The J.E. McAmis Team partnered with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for 0 lost time accidents and 187,655 manhours during the construction of the 2017 – 2019 MCR North Jetty. Building the Impossible Since 1973

jetty/breakwater | environmental • Jetty/breakwaters dredging | marine works • Environmental • Dredging • Marine works

621 County Drive Chico, California 95928 (530) 891-5061 • Fax (530) 891-0904 • Email: [email protected] • www.jemcamis.com 11 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Suite 201, Portland, Oregon INSIDE Call 503.226.1311 or e-mail [email protected] PUBLISHER REGULARS Nick Bjork [email protected] 4 From the Publisher GROUP EDITOR Joe Yovino [email protected] 32-33 Around Town SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR Theresa McKinlay 32-34 Women at Work [email protected]

CONTRIBUTING WRITER Melody Finnemore

WEB EDITOR Scott Huish Monique Allen...... 6 Gianna Krol...... 17

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Bill Beyer Kristin Asai...... 6 Ellen Krusi...... 18 [email protected] 503.802.7214 Jewel Bergeron...... 7 Quisha Light...... 18 MULTIMEDIA SALES EXECUTIVE Christopher Hawley [email protected] Jennifer Bianchini...... 8 Steffi McDonald...... 19 503.802.7211 INSIDE SALES REPRESENTATIVE Iris Boulware...... 8 Della Mosier...... 20 Linda Warnock [email protected] 503.802.7217 Serah Breakstone...... 9 Catherine Myers...... 20 GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jackie Royds Sheri Brenner...... 9 Lauren Peng...... 22 AD DESIGN SUPERVISOR Jordan Mazuranic Molly Davis...... 10 Dr. Melanie Quaempts...... 22 AD DESIGNER Abigail Wilhelm Kaliska Day...... 10 McKenzie Richardson...... 23 Kevin McDaniel CUSTOM ARTICLE REPRINTS Stacey Flint...... 11 Jackie Ross...... 23 Jered Stonge [email protected] Kimberly Gamble...... 12 Crystal Sanderson...... 24 CUSTOMER SERVICE 503.226.1311 Carolina Gomez...... 12 Shannon Sevigny...... 24 Nicole Haman...... 13 Tami Skiles...... 25 DJC The Daily Journal of Commerce (ISSN 0896- 0862) with USPS permit 143-560 – the official newspaper of the City of Portland, is published Sofia Hellberg-Jonsen...... 13 Annelisa Smith...... 26 Monday, Wednesday and Friday with Periodical Postage Paid at Portland OR by BridgeTower Media (DBA The Daily Journal of Commerce Inc.). It also is a Karina Hershberg...... 14 Erica Spiritos...... 26 member of American Court & Commercial Newspapers Inc., and the ACCN News Service, National Newspaper Association, International Newspaper Promotion Khara Hillis...... 14 Jessie Steiger...... 27 Association, Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association Inc., The Associated General Contractors of America, ...... 15 ...... 27 Oregon-Columbia chapter and Associated Builders Leslie Imes Sharron van der Meulen and Contractors Inc. Daily Journal of Commerce is an affiliate of BridgeTower Media. Tina Keller...... 15 Mary Louise VanNatta...... 28 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Subscription Services P.O. Box 1051, Laurie Kendall...... 16 Jannel Waldron...... 28 Williamsport PA 17703-9940. Subscription rates: One year $249. Single copy $2. Back issue, current month, $4. Back issue, previous Angela Khosa-Marangwanda...... 16 Afton Walsh...... 30 month, current year, when available, $6. Back issue, previous year when available, $8. Periodicals postage paid at Portland, Ore. Rebekah Kilgore...... 17 Jennifer Yruegas...... 30 Contents copyrighted 2020 by Daily Journal of Commerce. All rights reserved. Women of Vision 2020 | 3 LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER Congratulations lack of support systems and the barrier Finally, it stood out to me how many to the 42 women of systemic sexism in their way. Every of these women have multiple job titles being honored as year is a unique class, but as you will or wear multiple hats. The careers that 2020 DJC Wom- see within these pages, this class truly these women have carved are one-of- en of Vision award stands out. a-kind, and it magnifies just how valu- recipients. I noticed three things about this year’s able these women are to their organiza- There is no nominations. First, it is likely our most tions. And, as you might expect, many doubt that 2020 diverse class yet – but still not diverse of these women juggle these duties has been a enough. Please submit nominations for with the added task of raising a family. strange year, particularly for events. people of color to all the DJC events so With that said, I hope you enjoy read- In fact, we almost canceled Women of we can promote their voices. Vision this year. But after reading the ing these profiles as much as I did. nominations we became certain it was Second, I was surprised by how many And once again, congratulations to this imperative to tell these inspiring stories of the honorees had not dreamed of the year’s class! during such an uncertain time. building and design industries from a Now in its seventh year, and first-ever young age. This year’s class has wom- virtual version, Women of Vision is an en who served in the military, worked opportunity to highlight women who’ve in retail, or dreamed of being teachers, Nick Bjork forged their own path through the artists or veterinarians before finding Publisher building industries, oftentimes with a their way to the A|E|C industries. DJC Oregon

