WEDNESDAY 2025 MOTIVATIONAL KEYNOTE
Sandra Yawn
"Captain Sandy"
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Captain Sandra Yawn (“Captain Sandy”) is a leader, international speaker and businesswoman, whose exceptional leadership style has helped her to break through every obstacle in her path – from the glass ceilings and near-fatal accidents on land to pirates and fires at sea!
As a renowned superyacht captain with over 30 years of international maritime experience, Yawn’s integrity and courage have earned her an outstanding reputation as an elite class of captain, and recognition from the International Superyacht Society, who bestowed upon her the prestigious Distinguished Crew Award for her bravery in the midst of a catastrophic fire and pirate threat that occurred in 2006 off the coast of Yemen.
Tapping into her signature conviction and affinity for adventure, Yawn charted a brand new course in 2015 when she became a series lead on Bravo’s hit series Below Deck Mediterranean.
As a renowned superyacht captain with over 30 years of international maritime experience, Yawn’s integrity and courage have earned her an outstanding reputation as an elite class of captain, and recognition from the International Superyacht Society, who bestowed upon her the prestigious Distinguished Crew Award for her bravery in the midst of a catastrophic fire and pirate threat that occurred in 2006 off the coast of Yemen.
Tapping into her signature conviction and affinity for adventure, Yawn charted a brand new course in 2015 when she became a series lead on Bravo’s hit series Below Deck Mediterranean.
EMCEE
Julie Brown
Founder, Principal
JB|BD
Founder, Principal
JB|BD
WEDNESDAY SWINERTON PANEL DISCUSSION
Kelly Aust
National President National Association Women in Construction |
Lia Tatevosian
Sr. Vice President and Southern California and Hawaii Region Manager Swinerton |
Lori Dunn-Guion
Sr. Vice President and Northern California and Region Manager Swinerton |
THURSDAY GENERAL SESSION SPEAKERS
Barb Allen
Founder 14%ers |
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IMPORTANT CONVERSATIONS | WORKSHOPS + PANELS
Beyond Balance: Empowering Women Leaders in the Whole-Life Workplace
Presented by: AIA Central Valley
Moderator: Laura Knauss
Panelists: Kelley Cowan, Jennifer Frahm, Julie Nola
Led by Laura Knauss, AIA, this engaging panel explores how women across the AEC industry are redefining leadership by embracing the full spectrum of professional and personal life. Through candid discussion and shared experiences, the session examines systemic challenges, practical strategies for growth, and the power of supportive workplace cultures in cultivating resilient, effective women leaders.
Moderator: Laura Knauss
Panelists: Kelley Cowan, Jennifer Frahm, Julie Nola
Led by Laura Knauss, AIA, this engaging panel explores how women across the AEC industry are redefining leadership by embracing the full spectrum of professional and personal life. Through candid discussion and shared experiences, the session examines systemic challenges, practical strategies for growth, and the power of supportive workplace cultures in cultivating resilient, effective women leaders.
A Roadmap to Leadership, Advocacy, and Advancement
Moderator: Brooke Higman
Panelists: Holly Lifke, Mika Reckers, Krista Looza, Kacie McLeod
Join us for an immersive, hands-on experience designed to tackle the unique challenges and extraordinary opportunities women encounter in the construction sector. Through a blend of guided exercises and interactive discussions led by industry leaders, participants will gain a strategic blueprint for personal and professional growth.
This comprehensive workshop is purposefully crafted for women at all stages of their construction careers—whether you’re just entering the industry or guiding major projects as an experienced professional. At the heart of this session lies the belief that every woman in construction deserves the tools, knowledge, and confidence to carve out her own path to success and leadership.
Panelists: Holly Lifke, Mika Reckers, Krista Looza, Kacie McLeod
Join us for an immersive, hands-on experience designed to tackle the unique challenges and extraordinary opportunities women encounter in the construction sector. Through a blend of guided exercises and interactive discussions led by industry leaders, participants will gain a strategic blueprint for personal and professional growth.
This comprehensive workshop is purposefully crafted for women at all stages of their construction careers—whether you’re just entering the industry or guiding major projects as an experienced professional. At the heart of this session lies the belief that every woman in construction deserves the tools, knowledge, and confidence to carve out her own path to success and leadership.
Women in Trades Imposter Syndrome
Presented by: SMUD
Moderator: Christy Dray
Panelists: Karyn Newmark, Heather McMullen, Sheri Rice, Tiffany Clemmons,
Panel discussion with women in the trades who have experienced imposter syndrome, overcame it and are thriving in their career in the trades. Facilitated by a woman who overcame imposter syndrome herself (Manager of Substation Construction & Maintenance), listen to the women of IBEW 1245 and have an opportunity to ask them questions.
