Association of American Ambassadors and a National Democratic Institute (NDI) “Ambassadors Circle” advisor. Prior to her public service, Kounalakis was president of one of California’s most respected housing development firms, AKT Development, where she worked for 18 years. She built master-planned communities and delivered quality housing to the Sacramento region’s working families – recognizing her as one of the capital region’s most prominent businesswomen. Passionate about early childhood development, Kounalakis served as a member of California’s First 5 Commission and the California Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism. Eleni Kounalakis graduated from Dartmouth College in 1989 and earned her Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from U.C. Berkeley’s Haas School of Business in 1992. She holds an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the American College of Greece. She is married to Dr. Markos Kounalakis and the couple has two sons in college, Neo and Eon. |
Laura Drocic
Carpenter Nor Cal Carpenters Union |
Karyn Newmark
Journey Substation High Voltage Electrician SMUD |
Kendall Porter
Project Engineer Lund Construction |
Leticia Hanke
CEO/President ARS Roofing & Gutters |
Nicole Kalil
Author of Validation is for Parking read bio
Nicole’s passion for eliminating gender expectations and redefining “Woman’s Work” is both what keeps her up at night, and what gets her up in the morning. Well that, and an abundant amount of coffee. An in-demand speaker, author of Validation is For Parking, leadership strategist, respected coach, and host of the “This Is Woman’s Work” Podcast, her stalker-like obsession with confidence sets her apart from the constant stream of experts telling us to BE confident. She actually shares HOW you build it, and gives actionable tools you can implement immediately. A fugitive of the C-suite at a Fortune 100 company, she has coached hundreds of women in business, which has given her insight as to what – structurally, systemically and socially – is and isn’t serving both women and leaders within an organization. Maintaining some semblance of sanity in her different roles of wife, mother, and business owner successfully is an ongoing challenge… in whatever free time she has, she enjoys reading and wine guzzling, is an avid cheese enthusiast, a hotel snob, and a reluctant Peloton rider. |
EXPANDING OUR NETWORK | POST-CONFERENCE HAPPY HOUR & REFLECTION
Attendees, sponsors, and speakers made their way to DPR Construction’s Happy Hour to celebrate the Women in Construction Conference! Hundreds of our newest industry friends joined for networking, food, drinks, and music. DJ Char was back for the second year and was ready to help everyone get their groove on. All conference attendees were invited, and admission was included in their registration.
CHAMPIONS FOR CHANGE | 2023 CONFERENCE SPONSORS
PRESENTING SPONSOR:
LUNCH SPONSORS:
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST SPONSORS:
SWAG SPONSORS:
PLATINUM SPONSORS:
BREAKOUT/WORKSHOP SPONSORS:
PREMIER SPONSORS:
EXHIBITORS:
Air Systems Service & Construction, Construction Management Online, CREW Sacramento, Frank M. Booth, Habitat for Humanity, HILTI, The KYA Group, Office of the State Controller, Rex Moore, Rosie the Riveter Trust, SBR Jobs, Tricorp Group, UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education, USI Insurance Services
Air Systems Service & Construction, Construction Management Online, CREW Sacramento, Frank M. Booth, Habitat for Humanity, HILTI, The KYA Group, Office of the State Controller, Rex Moore, Rosie the Riveter Trust, SBR Jobs, Tricorp Group, UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education, USI Insurance Services
HOST SPONSORS:
American Sheet Metal Partition Co., Inc., Building Rx, Capitol Elevator Company, Inc., Clark Construction, CMA Insurance Services, davisREED Construction, Inc., Ethan Conrad Properties, FACS - Forensic Analytical Consulting Services, FUSE3, Lawson Mechanical,
Myers & Sons Construction, LLC, Safety Center, SR Diversified, LLC, United Mechanical, Inc., Weintraub | Tobin
American Sheet Metal Partition Co., Inc., Building Rx, Capitol Elevator Company, Inc., Clark Construction, CMA Insurance Services, davisREED Construction, Inc., Ethan Conrad Properties, FACS - Forensic Analytical Consulting Services, FUSE3, Lawson Mechanical,
Myers & Sons Construction, LLC, Safety Center, SR Diversified, LLC, United Mechanical, Inc., Weintraub | Tobin
STUDENT SPONSORS:
Intech Mechanical, Charge, Liberty Mutual Surety, North State Building Industry Foundation
Intech Mechanical, Charge, Liberty Mutual Surety, North State Building Industry Foundation
SMALL BUSINESS SPONSOR:
Builders Exchange of San Joaquin, Capital Region Financial Group, LLC, El Cerro, Inc., K&K Construction Supply, Montgomery Corporation
Builders Exchange of San Joaquin, Capital Region Financial Group, LLC, El Cerro, Inc., K&K Construction Supply, Montgomery Corporation