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Women of Vision 2020 | 5 Monique Allen

president of ACMS Northwest

hen Monique Allen was dates to keep the public informed, and added public outreach and mar- growing up and it was keting to Allen’s portfolio of skills. WTake Your Child to Work She moved back to Portland and seven years ago started ACMS North- Day, her siblings were more in- west, which provides professional construction management, inspection terested in going with their mom, and engineering services to municipal, government and private clients. who worked for Portland’s school Allen also continues to offer cleanup and remediation services when system, than joining their dad, mudslides and other weather-related events strike the Portland metro who worked at the Columbia area. Boulevard Wastewater Treatment “It really went hand in hand and it’s been a good way to involve some Plant. Allen volunteered to go community service and keep our guys working when projects are down,” with him and was pleasantly sur- she said. prised by the experience. As part of her work, Allen establishes relationships with prime and sub- “There’s a lot going on behind the scenes that you don’t know about, consultant firms as teaming partners for current and upcoming projects, so that day with him sparked my interest. After that the opportunity came and she directs internal minority programs and compliance for clients. along for me to be a documents control specialist and administrative She said she appreciates the opportunity to see how public works proj- support at the treatment plant,” she said, adding she started working ects can impact people’s lives. there when she was 18. “I’m definitely a social person so I really enjoy the business develop- Allen relocated to Florida, where hurricanes and tropical storms gave ment aspect of it, talking with clients and meeting with them. It’s been her experience in emergency management and project oversight on de- a joy to see life through different perspectives on all sides of the fence,” bris cleanup and roadway and transportation projects. These incidents said Allen, who served as diversity chair for the Advancement of Women required quick and effective coordination of meetings, events and up- in Transportation.

Kristin Asai

partner at Holland & Knight

ristin Asai’s family histo- enjoys learning about a client’s specific business model and needs, and ry shaped her desire to then developing a legal strategy to meet the client’s goals. Kstudy law, ensure access “I am honored to work with great clients and an amazing team of di- to justice, promote and advocate verse attorneys and staff. We always use a team approach to our cases for diversity, and zealously advo- that capitalizes on each person’s unique strengths and backgrounds,” cate for her clients. she said. “During World War II, my Jap- Asai is president of the Oregon Asian Pacific American Bar Association anese family, who owned and and serves as coordinator for Holland & Knight’s 2020 Rising Star class. operated fruit orchards in Hood She is former chair of the Oregon State Bar Legal Ethics Committee. River, were forcibly removed from In 2014, the bar selected Asai to serve on a nine-member committee their homes and incarcerated,” charged with writing the anti-bias rule for its Rules of Professional Con- she said. “My grandmother, who still lives in Hood River, keeps President duct. Reagan’s apology letter to our family framed on the wall of her home, She also served on a committee that helped Oregon’s first Presidential which taught me the importance of never giving up in the fight for jus- Medal of Freedom honoree, Minoru Yasui, receive recognition for his life- tice.” time commitment to justice. In addition, Asai serves on the Arts Education Asai earned her law degree from Lewis & Clark College’s Northwestern Committee for the Regional Arts & Culture Council in Portland. School of Law. After law school, she was a clerk for the Honorable Ancer Asai was named one of NAPABA’s Best Lawyers Under 40 this year and L. Haggerty at the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon. is in the 2021 Best Lawyers in America guide for Commercial Litigation. The Portland trial attorney said she enjoys teamwork, competition and She also has been included as a Rising Star in Oregon Super Lawyers solving problems, so complex commercial litigation was a natural fit. She magazine every year since 2014.