Key Learning Outcomes:
Identify the signs of imposter syndrome
Identify the effects of imposter syndrome
Learn strategies women in the trades have used to overcome imposter syndrome
Moderator: Christy Dray
Panelists: Karyn Newmark, Heather McMullen, Sheri Rice, Tiffany Clemmons,
Panel discussion with women in the trades who have experienced imposter syndrome, overcame it and are thriving in their career in the trades. Facilitated by a woman who overcame imposter syndrome herself (Manager of Substation Construction & Maintenance), listen to the women of IBEW 1245 and have an opportunity to ask them questions.
Key Learning Outcomes:
Identify the signs of imposter syndrome
Identify the effects of imposter syndrome
Learn strategies women in the trades have used to overcome imposter syndrome
Raising the Roof: Shattering Ceilings Through Mentorship
Presented by: NAWIC
Moderator: Jennifer Angst
Panelists: Cory Fisk, Dona Lisa Buschmann, Julia Moore, Rena Goudey
Discover how mentorship can be a transformative force across industries and identities. This interactive workshop will guide participants through the process of finding and cultivating meaningful mentor relationships, applying practical strategies, and overcoming common obstacles such as limited time and inconsistent follow-through.
The session also explores the natural evolution from mentee to mentor, offering insights and tools to help shape personalized and impactful mentorship experiences. Attendees will leave equipped with a mentorship questionnaire, clearly defined goals for developing a mentorship program, and actionable tips for fostering successful mentoring partnerships.
Moderator: Jennifer Angst
Panelists: Cory Fisk, Dona Lisa Buschmann, Julia Moore, Rena Goudey
Discover how mentorship can be a transformative force across industries and identities. This interactive workshop will guide participants through the process of finding and cultivating meaningful mentor relationships, applying practical strategies, and overcoming common obstacles such as limited time and inconsistent follow-through.
The session also explores the natural evolution from mentee to mentor, offering insights and tools to help shape personalized and impactful mentorship experiences. Attendees will leave equipped with a mentorship questionnaire, clearly defined goals for developing a mentorship program, and actionable tips for fostering successful mentoring partnerships.
Step Up, Speak Out: Creating & Protecting Inclusive Worksite Cultures
Presented by: AGC of California
Lead by: Kayla Montgomery and Kristen Parks
When hazing, bullying, and harassment go unchecked on construction sites, projects suffer. Safety incidents increase, quality workers leave, timelines stretch, and budgets balloon. This interactive workshop equips construction professionals with actionable tools to contribute to inclusive cultures that deepen the sense of belonging for all on a worksite.
Green Dot for the Construction Trades (GDCT) provides proven, research-backed strategies specifically adapted for the construction industry's unique culture and challenges. Participants learn skills to speak up effectively, redirect harmful situations, and create lasting change that protects people and project success.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
• Recognize how hazing, bullying, and harassment directly impact project culture and team efficiency.
• Apply specific techniques to step up and take action when witnessing concerning behaviors.
• Use simple yet effective communication strategies to redirect situations without escalating conflict.
• Create accountability systems that support an inclusive workplace culture and project success.
Lead by: Kayla Montgomery and Kristen Parks
When hazing, bullying, and harassment go unchecked on construction sites, projects suffer. Safety incidents increase, quality workers leave, timelines stretch, and budgets balloon. This interactive workshop equips construction professionals with actionable tools to contribute to inclusive cultures that deepen the sense of belonging for all on a worksite.
Green Dot for the Construction Trades (GDCT) provides proven, research-backed strategies specifically adapted for the construction industry's unique culture and challenges. Participants learn skills to speak up effectively, redirect harmful situations, and create lasting change that protects people and project success.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
• Recognize how hazing, bullying, and harassment directly impact project culture and team efficiency.
• Apply specific techniques to step up and take action when witnessing concerning behaviors.
• Use simple yet effective communication strategies to redirect situations without escalating conflict.
• Create accountability systems that support an inclusive workplace culture and project success.
From Classroom to Construction Site: Voices of the Next Generation
Presented by: CSUC
Moderator: Marie Patterson
Panelists: Alexis Smith, Damarys Mondragon, Jillian Nord, Shelby Gustafson
Join us for an engaging session where female construction management students share their experiences navigating hiring, recruiting, and internship opportunities in the construction industry. They will also share insights into how the industry can continue to improve diversity, attract, and retain younger women.
Learn from several up-and-coming women leaders from Chico State’s Construction Management program on what attracts them to a company, what will keep them, and what room for growth the industry still has to encourage young women to the industry and companies.
Moderator: Marie Patterson
Panelists: Alexis Smith, Damarys Mondragon, Jillian Nord, Shelby Gustafson
Join us for an engaging session where female construction management students share their experiences navigating hiring, recruiting, and internship opportunities in the construction industry. They will also share insights into how the industry can continue to improve diversity, attract, and retain younger women.
