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EMPOWERING VOICES | KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

INDUSTRY KEYNOTE

Lisa Ballantyne
​Senior Vice President
Turner Construction Company

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Lisa Ballantyne is Senior Vice President of Turner Construction Company, responsible for the West Coast, including Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada & Arizona – totaling over $3B of annual revenue. She draws from over 25 years of experience in diverse roles in the field, leading operations, managing risk, and providing executive strategy while overseeing business operations. Lisa has been recognized as a Top 100 Diverse Corporate Leader in STEM by STEMConnector and an Influential Woman in Bay Area Business by The San Francisco Business Times.

Lisa supports several initiatives across the company, including the launch of Turner’s re-envisioned website in 2023, the company’s annual DE&I Impact Report, corporate mobility efforts and she is the senior sponsor for the company’s Women Network Leadership Council. She is currently a board member for ACE Mentoring SF Bay Area, the California Education Foundation for the AGC of CA, and also serves on the Tulane Fund Advisory Board, in her 10th year for her alma mater, Tulane University.

Lisa has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Tulane University, and an MBA from Simmons College, School of Management in Boston. A native of Massachusetts, Lisa now resides in California with her husband Brant and son Brant who is graduating from high school this year and headed to Tulane this fall. Her oldest son, Graham, is a Freshman at Boston University studying engineering.

MOTIVATIONAL KEYNOTE

Jessica Mendoza
Olympic Gold Medalist &
Analyst, ​ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball

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On January 13, 2016, ESPN officially named Jessica Mendoza to the Sunday Night Baseball team as an analyst. The announcement was made after a historic 2015 for Mendoza, who became the first female analyst for a nationally televised MLB Postseason game on October 6, 2015: AL Wild Card Game on ESPN. A few months prior, she became the first female ESPN MLB game analyst during the August 24, 2015 edition of Monday Night Baseball. She appeared on several Sunday Night Baseball telecasts during the stretch run of the season. Her groundbreaking 2015 also included the accolade of becoming the first female analyst for a Men’s College World Series telecast.
 
One of the most notable softball players in the last decade, Mendoza’s on-field experience has seamlessly translated to television. She joined ESPN in 2007 and in addition to her MLB contributions, she has served as an analyst and a reporter for the Men’s College World Series, the NCAA Women’s College World Series and is also a sideline reporter for college football. She has also contributed content to espnW.
 
Prior to her work with ESPN, Mendoza was a field reporter for Yahoo! Sports at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games and also served as the lead college softball analyst on FOX Sports. She has relationships with several brands, including T-Mobile, Reebok, Under Armour and Starwood Hotels, among others.
 
Mendoza is a two-time Olympian and was a member of the U.S. Women’s National team from 2001-10. Her team took home the Gold Medal in Athens, Greece (2004) and the Silver Medal in Beijing, China (2008). She is both a three-time World Champion (2002, 2006, 2010) and World Cup Champion (2006, 2007, 2010), in addition to being a two-time Pan American Gold Medalist (2003, 2007). In 2006, she was named the USA Softball Athlete of the Year and was also recognized in 2008 as the Women’s Sports Foundation Sportswoman of the Year.
 
Mendoza was a four-time first team All-American while playing outfield at Stanford University. She led the Cardinals to their first-ever Women’s College World Series Appearance and finished her college career with school records that are still held today in: batting average (.475), hits (.94), stolen bases (31), runs (71) and career home runs (50). She was a three-time Stanford Female Athlete of the Year and a First team Academic All-American in 2002.
 
Mendoza graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Studies in 2002 and a Masters in Social Sciences in Education in 2003. She is originally from Camarillo, California.​

UNIFIED LEARNING | MEGA SESSION TOPICS

Enhancing Workforce Development in Construction​

Lead by: Kayleen McCabe
​
​In today’s dynamic construction industry, workforce development is critical for maintaining productivity, ensuring safety, and fostering innovation. This presentation will delve into the essential strategies for cultivating a skilled and adaptable workforce. We'll explore best practices in recruitment, training, and retention, emphasizing the importance of continuous education and career development. Attendees will leave with practical takeaways, including actionable steps to implement robust apprenticeship programs, leverage technology for training, and create inclusive workplaces that attract diverse talent. Join us to learn how to build a stronger, more resilient workforce capable of meeting the challenges of modern construction.