6 | Women of Vision 2020 Jewel Bergeron

business development manager for Northwest Engineering Services Inc.

ewel Bergeron is the first sive opportunities for other women to advance in the industry. non-engineer to serve on A member of CREW Portland, Bergeron served on the organization’s JNWESI’s board of direc- Programs Committee for three years. She raised more than $6,000 for tors and she helped the board the CREW Foundation, which helps provide scholarships for young wom- develop and implement the firm’s en pursuing careers in commercial real estate. She made herself avail- Corporate Responsibility Report. able for the CREW Future Leaders Program, which mentors people early Since she joined the firm, she in their careers. In 2021, Bergeron will serve as the CREW chapter’s has implemented new software president. that organizes its client contacts and business development op- A volunteer with Girls Inc. and the Portland Public Schools Career portunities as well as software Technical Education Program/Career Talks, Bergeron also is currently that publishes marketing materials and RFP responses so they are pol- pursuing Court Appointed Special Advocates certification. As a CASA vol- ished and professional. unteer, she will be an advocate for children navigating the foster care Bergeron’s accomplishments with NWESI also include updating its system. These volunteer advocates speak up on a child’s behalf and help website, helping define and implement policies for employee retention, them through what is often a confusing and scary time. defining and implementing strategic goals for business development, and “Jewel is a true collaborator and one who can bring out the best from driving the increase in companywide participation in organizations. those around her,” said her nominator Heidi Tapasa, senior vice president She earned a bachelor’s degree in speech communication at Oregon of USI and fellow CREW member. “If one is looking for a role model, try State University and applies those communication, facilitation and inter- emulating her caring, funny, insightful, helpful, compassionate and driven personal skills to her work. As a professional working in the engineering characteristics and you will indeed be well suited for any challenges that and construction industry, Bergeron is passionate about creating inclu- may come your way.”

Women of Vision 2020 | 7 Jennifer Bianchini

director of people and culture at R&H Construction

ennifer Bianchini grad- our projects,” she said. “It is technical, challenging work and our team uated from college with never ceases to amaze me with what they can accomplish.” Ja degree in communica- As R&H’s director of people and culture, Bianchini creates, administers tions and worked in public rela- and coordinates HR policies and programs, ensuring company practices tions for a year before starting align with employment laws and regulations and support the company’s at R&H Construction as its re- strategic direction. ceptionist. After two weeks, an Bianchini is active in her community, dedicating time to organizations HR assistant position opened up such as New Avenues for Youth, Schoolhouse Supplies, Canstruction, De- and she applied because she Pave Oregon, the Oregon Food Bank and SOLVE Oregon, among others. loves connecting with employ- ees, helping people and listening “Selfishly, it makes my heart feel good to have a small impact on helping in our community. I think we all want to be a part of something to their needs. larger than ourselves,” she said. “I love organizations like the Oregon R&H provides a tuition reimbursement program, so she used that to Food Bank, SOLVE and DePave, where you can work with your team, pro- take night courses through Portland State University’s HR Certificate pro- vide hands-on work and visually see the fruits of your labor. I am always gram. She thoroughly enjoyed the classes and applying the new knowl- amazed at how much a small group can achieve together.” edge to the company. A mom of two daughters, Bianchini volunteers her time by serving R&H’s mission is to provide an exceptional building experience and hot lunch, helping in the school library and book fairs, reading in the Bianchini takes that to heart. “My favorite part of my job is visiting our classroom and presenting for career day. R&H Vice President Ev Galloni jobsites and seeing our projects come to life. I love talking with our team said, “Her support and mentoring of her two daughters, I’m confident, will members, asking questions and learning about what goes into building enable them to be strong and visionary women of our future.”