Learn from several up-and-coming women leaders from Chico State’s Construction Management program on what attracts them to a company, what will keep them, and what room for growth the industry still has to encourage young women to the industry and companies.
Getting Out of Your Own Way
Lead by: Misha Homara
In an industry that doesn’t always make space for women, it’s easy to internalize the doubt and downplay your achievements. This empowering workshop is designed to help you break those patterns and take up the space you’ve earned.
We’ll dive into practical tools and mindset shifts to help you:
Identify the self-doubt and internal narratives that limit your growth
• Use the Brag Better method to confidently speak about your work, because visibility in construction isn’t vanity, it’s strategy
• Apply the Let Them Theory to stay rooted in your purpose, even when others try to shrink your power
Whether you're leading teams, managing projects, or stepping into new roles, this session will help you own your voice, your value, and your path forward, unapologetically.
In an industry that doesn’t always make space for women, it’s easy to internalize the doubt and downplay your achievements. This empowering workshop is designed to help you break those patterns and take up the space you’ve earned.
We’ll dive into practical tools and mindset shifts to help you:
Identify the self-doubt and internal narratives that limit your growth
• Use the Brag Better method to confidently speak about your work, because visibility in construction isn’t vanity, it’s strategy
• Apply the Let Them Theory to stay rooted in your purpose, even when others try to shrink your power
Whether you're leading teams, managing projects, or stepping into new roles, this session will help you own your voice, your value, and your path forward, unapologetically.
Paving the Way to Predictable Growth: How to Build a Sales Pipeline You Can Count On + AI Use Case
Lead by: Jeani Ringkob
When work comes in waves, growth stalls and teams burn out. In this session, asphalt company leaders will learn how to escape the chaos of random marketing and inconsistent sales by implementing a simple, proven system to generate reliable demand, season after season. This talk offers real-world stories and frameworks paving pros can use to regain control and accelerate growth—plus, we’ll explore how to use AI to build smarter, more efficient pipelines.
When work comes in waves, growth stalls and teams burn out. In this session, asphalt company leaders will learn how to escape the chaos of random marketing and inconsistent sales by implementing a simple, proven system to generate reliable demand, season after season. This talk offers real-world stories and frameworks paving pros can use to regain control and accelerate growth—plus, we’ll explore how to use AI to build smarter, more efficient pipelines.
Put on Your Own Oxygen Mask First: Mental Health in Construction
Lead by: Lea Rummel, and Stephanie Osbahr
a. This powerful presentation explores the intersection of mental health and the demanding world of construction. Through a blend of personal storytelling and practical insight, they highlight how companies, teams, and individuals can each play a crucial role in promoting mental wellness on and off the jobsite. Lea and Stephanie draw from lived experiences, including the weight of family trauma, mental health challenges, and the relentless stressors of daily life. Their stories are as heartfelt as they are motivating, demonstrating resilience and the possibility of thriving in even the toughest environments. More than just reflection, this session is a call to action. Attendees are encouraged to take steps toward their well-being and to spark change in their workplaces. From initiating difficult conversations to fostering a culture of compassion, the speakers challenge each listener to become an advocate for mental health in construction. The takeaway? A deepened understanding of mental health, renewed energy to tell your own story, and practical inspiration to help shape healthier, more supportive work environments.
a. This powerful presentation explores the intersection of mental health and the demanding world of construction. Through a blend of personal storytelling and practical insight, they highlight how companies, teams, and individuals can each play a crucial role in promoting mental wellness on and off the jobsite. Lea and Stephanie draw from lived experiences, including the weight of family trauma, mental health challenges, and the relentless stressors of daily life. Their stories are as heartfelt as they are motivating, demonstrating resilience and the possibility of thriving in even the toughest environments. More than just reflection, this session is a call to action. Attendees are encouraged to take steps toward their well-being and to spark change in their workplaces. From initiating difficult conversations to fostering a culture of compassion, the speakers challenge each listener to become an advocate for mental health in construction. The takeaway? A deepened understanding of mental health, renewed energy to tell your own story, and practical inspiration to help shape healthier, more supportive work environments.
How Community Engagement Opens the Doors for Opportunity
Lead by: Lydia Ramirez
Attendees will learn how to use community engagement to as a pathway to their success. Learning how to effectively network, build diverse connections and find mentors and advocates can further your career and professional development.
Attendees will walk away and learn:
•How to network to build diverse connections
•How to build your internal board (mentors and advocates)
•Using community engagement as a pathway to success.
Attendees will learn how to use community engagement to as a pathway to their success. Learning how to effectively network, build diverse connections and find mentors and advocates can further your career and professional development.
Attendees will walk away and learn:
•How to network to build diverse connections
•How to build your internal board (mentors and advocates)
•Using community engagement as a pathway to success.