Women Against Women: Discrimination in the Workplace

Lead by: Natasha Ozybko

In a post "Me Too" and "Times Up" world we won’t give men a pass for bad behavior, so why are we still giving one to women? We'll take an honest look at the conscious and unconscious bias women have for one another in the workplace. We'll talk about discrimination and hypocrisy, and how 
collectively, we need to be working together and saying "No More" if we are to ever achieve parity in male-dominated industries.

​Breaking Barriers: The Culture of Construction

Lead by: Jennifer Todd

This session dives deep into the A Greener Tomorrow docuseries, Breaking Barriers, showcasing construction leaders – both women and men – who are championing positive workplace culture. Through compelling data and real-world examples, attendees will gain actionable insights for creating a more inclusive environment, leading to increased retention and success for women in construction. This session offers valuable takeaways for all genders, equipping leaders with actionable steps to build a thriving construction industry that benefits everyone.

The session approach aims to connect with both genders by:

Showcasing Real-World Examples: The talk will feature a combination of compelling visuals and powerful stories. I’ll present data on workplace culture alongside video snippets from the Breaking Barriers docuseries. These snippets will feature women and men discussing the positive impacts of:

• Male Mentorship: Highlighting how supportive male colleagues can empower women to excel.
• Women's Leadership: Showcasing successful female leaders and the value they bring to teams.
• Diverse Teams: Demonstrating the power of a diverse workforce through real-world experiences.

Tangible Takeaways for All: Provide attendees with actionable takeaways that can be implemented in their own workplaces. These takeaways will focus on:

• Building a Culture of Inclusion: Practical strategies for fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for all employees.
• Promoting Mentorship Programs: Encouraging the creation of mentorship opportunities that benefit both genders.
• Recognizing the Value of Diversity: Highlighting the benefits of a diverse workforce for company success

MEGA SESSION SPEAKERS

Enhancing Workforce Development in Construction​

Kayleen McCabe
Co-Founder | McCabe Foundation
 TV Host - Contractor | Rescue Renovation

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Kayleen McCabe’s passion for the trades takes her from garages to global summits.  A General Contractor and industry ambassador, she’s a sought-after speaker on trade education, career choices, America’s labor shortage – all marked by her trademark playfulness, candor, and informed wit.   
 
The longtime host and guest on construction TV shows, Kayleen is committed to soliciting respect and visibility for Craft Professionals and the careers associated with them.  Her non-profit, The McCabe Foundation, tightens America’s skills gap by encouraging young men, women and Veterans to consider careers in this undervalued, unfilled sector. 
 
 Kayleen is a familiar face at industry events and in schools across the nation, and partners exclusively with respected partners including SkillsUSA, NAWIC, ACTE, among many others.  When she’s not knocking down stereotypes or walls, Kayleen caters to a wide array of clients on custom projects, and enjoys as much time as possible in her home state of Colorado.  ​

Women Against Women: Discrimination in the Workplace

Natasha Ozybko
Co-Founder | MOXY: The Voice of Women in Infrastructure
Principal | Ozybko Cosulting Group

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​With over 20 years of experience in developing emerging markets, building businesses, and specializing in branding and communications across diverse verticals, Natasha is an expert in Sustaining and Disruptive Innovation. She understands the power of the underdog competitor.

Natasha graduated from Arizona State University with an Executive MBA from the W.P. Carey School of Business and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. Throughout her career, she has often been “one of the only” women with a seat at the table. She collaborates with industry leaders like Deloitte and COLAS to uncover blind spots and biases in recruiting women and creating an inclusive culture that promotes equal opportunities for advancement, thereby optimizing retention rates.

As a founding member and past president of the nonprofit Women of Asphalt, Natasha was honored by Construction Dive Business Journal in 2021 as a Construction Champion: Tradeswoman Leader. This award spotlights top female leaders who exemplify intuition, dedication, and intelligence in the industry.

In 2021, Natasha launched MOXY, an online platform that empowers women to take on larger roles in rewarding, well-paying careers. The platform addresses workplace issues that women commonly face in historically male-dominated environments such as interview processes, job sites, and boardrooms. 

Natasha is a frequent speaker and media commentator, specializing in how men can be allies and advocates in the workplace, overcoming biases in hiring and career advancement, and addressing women vs. women workforce discrimination. 