Iris Boulware

project manager for Howard S. Wright (HSW), a Balfour Beatty Company

ris Boulware began her ca- thing and its foundation is based on doing a good job for our clients,” she reer in 1993 while pursuing said. “I really enjoy when we have partners, whether they are designers Ia degree in construction or engineers, who are all just trying to put food on the table and a roof science at Texas A&M Univer- over our heads and go to bed knowing we did our best work.” sity. During her college years, Most recently, Boulware has taken on an additional role as HSW’s she worked as a research in- Northwest Division’s representative to the National Diversity Advisory tern for the National Association Group. The advisory panel is having honest dialogue about race relations of Homebuilders, assisting with issues facing project teams in the industry and in the field. writing an industry publication For more than six years, Boulware has served as co-chair of the ACE regarding residential energy ef- Mentor Program’s Portland chapter, and she has participated in ACE’s ficiency. Finance and Fundraising and Scholarship committees. Since graduating in 1996, Boulware has worked in Redwood City, “The ACE Mentor Program is truly blessed to have Iris on our team,” California, and San Francisco. She moved to Portland so her children said Jim Ray, chair of ACE’s board of directors, noting Boulware’s pas- could be closer to their grandparents and joined HSW’s Special Projects sion, energy and leadership have helped ACE mentor more than 900 high Group in 2012. In addition to managing multiple, fast-paced projects at school students in architecture, construction and engineering and award the same time, Boulware is consistently relied upon by clients to work more than $500,000 in scholarship money during her time on the board. through pricing exercises and fine-tune project budgets. “Iris is a true role model and champion for young women and students Boulware said her favorite aspect of her work is the people on her proj- of color considering an ACE-related career. I can’t think of anyone who is ect teams and the synergy they generate. “We’re all trying to do the same more deserving of this award,” Ray said.

8 | Women of Vision 2020 Serah Breakstone

AICP, senior planner and project manager at Otak Inc.

erah Breakstone studied and counties plan for growth over the next 20 years and beyond. She environmental science and notes it’s the kind of proactive, long-range work that drew her to plan- Swildlife biology as an un- ning in the first place because she has an opportunity to help shape dergrad, which made her aware the way communities grow at all stages, from developing the framework of how urban sprawl can degrade (high-level concept planning), to creating the rules (zoning codes), to natural resources and perma- implementing the plans (design and development). nently alter ecosystems. She had “There’s great variety in the work I do, and a high level of satisfaction. I visited Portland several times also really enjoy the collaborative nature. I get to work with transportation and was drawn to Portland State specialists, urban designers, architects, engineers and public engage- University’s Master of Urban and ment experts; all these smart and creative people coming together to Regional Planning program. think and plan and solve. It’s challenging and rewarding and I feel fortu- “Portland seemed to be at the forefront of urban planning practice and nate to be able to do this kind of work every day,” she said. it felt like an exciting place to be,” she said. “Over the years, I’ve done Among the projects Breakstone has led is the House Bill 2001 Middle a wide variety of planning work in both the private and public sectors and I’ve learned there’s a strong foundation that underlies all planning Housing Rulemaking Project, which provides more flexibility for high- work in Oregon. Whether you’re planning for a new community, building er-density housing for Oregon’s Department of Land Conservation and a school or permitting a commercial development, the same basic set of Development. She also is board treasurer for the Oregon Chapter of the principles applies. That appeals to me and keeps me interested in the American Planning Association and mentors a young woman she met work.” through her volunteer work for New Avenues for Youth, among several Breakstone’s work focuses on public planning, such as helping cities other volunteer activities.

Sheri Brenner

quality, health, safety and environmental (QHSE) director for J.E. MCAmis Inc.

heri Brenner’s career in dents and its man-hours and revenues have nearly quadrupled. safety started with her “I try to go to the different jobsites and see if they need anything as far Sworking as a firefighter as site safety goes,” she said. “I really like the flexibility and the diverse and paramedic in central Oregon environments we have on our projects.” nearly four decades ago. When Brenner led the effort to get all of the company’s tugboats and work- she moved to the Portland area, boats up to new USCG subchapter M compliance, giving McAmis one of she worked for private ambu- the first Sub-M compliant vessels on the Columbia River. She also has lance companies and a pair of coordinated training and rescue efforts between McAmis, the U.S. Corps fire departments while teaching of Engineers, USCG, Search and Rescue, and local fire departments for about 15 years. where the company performs work. In 2004, Brenner served in Iraq as a contract medic and met several She took the lead on getting equipment and monetary donations for people working in the oil fields. “When I came home I was not really ready to go back and potentially be a paramedic in an urban setting. I just local fire stations and rescue groups that serve areas where McAmis wasn’t in the mindset,” she said. employees are involved in projects. Brenner also has volunteered time in She instead worked as a medic in offshore deepwater oil exploration the “Stop the Bleed” program through the American College of Surgeons. for a decade, which she called her transition to safety, and then interna- Brenner has taken multiple employees, both male and female, under tionally as a health and safety manager for shipyard projects. her wing and helped them get qualified in quality control and safety roles When she joined J.E. McAmis in 2017, the company had not yet had on multiple U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects. In addition, she has a QHSE director. During her tenure, there have been zero lost time acci- served as a student preceptor for Advanced Life Support in EMS.