Women in Construction: The Crucial Role of Marketing
Presented by: SMPS
Moderator: April Willoughby
Panelists: Sharon Norton, Marina Hill, Fawn Radmanich, and Christy Ryan
The term "Women in Construction" encompasses a broad spectrum of roles and responsibilities, particularly for marketers who play a pivotal role within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. Unlike many positions, marketing in AEC does not always require a technical background but invariably demands collaboration and management across all facets of the business. AEC marketers have the potential to significantly influence business outcomes and, in turn, experience profound impacts on their own careers.
This panel discussion will highlight the career trajectories of leading AEC marketing professionals throughout Northern California, exploring how they achieved their current positions, the most valuable lessons they have learned, and the insights they wish they had known earlier in their careers. The objective of this panel discussion is to illustrate the various pathways to leadership or career success within the AEC industry, however defined, and to demonstrate how marketing can serve as a viable and impactful route to achieving individual career goals.
Moderator: April Willoughby
Panelists: Sharon Norton, Marina Hill, Fawn Radmanich, and Christy Ryan
The term "Women in Construction" encompasses a broad spectrum of roles and responsibilities, particularly for marketers who play a pivotal role within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. Unlike many positions, marketing in AEC does not always require a technical background but invariably demands collaboration and management across all facets of the business. AEC marketers have the potential to significantly influence business outcomes and, in turn, experience profound impacts on their own careers.
This panel discussion will highlight the career trajectories of leading AEC marketing professionals throughout Northern California, exploring how they achieved their current positions, the most valuable lessons they have learned, and the insights they wish they had known earlier in their careers. The objective of this panel discussion is to illustrate the various pathways to leadership or career success within the AEC industry, however defined, and to demonstrate how marketing can serve as a viable and impactful route to achieving individual career goals.
WORKSHOP SPEAKERS + PANELISTS
Beyond Balance: Empowering Women Leaders in the Whole-Life WorkplaceLaura Knauss
President | Lionakis |
Beyond Balance: Empowering Women Leaders in the Whole-Life WorkplaceKelley Cowan
Executive Vice President S + B James Construction |
Beyond Balance: Empowering Women Leaders in the Whole-Life WorkplaceJennifer Frahm
Northern California Regional Executive | Kitchell |
Beyond Balance: Empowering Women Leaders in the Whole-Life WorkplaceJulie Nola
Associate Vice Chancellor & University Architect UC Davis |
Women in Trades
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Women in Trades
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Women in Trades
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Women in Trades
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Women in Trades
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Raising the Roof: Shattering Ceilings Through MentorshipJennifer Angst
Controller | Boyett Construction |
Raising the Roof: Shattering Ceilings Through MentorshipCory Fisk
Founder | Construction Management Online |
Raising the Roof: Shattering Ceilings Through MentorshipDona Lisa Buschmann
VP | Surety, Bender Insurance Solutions |
Raising the Roof: Shattering Ceilings Through MentorshipJulia Moore
VP, Producer Woodruff Sawyer, A Gallagher Company |
Raising the Roof: Shattering Ceilings Through MentorshipRena Goudey
Sr. Risk Engineer | AXA XL |
Step Up, Speak Out: Creating & Protecting Inclusive Worksite CulturesKayla Montgomery
Senior Industry Advancement Manager AGC of California |
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Step Up, Speak Out: Creating & Protecting Inclusive Worksite Cultures |
From Classroom to Construction Site: Voices of the Next Generation |
From Classroom to Construction Site: Voices of the Next Generation |
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Kristen Parks
Vice President of Project Development Alteristic |
Marie Patterson
Associate Professor and Chair, Construction Management California State University, Chico |
Jillian Nord
President Chico State Women in Construction Club |
From Classroom to Construction Site: Voices of the Next Generation Alexis Smith
Past President Chico State Women in Construction Club |
From Classroom to Construction Site: Voices of the Next GenerationDamarys Mondragon
President Chico State Beavers Heavy Civil Club |
From Classroom to Construction Site: Voices of the Next GenerationShelby Gustafson
President Chico State Mechanical Contractors Association Club |
Getting Out of Your Own Way Misha Homara
Chief Executive Officer | Tricorepanels |
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Put on Your Own Oxygen Mask First: Mental Health in ConstructionStephanie Osbahr
Workforce Development & Community Engagement Manager The Boldt Company |
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Women in Construction: The Crucial
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Women in Construction: The Crucial Role of MarketingChristy Ryan, CPSM
Principal and Marketing Director | Ascent |
A Roadmap to Leadership, Advocacy,
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A Roadmap to Leadership, Advocacy,
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A Roadmap to Leadership, Advocacy,
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A Roadmap to Leadership, Advocacy,
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A Roadmap to Leadership, Advocacy,
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