A 5x Ironman triathlete, Natasha currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

​Breaking Barriers: The Culture of Construction

Jennifer Todd
President | LMS General Contractors

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Jennifer Todd, MLS, is President of LMS General Contractors. LMS provides full-scale demolition, disaster recovery, and remediation services. As the youngest Black woman to acquire California’s CSLB General Engineering (A) license, she leads LMS, a woman-owned demolition and environmental services contractor based in South Florida. Todd's notable achievements include being the first Black business owner featured on the cover of Construction Business Owner magazine.

Recognized as a 2020 CBO Outstanding Women in Construction finalist and a 2021 Engineering News-Record Southeast Top Young Professional, Todd has earned distinction as the sole individual in ENR's history to receive both Top 25 Newsmaker (2020) and Top 20 Under 40 (2021) accolades in the same year.

Driven by a commitment to social impact, Todd founded A Greener Tomorrow, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting skilled trades and construction careers within underserved communities. She is also the creator and producer of the YouTube docuseries "Women at Work: Breaking Barriers," which amplifies the voices of inspiring women in construction, engineering, and skilled trades.

Todd is a graduate of ASU Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law. Today, she currently serves as the ASCE Industry Leaders Council Risk & Resilience Co-Chair, John Deere Customer WIC Advisory Committee, and Legal Liaison for nonprofit Crew Collab.

IMPORTANT CONVERSATIONS |  WORKSHOPS + PANELS

Strategic Communications

Presented by: Radoslovich | Shapiro, PC
Lead by: Megan A. Shapiro

Don’t miss the transformative "Strategic Communication for Women in Construction: Building the Case for Female Leadership" workshop at this year’s Women In Construction Conference. Designed specifically for those who are ready to enhance their leadership through refined communication, this workshop presents a dynamic blend of mindset development and actionable strategies for workplace interactions, enriched with the persuasive power of traditional legal skills. At the end of this empowering workshop you'll walk away with your personalized "Communication Strategy Blueprint," equipping you with the tools to navigate the construction industry's challenges with confidence and charisma. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your professional voice and impact. ​

​The Dynamic Duo: Exploring the power of partnership between men and women in the AEC Industry

Presented by: CMAA
Moderator: Kim Scott
Panelists: Teri Cruz, Karl Schultz, Allison Otto, Robert Ussery
​
​The objective of this panel is to facilitate an open and insightful dialogue between men and women in the AEC industry, focusing on the transformative power of collaboration in personal and professional growth. Through shared experiences, panelists will explore how working together has enabled them to achieve their full potential, overcome challenges, and become the best versions of themselves

​Collaboration: Building Blocks for Owners & Contractors to Partner for Implementation of Workforce Development & DEI Strategies

Lead by: Dr. Giovanna Brasfield

In today's dynamic construction landscape, filled multiple inclusionary requirements, fostering strong partnerships between owners and contractors is essential for addressing the challenges of workforce development and advancing DEI initiatives. The speakers will build existing data and explore the pivotal role of collaboration needed between owners and contractors in effectively implementing workforce development and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategies on upcoming projects. This session will highlight the key components necessary for successful collaboration, including clear communication channels, shared goals and objectives, mutual accountability, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment. By leveraging the collective expertise and resources of both parties, owners and contractors can develop comprehensive strategies to recruit, train, and retain a diverse workforce, while also promoting a Culture of CARE and Respect for People through equity and inclusion within the construction industry. Through case studies, best practices, and lived experiences, the speakers will provide an interactive environment for insights and actionable recommendations for owners and contractors who seek to build collaborative partnerships and drive positive change in workforce development and DEI efforts on their projects.

Fostering a More Inclusive and Equitable Environment for LGBTQ+ in the Construction Industry

Presented by: BuildOUT California
Moderator: Debi Hertz
Panelists: Melissa Berg, Marcy Szarama, Michelle Stoffel, and Nasim Adeli

Hear from our panel of leaders from the LGBTQ+ community in the construction industry on their experiences, expertise, and perspectives on fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment 
 
LEARNING OBJECTIVES  

• The importance of creating/providing tangible resources for the industry that help foster a culture of belonging and promote inclusion of queer folks in the industry.  
• The importance of partnerships (BuildOUT and AGC, for example) when it comes to amplifying queer voices and businesses. 
• How LGBTQ+ and other employee resources groups can effect change within an organization to support a more inclusive workplace.  
• Reflections on progress made in the construction industry for LGBTQ+, and ideas for actionable things we can all do to positively impact the future jobsite environment. 