Women of Vision 2020 | 9 Molly Davis

PE, associate, transportation project manager at David Evans and Associates Inc.

olly Davis began learn- project that reconnects sections of the Historic Columbia River Highway ing about engineering to create a multiuse trail for bicycles and pedestrians. Mfrom her grandfather, a In addition, she’s recently been involved in a project that will rehabili- civil engineer and city manag- tate the road that follows the perimeter of Crater Lake. Davis has worked er of a mid-size coastal town. on a few projects that replace or perform maintenance on structures on As they drove around town, he major state interstates like I-84 and I-5. Her work earned her DEA’s Client would explain infrastructure im- Service Award for feedback she received from the ODOT project manager provements and point out prob- during development of the I-84 Graham Road Bridges project. lems that were identified but Davis has championed DEA’s involvement in Future Engineers Day, were a lower priority. He also during which 300 students from more than 20 high schools gather for talked about maintenance concerns and ran through potential solutions. lunch with local engineers so they can ask questions about their career “He introduced me to innovative problem solving and it just stuck,” experiences and listen to a featured speaker. She also is co-develop- she said. “Transportation, specifically, has always piqued my interest due ing a series of brown bag training sessions to technically train engi- to its importance for physically connecting people and communities. It neers-in-training and convey what it means to be a consultant in the simply feels like this industry has been a part of the fibers of my being for transportation industry. as long as I can remember.” Davis has served as board secretary for the American Society of Civ- Davis said she has been fortunate to work on exciting projects in some il Engineers Capital Branch, a volunteer at the Women’s Transportation of the most beautiful parts of Oregon over the past decade. These include Seminar Annual National Conference, and a member of the American restoring the Oneonta Tunnel, a timber tunnel with historic importance in Council of Engineering Companies Oregon chapter Training Subcommit- the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. She’s also working on a tee.

Kaliska Day

project manager for Wenaha Group

aliska Day originally we work with. You get to meet all kinds of people and help find solutions planned to study engineer- for what they need,” she said. King in college but knew she As a board member with the Oregon Native American Chamber, Day wouldn’t be happy sitting at a helps provide coaching to Native community and emerging business- desk all day. es. She participates on the Minority Evaluation Committee for the city “I talked to one of my dad’s of Portland and Portland’s Board of Transportation Bureau and Budget employees and they suggested Advisory Committee, helping to determine budgets and expenditures I look at construction manage- ment because it’s a combination set asides for small, minority-owned businesses. She also serves on the of business and technical skills,” Public Utility Board for the Portland Water Bureau and Bureau of Environ- she said. “It works pretty well for me and I enjoy it.” mental Services. Now, 17 years later, Day is earning her master’s in construction man- A mentor to several women within Wenaha Group and in the A/E/C agement and is a leader at Wenaha Group, a Native American-owned industry, Day is described as a voice and advocate to make sure there is company that has grown to 30-plus team members during its 10 years fair and equitable presence from small and minority-owned businesses, in business. Day, a member of Alaska’s Tlingit/Haida Tribe, ensures that assuring they have a voice and an opportunity to participate in projects. as an owner’s representative/construction manager, Wenaha Group helps its clients include small and minority-owned businesses on their projects. “She is the first to step up when it comes to lending an ear and shar- Day’s work has ranged from health care and K-12 education to federal ing experiences to other women of what it means to be a woman in a facility renovations and government contracting projects. “What I enjoy is male-dominated field,” said nominator Kari McCormick, director of client the relationships I get to build with the clients and all the different teams services at Wenaha Group.

10 | Women of Vision 2020 Stacey Flint

project manager for JE Dunn Construction

handmade set of building thing about making something out of nothing and the tangible reward blocks from her grandfa- that comes out of that,” she said. “I think buildings are the largest form A ther drew Stacey Flint to of artwork that humans create.” architecture and construction, Flint has mentored four female interns at JE Dunn, all of whom she and she recalls building towers recommended for full-time positions and all of whom were hired. She and creating towns that were also helped spearhead the Atlanta office’s internal networking group for populated with toys. An uncle women, called Moment Connection, and established a chapter in the worked in construction and Flint Portland office. knew as a child that she would “Women have something special to share. I genuinely believe that follow in his footsteps. women and men are equal in our intelligence and our ability to do this Flint earned her bachelor’s degree in architecture and her master’s job. At the same time, I think it would be wrong to say that we don’t degree in construction management. She joined JE Dunn’s Atlanta office bring different skillsets to the table,” she said. “Women can be an abso- as an intern in 2013, quickly rose through the ranks and in March was lute asset within this industry, and having a balance of men and women promoted to level 2 project manager. together is where we’re going to find our ultimate efficiency and our After working on several projects at the Atlanta airport, Flint relocated ultimate success.” to Portland to join the team working on the $307 million Airport Parking Flint has put her construction experience to work building housing with Garage and Consolidated Rental Car Addition at PDX. She is lead project Habitat for Humanity and recently helped renovate the lobby at the Center manager for a new office building adjacent to the airport and existing for Hope & Safety, a domestic violence support organization. She and parking garage. her PDX team also spearheaded a fundraising drive for Rose Haven, a “I love working with people and I really love building. There is some- women’s shelter.