Leading with Grace in construction

Moderator: Alaina Rossi
Lead by: Jenny Derry, Margaret Phillips, and Patricia Nguyen

An insightful workshop on "Leading with Grace," focusing on the importance of women's leadership in the construction industry. This session will explore the principles of graceful leadership, contrasting it with traditional styles and highlighting the value of empathy, compassion, and integrity.

We will discuss key strategies for building trust, fostering collaboration, and navigating challenges with resilience. Learn practical ways to implement graceful leadership through leading by example, providing mentorship, and balancing assertiveness with compassion.

Hear success stories and lessons learned from women leaders in construction, and discover tools to enhance your leadership skills. Engage in interactive discussions on handling exclusion, interruptions, boundary issues, and imposter syndrome.

Take away actionable strategies to prepare for challenging situations and promote inclusivity, collaboration, and resilience in your teams. Join us in embracing graceful leadership to drive positive change in the construction industry.

Belonging Survey: What Gets Measured Gets Built​

Presented by: AGC of California
Lead by: Kayla Montgomery

The surveying in construction helps us assess the site and establish a baseline for future measurements so that we can develop a plan and be better prepared to address potential issues. Surveying is an essential component in construction when developing, designing, and building projects. So how can we adopt this concept of "surveying" to make our industry a place where people belong? Learn how to measure company culture, identify building blocks for inclusion, and develop strategies to build belonging in the workplace. What gets measured, gets built.

Speak Loud & Carry a Big Stick

​Presented by: DBIA
Moderator: Kirsten Gerbi
Panelists: Chelsea Snyder, Nathaniel Wilson, Jamie Blatchford, and Jana Aubert

While serving as the 26th U.S. President, Teddy Roosevelt often said, “Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.” This phrase, which he attributed to a West African proverb, sums up the idea that you should negotiate peacefully but also have strength in case things go wrong. The world has changed significantly since Roosevelt’s presidency in 1901, and this conventional wisdom falls flat in the A/E/C workplace.
 As women and young professionals, we often perceive that we cannot or do not have the authority to negotiate from a place of power. How can we best represent ourselves as we navigate a work/life balance in the 24/7 remote-work culture we find ourselves in today while avoiding burnout? What are some of the challenges and best practices for staying productive, contributing to the teams we are part of, and still reserving some of our energy for the lives we lead outside of work?

You can do anything, but you can’t do everything.

From Building Bridges to Burning Bridges- Exploring the Womens' Exodus Problem in Structural Engineering and the Industry at Large

Presented by: SEAOCC
Lead by: Lisa Hartley, and Claire Leader

​Why do women leave the structural engineering industry at a disproportionate rate to their male colleagues? The SE3 (Structural Engineering Engagement and Equity) organization began as a group of structural engineers attempting to answer this question with an informal polling of their coworkers and friends. Over the following decade, SE3 grew to a state and then a national presence, with participation at all levels of the industry. The SE3 survey is now administered on a national level, with the goal of providing valuable data on the various equity issues facing women and other underrepresented demographics in the engineering industry. SE3 task forces use this data to produce webinars, informational content, and provide training on ways to improve workplace practices and culture to achieve gender parity and to keep all members of the profession productive and engaged throughout their careers.

Lessons in Training and Mentorship Across the AEC Industry

Presented by: AIA Central Valley
Lead by: Laura Knauss, Martha Estrada , Anna Kennedy , Ginger Thompson, and Elizabeth Hawks McBride

​Join this cross-disciplined, multi-generational panel as we tell our stories of women-to-women mentorship.  We’ll share successful professional development models that companies can offer to attract, grow, and retain future talent and propose a vision intended to “shift the culture” of our industry for the next generation. Please bring your stories of mentorship and join us for the conversation!

Workshop 10 with SMUD and Kitchell: to be announced

Lead by: Linda Giovannoni and Jennifer Frahm

Workshop description coming soon.

WORKSHOP SPEAKERS + PANELISTS

Strategic Communications

Megan A. Shapiro
Partner | Radoslovich Shapiro, PC

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Megan A. Shapiro is a partner at Radoslovich | Shapiro, PC whose practice adopts an innovative approach to construction and business law that she has dubbed “360 Support.” This strategy surpasses the traditional roles of both outside and in-house counsel by integrating risk management support, insurance coverage and bad faith counsel, and administrative law. With nearly fifteen years of experience representing construction companies, Megan employs a holistic strategy that begins with the end in mind, focusing on the company’s overarching goals. She ensures that all legal matters and issues are addressed in alignment with these broader considerations, guiding her actions towards achieving the most favorable outcomes in disputes. ​

Dynamic Duo: Exploring the Power

Kim Scott
Vice President | Blach Construction

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Kim joined Blach Construction in 2004 when she graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. Initially hired as a project engineer, Kim rose through the operations ranks quickly before transitioning into preconstruction and business development in 2010. Throughout her tenure at Blach, Kim has been instrumental in spearheading Blach’s successful education market which spans public and private K-12 and higher education across the State of California.  Kim’s strong client relations skills coupled with her keen business sense and thorough, strategic understanding of construction, make her ideally suited for her current position as vice president.

Dynamic Duo: Exploring the Power

Teri Cruz
​Co-CEO/President | 6D PMCM

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With a distinguished 25-year career in the AEC industry, Teri Cruz is Co-CEO/President of 6D PMCM. She leverages her extensive experience to drive the company forward, focusing on human resources, client relations, strategy, and marketing. Teri is dedicated to creating a thriving and creative workplace, going beyond conventional HR practices to ensure each team member’s significance is recognized. She strategically designs and implements initiatives that propel 6D PMCM forward, serving as a dynamic force in the company’s evolution. As the active Vice President, Teri also serves on the CMAA NorCal Executive Board, where she contributes her insights and leadership to the broader industry community.

Karl Schultz, CCM, LEED AP
Co-CEO/President | 6D PMCM

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Karl Schultz, Co-CEO/President of 6D PMCM, has an impressive 30-year career in the construction management industry. He focuses on overseeing 6D PMCM’s finance, administration, and operations. His operational expertise has been instrumental in driving efficiency, quality, and innovation within the organization. Karl’s leadership ensures the optimal functioning of 6D PMCM, from implementing sophisticated program and project management systems to establishing robust financial and administrative frameworks. As a trusted advisor to public sector clients, he specializes in master planning, program management, and project controls, guiding complex projects to successful completion. Karl’s role as Co-CEO/President positions him as a pivotal influence in shaping the company’s growth and success.

Collaboration: Building Blocks for 
Owners and Contractors

Dr. Giovanna Brasfield
CEO + Principal Consultant
​Brasfield & Associates, LLC

read bio

​She actively champions DEI education, workforce diversification, small business support, social impact initiatives, and youth engagement efforts. With a focus on leadership and program development, Dr. G is deeply involved in training, education, infinity group strategy, and outreach initiatives. Her commitment extends beyond rhetoric, urging organizations to take concrete steps towards fostering culturally diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces. As a passionate DEI strategist and educator, Dr. G drives industry transformation through the development, implementation, and delivery of transformative programs and keynote presentations.

Dr. G has garnered numerous accolades and awards for her exceptional achievements, including recognition such as the 2023 Comerica Bank Women Business Award, 2023 Associated General Contractor (AGC) of California Associate of the Year, and the 2022 Women of Empowerment title from the YWCA Glendale-Pasadena Chapter. She was also a finalist for the 2022 CEO of the Year for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by the Los Angeles Business Journal, and named a 2023 Women of Influence for Construction, Architecture, and Engineering by the same publication. Additionally, she received the 2023 Inspirational Women award from the Los Angeles Times and the 2021 Outstanding Women In Construction recognition from Construction Business Owner Magazine. Notably, Dr. G is recognized as a DEI social influencer, earning a place among Autodesk industry bloggers' Top 50 Construction Influencers in the United States.

Dr. G holds dual doctorate degrees from the University of La Verne, a D.P.A. in Public Administration, an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership and an Executive Certified Master Compliance Administrator (ECMCA) from Morgan State University. For Board services, Dr. G serves as Board of Director on the Associated General Contractor (AGC) of California’s Construction Education Foundation (CEF), Chair of the Steering Committee for RAND Foundation’s Center to Advance Racial Equity Policy (CAREP), Board of Director for AGC of America’s Diversity & Inclusion Steering Committee, Board of Director for American Institute of Architects (AIA) – Los Angeles Chapter, Past-Chair of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of California’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Steering Committee, and Board of Director for West Angeles Community Development Corporation (CDC).