CONGRATULATIONS to all the DJC Women of Vision Award recipients and especially to our own Project Manager Iris Boulware!

www.balfourbeattyus.com/portland Women of Vision 2020 | 11 Kimberly Gamble

director of diversity, equity and inclusion for Andersen Construction

imberly Gamble grew up field and stand toe to toe with contractors and trades people to advocate in a blue-collar family with and push for adherence to Andersen’s core value: We do it safely or we Ka grandfather who was a don’t do it.” millworker. She joined Andersen Gamble established another milestone for the company when she was when she was 19, working in ac- named its first director of diversity, equity and inclusion, with the charge counting and payroll and helping of developing and leading Andersen’s DEI program. administrators on jobsites. She She said her goal is to maintain a work environment where people are went on to become the compa- not comfortable treating others badly based on gender, race and other ny’s first corporate director of personal attributes, and those who witness such behavior do not tolerate safety. it. “I really believe people deserve safety at work and they have the right “I live in a mixed-race household. I have Black children and Black to go to work and then go home to their families. I’ve always believed in equality and right and wrong, and that work kind of fit with who I am and grandchildren, and I want equal rights for them. I want them to be given my belief system,” she said. equal opportunities because of who they are,” she said. “We should just Gamble demonstrated to senior leadership the value that would be be more courteous and respectful of who we are as human beings.” added to the company by making safety a more constant, explicitly talk- Gamble’s professional activities include serving as a trustee for the ed-about topic at regional meetings, stand ups and other opportunities. Construction Industry Drug-Free Workplace Program, Oregon Laborers David Andersen, chairman of the board, said Gamble is the first woman Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee, Oregon-Southern Idaho Labor- he knows of to not only fill such a role, but to create it. “All of us can only ers Training Trust and the NW Laborers-Employers Cooperation Education imagine the tremendous courage it took for Kimberly to go out into the Trust.

Carolina Gomez

CPM, ASC, director of integrated facilities services and safety for Home Forward

arolina Gomez worked in program and policies that serve as a model for other public housing property management for agencies. She continues to work on policies to protect the employees and C15 years before joining people Home Forward houses. Home Forward and she met some Gomez said she appreciates the diversity and inclusion involved in her of the organization’s inspectors work, noting it’s rewarding to work with contractors and see housing be- when they came to look at prop- come available for families. “I enjoy the people I work for and the people erties. “They always looked hap- I work with. We work for low-income individuals and the work we do is amazing.” py and they invited me to apply A 2011 graduate of the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber Latino Lead- for Home Forward,” she said. ership Program, Gomez graduated from the Washington Housing Devel- She started as a property man- opment Consortium Leadership Program in 2014 and obtained the title ager and advanced to director of integrated facilities services and safety. of certified property manager from IREM in 2016. In this role, she has overseen the creation of a business continuity plan Currently serving as board secretary for the nonprofit Evolve, Go- that allowed the agency to be better prepared to face the COVID-19 mez volunteers a week each summer to serve as a counselor at Camp pandemic and future emergencies. Rosenbaum. The free camp allows low-income children to spend a week Gomez spearheaded Home Forward’s emergency response protocols fishing, going to the beach, playing basketball and soccer, and other that include resident training, emergency caches and disaster prepara- activities. tion booklets. She coordinated with the Portland Bureau of Emergency “It is important to me to work with the kids because they are the future Management and other local services to create an interconnected team of our community and they need to see the wonderful things in the world. that meets and plans for disasters and community safety. We support them and give them the tools they need to be amazing in the In addition, Gomez was instrumental in creating a radon abatement future,” she said. 12 | Women of Vision 2020 Nicole Haman