Allison Otto, LEED AP, Assoc. DBIA
President & CEO | Otto Construction

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Allison has been with Otto Construction for 24 years and was appointed President & CEO in 2021. She oversees the strategic direction of Otto Construction, including setting and achieving financial goals, implementing strategic planning objectives, maintaining relationships with clients, and overseeing projects from an executive standpoint. As a third-generation member of the Otto family to run the 77-year-old company, Allison continues the legacy of building with honesty, integrity, and compassion for others. Under her
leadership, Otto Construction is one of the largest woman-owned-and-operated commercial general contractors in Northern California.

Fostering a More Inclusive ​and
Equitable Environment for LGBTQ+

Debi Hertz
Sr. Project Manager
Gilbane Building Company

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Debi Hertz is a Senior Project Manager at Gilbane Building Company in Sacramento, California, with over 29 years of experience in the industry as both general contractor and construction manager. Debi was one of the founders of Gilbane’s PRIDE ERG and currently serves as the national co-President. Additionally, she is a Founding Member of BuildOUT California/BuildIT, an industry association dedicated to the growth of LGBTQ+ construction, architecture, and engineering firms. Debi is a member of Gilbane’s Economic Inclusion Peer group and the CMAA NorCal Education Committee. She is a DBIA certified professional, Certified Construction Manager (CCM) and LEED AP. ​

Robert Ussery, DBIA, CM-Lean
​Vice President / Operations | Otto Construction

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Robert has been with Otto Construction for 36 years and is currently the Vice President/ Operations. He oversees construction operations and promotes collaboration among all project teams, emphasizing the importance of being the “easy button” for clients. He uses his years of experience to advise teams when overcoming project challenges or identifying opportunities to provide clients with best-value solutions. Robert is a big proponent of Lean principles and coaches our staff on how to leverage them for success.

Fostering a More Inclusive ​and
Equitable Environment for LGBTQ+

Melissa Berg
Dir. of Inclusion, Culture and Engagement
​​Dome Construction

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Melissa Berg is a shareholder and the Director of Inclusion, Culture, and Engagement at Dome Construction. Melissa has been in the construction industry for 23 years, working on the construction of healthcare facilities for most of her career before her transition to her new role in 2020. Melissa served on the founding board for the Northern California chapter of Women in Construction Operations (WiOPS). She is currently the Vice President of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of CA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Steering Committee and serves as a board member on Berkeley’s Equity, Gender, and Leadership (EGAL) where she continues to work on her passion to drive inclusive and equitable change in the construction industry that she loves. ​

Fostering a More Inclusive ​and
Equitable Environment for LGBTQ+

Marcy Szarama
President | Destination Enterprises

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Marcy Szarama is the President of Destination Enterprises, a firm that provides construction and project management professional services, including inspection, safety oversight, schedule and cost administration, and construction claims services to the public and private sector. Szarama is a trailblazer in the Construction Management space, beginning in the “trenches” as one of the first female Resident Engineers on the Metro Red Line subway in Los Angeles prior to launching DE. 
​
Marcy has over 30 years of experience in the construction industry, specializing in construction management, change negotiation, project closeout and dispute avoidance and resolution. Marcy is a Founding Member of BuildOUT California/BuildIT, and serves on Board of CalInfra and the Senior Leadership Network of Conscious Capitalism International. ​

Fostering a More Inclusive ​and
Equitable Environment for LGBTQ+

​Michelle Stoffel
President | IBEW Local 340
​Journeyman Electrician

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Michelle Stoffel is a journeyman electrician with over 10 years’ experience in the field. She is the President of the IBEW Local 340 Women’s Committee. In 2024 she led the effort for IBEW 340 Women’s Committee to participate in the Sacramento Pride March and Festival for the first time with a goal to increase awareness of the trades as a viable career option. Michelle also has a background in Human Resources.  ​

Fostering a More Inclusive ​and
Equitable Environment for LGBTQ+

Nasim Adeli
​Small/Underrepresented Business (SUB) Partnership Manager | AGC of California