CPSM, LEED AP, marketing and business development for AKS Engineering & Forestry

icole Haman’s writing tal- Haman built AKS’ marketing team from two people to five full-time ent netted her a job as employees and led the firm to proposal wins with the largest contract Na marketing assistant at amounts in its history. Since 2014, AKS has grown from 60 people to 235 the contracting firm where her and added a new office. now-husband was working when “A truly successful marketer does not do it on her own and much of she graduated from Oregon State the successes she has been the architect of are based on her ability University in 2007. She joined to effectively manage project staff, deadlines and task delegation,” said AKS as the firm was growing nominator Cheryl Nervez, business development manager with Soder- from just a handful of people to a strom Architects. diverse group of more than 230 A recent breast cancer survivor, Haman has become more involved in people, leaving the marketing and business development team severely The Pink Lemonade Project and organized the 2019 Pink Pong charity understaffed. tournament. She participates in support group activities for young women Market conditions meant that many firms were struggling with turnover affected by breast cancer, and volunteers with the Lewis River Mobile and AKS was no exception. Haman took on much of the work herself Food Bank. and her leadership contributed to the firm’s growth during a time filled with professional challenges and personal hurdles. Haman said the most Haman also is board treasurer for the Oregon chapter of the Soci- rewarding aspect of her work is the relationships she builds with others. ety for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS). She previously headed “I like being able to work with a lot of different people. My job is very the Senior Marketers Roundtable and facilitated sections of the Certified dynamic and fast paced and I get to interact with a lot of folks. I enjoy Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) BootCamp, a program that helps those interactions,” she said. SMPS members learn about and prepare for the CPSM certification.

Sofia Hellberg-Jonsen

marketing manager for Skanska USA Building Inc.

ofia Hellberg-Jonsen dis- for policies and practices related to gender and equity. covered her passion for “When Sofia first started as an intern, she learned faster than any new Smarketing during high hire I have ever had,” said Stephanie Houchins, Skanska’s vice president school. Her first job was in pub- of marketing. “She quickly became an invaluable part of the team. Even lic relations and she then earned as an assistant coordinator, I had complete trust in her level of quality her degree in marketing and and detail so much that I had her work on national, complex mega-pur- communications. She said she suits of more than $4 billion with me.” feels privileged to get to do this Hellberg-Jonsen said she enjoys working with a talented team and the work each day. chance to keep learning new things. “Skanska builds across a wide range “I’ve always enjoyed the com- of market sectors, and for each pursuit I get to learn about anything from bination of creativity, strategy, writing and, most importantly, figuring out what an ideal learning environment looks like for K-12 schools to the what’s important to your target audience or customers and how to cater complexities of health care construction, to the intricacies of building in to each’s specific needs and wants. Marketing was just always the clear a clean room high-tech environment or an operational airport,” she said. path for me,” she said. Skanska noted that Hellberg-Jonsen quickly advanced to the position In May 2019, Hellberg-Jonsen co-led Skanska’s “A Day of Discovery,” of marketing manager and her team contributed to a project “win rate” of designed to introduce students to careers in construction, architecture 92 percent to date for 2020 and 64 percent in 2019. She manages Port- and engineering. Last March, she organized the Portland office’s Habitat land’s 2020 social media campaign, which increases awareness about for Humanity service to provide affordable housing in Beaverton. She safety and technology in construction. She also is communications chair also represents Skanska at the Oregon Tradeswomen Career Fair and of the Skanska Women’s Network Northwest Chapter, which advocates regularly mentors younger colleagues.

Women of Vision 2020 | 13 Karina Hershberg

associate with PAE

arina Hershberg was inter- “My career goal and where I want to go is that I want to work on ested in engineering early interesting projects with nice people and make a positive difference in Kon, dreaming of a career the world, and I am fortunate to be able to do that,” she said, adding she with NASA. While she didn’t enjoys being able to channel emotional reactions to what is happening in imagine ever becoming an astro- the world into solutions-focused work. naut, she did see herself building The firm recognized Hershberg’s contribution to its research and de- rockets and other projects. velopment efforts and said her work has included the development of a She also has always been greenhouse gas emissions calculator that enables building owners to passionate about environmental more fully understand their carbons emissions based on the generation issues and was pleasantly sur- mix of the power utility supplying buildings. prised during her freshman year of college to discover that people made Hershberg’s post-baccalaureate research has focused on renewable a career out of it. One of her professors talked about the work she was energy development, green building methods and eco-districts, and she doing around electric vehicles, and that was when Hershberg realized has given presentations on topics ranging from decarbonization to an she could combine her love of engineering and the environment. all-electric future and sustainable living. Hershberg joined PAE in 2012 as a Level 3 engineer and is now a technical associate and shareholder, representing one of the 17 percent Outside of PAE, she is on the board of the Eco-School Network, an of women shareholders of the firm. She is the lead electrical engineer on organization of parents promoting sustainable practices and raising eco- the Rocky Mountain Institute Innovation Center and The Kendeda Building logical awareness in Oregon elementary schools. Hershberg is part of for Innovative Sustainable Design. She also is a leader on PAE Living PAE’s Women in Leadership committee, Renew Committee, R&D Com- Building Industry-recognized projects such as the Beaverton Public Safe- mittee and is an electrical representative for its Building Analysis and ty Center. Modeling Service Committee.