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Nasim Adeli is the Small/Underrepresented Business (SUB) Partnership Manager for the Associated General Contractors of California (AGC), which represents more than 1,000 construction companies and construction related firms throughout the state. Nasim works closely with AGC members and partners to provide resources and programming for SUB’s in California and bridge the gap between small, diverse businesses and larger prime contractors.  
In her previous role, Nasim worked as AGC of California’s Sr. DE&I Program Coordinator and Sr. Executive Assistant. Before joining AGC, Nasim worked as an Administrative Assistant/Program Support Coordinator for an international exchange organization that provided J-1 Visas to international students/interns. Nasim has also previously volunteered in community-based organizations that create safe and fun spaces for queer people to celebrate. 
She earned her B.A. degree in Global and International Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. During her undergraduate studies, she studied abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina, for one semester to study Spanish.  

Leading with Grace in construction

Alaina Rossi
Project Manager | FLINT

bio coming soon

Bio coming soon.

Leading with Grace in construction

Jenny Derry
Dir. of Preconstruction | FLINT

bio coming soon

Bio coming soon.

Leading with Grace in construction

Margaret Phillips
​Project Manager | Silicon Valley Mechanical

bio coming soon

Bio coming soon.

Leading with Grace
​in construction

Patricia Nguyen
Project Director | Kitchell CEM​

bio coming soon

Belonging Survey:
​What Gets Measured Gets Built​

​Kayla Montgomery
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Manager​AGC of California

read bio

Kayla Montgomery is the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Manager for the Associated General Contractors of California (AGC of California), a membership organization that represents over 1,000 construction-industry companies. At AGC of California, Kayla leads the development, strategy, and implementation of their DE&I programs including their quarterly DE&I Forum, Inclusive Leaders Institute, resource development, and consulting services. With more than 10 years of experience as a DE&I professional and a Masters of Science in Organizational Psychology, she is driven by her passion to make an impact and contribute to the industry strengthening the sense of belonging for all of our current and future workforce.

Speak Loud & Carry a Big Stick

​Chelsea Snyder, MSCM, DBIA
Project Engineer | Gilbane

​​

bio coming soon

Bio coming soon.

Speak Loud & Carry a Big Stick

Nathaniel Wilson, PE
Business Development and Preconstruction Manager | Clark Pacific

bio coming soon

Bio coming soon.

Speak Loud & Carry a Big Stick

Jamie Blatchford
Project Manager | Otto Construction
​

bio coming soon

Bio coming soon.

Speak Loud & Carry a Big Stick

Jana Aubert
Program Director | Cambridge CM
​

bio coming soon

Bio coming soon.

Speak Loud & Carry a Big Stick

Kirsten Gerbi
Marketing Coordinator | Landmark Construction
​

bio coming soon

Bio coming soon.

​From Building Bridges to Burning Bridges

Lisa Hartley, PE
Associate Principal and Partner | 
Linchpin Structural Engineering

bio coming soon

Bio coming soon

From Building Bridges to Burning Bridges

Claire Leader
Engineer in Training II | Martin Martin

bio coming soon

Bio coming soon

Lessons in Training and Mentorship
Across the AEC Industry

Laura Knauss
AIA – President | Lionakis

bio coming soon

Bio coming soon.

Lessons in Training and Mentorship
Across the AEC Industry

Martha Estrada
Program Director | Kitchell

bio coming soon

Bio coming soon.

Lessons in Training and Mentorship
Across the AEC Industry

Elizabeth Hawks McBride
AIA -  Associate | Nacht & Lewis

bio coming soon

Lessons in Training and Mentorship
Across the AEC Industry

Anna Kennedy
Project Executive | CORE Construction

bio coming soon

Bio coming soon.

Lessons in Training and Mentorship
Across the AEC Industry

Ginger Thompson
AIA – Senior Associate | Dreyfuss & Blackford

bio coming soon

Bio coming soon.

Construction Management panel
​with SMUD and Kitchell

Linda Giovannoni
Senior Civil Engineer | SMUD

bio coming soon

Bio coming soon.

Construction Management panel
​with SMUD and Kitchell

Jennifer Frahm, MBA, LEED AP
Operations Manager | Kitchell

bio coming soon

Bio coming soon.

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