Khara Hillis

senior estimator, project manager and safety manager for Konell Construction and Demolition Co. Inc

hara Hillis considered be- The Portland Japanese Garden is another favorite. Konell did the dem- coming a medical lab tech- olition, excavation, earthwork and shoring. Hillis said the shoring was a Knologist before deciding new experience and it was rewarding to be part of that project team. she didn’t want to work indoors “I like those jobs that have a solid foundation in the community and we and getting a job as a laborer get to revamp them and learn about the history and upgrade them. Those for an excavation contractor. She are really fun,” she said. then joined Konell. and worked Konell President Andy Webber Hillis credited Hillis with starting a as a laborer for about four years course for tabulating historical data and developing the company’s pa- before she was promoted to es- perless workflow filing process, among other accomplishments. timator. It wasn’t long before she “Khara is always pushing employees to be the most successful they was bidding her own work and running jobs as a project manager. can be, either at work or home. She helps employees through personal “I like construction because it’s an ever-changing landscape and your issues both at work and home. She has become a true leader in Konell jobs are always different, Hillis said. “It’s the same tools and techniques Construction over the last five years,” he said. but the location is always different, and the trickier they are the more fun Hillis said another rewarding aspect of her job is working with summer they are. It’s always challenging and that’s what makes it interesting.” interns, and she recently got to work with the same female OSU student One of her favorite projects was the Oregon State Hospital renovation the past two summers. in Salem, which involved preserving historic elements, including the cu- “I love it when women are in construction because I think we’re so pola, while modernizing the facility to reflect advances in treatment of important to the process and how we change the whole landscape,” she psychiatric disorders. said. “It’s fun to see them succeed and get jobs doing what we do.”

14 | Women of Vision 2020 Leslie Imes

senior project manager for Beaverton School District

aby Boomer Leslie Imes daughter graduated from high school, they moved here. Within a week, grew up in an era when she had a position as a contract drafter working on the Emergency Center Bcareer opportunities were in Salem. She did that for two months before joining Beaverton School limited for women, and she ini- District as a project manager. tially planned to become an art Among the projects she has worked on are Mountainside High School, teacher. However, her student Aloha-Huber Park K-8, International School of Beaverton, Bonny Slope teaching experience made it Elementary and Transportation Support Center. She is currently managing clear she didn’t have the pa- construction of the new Arts & Communications Magnet Academy. tience or temperament for it. “I love watching the students arrive at a new school the first day and She met with an advisor at a seeing their smiles and excitement on entering a new building,” she said. Colorado community college and aptitude tests showed that she scored high in science, math and art. The advisor recommended that she look at “I feel honored to have worked with some of the most intelligent and architecture or engineering. dedicated people in the industry from my fellow co-workers to architects, “I audited several classes and I loved the hand drafting and block let- engineers, contractors and trades people.” tering of architecture. The more I learned, the more I loved it,” Imes said. Imes said she also appreciates the opportunity to learn something new “I was one of two women in my class at the time. I finished my degree in every day because each project is different with new challenges to ad- architecture and worked for design firms in Colorado for five and a half dress. “It is so fulfilling to take a conceptual idea, make it come to fruition years until, due to a recession in the late 1980s, I was laid off.” in the physical form, and to know that I had a part in creating these Imes had visited Oregon during vacations and, when her youngest buildings that will serve many generations to come.”

Tina Keller

administrative services manager for Otak Inc.

ith a degree in interior become more sustainable, and she ensured that the Vancouver office design and architec- achieved Clark County’s Green Business Certification last January. She Wtural history, Tina Keller also has organized quarterly Greenbag lunch sessions for employees that has had several different careers, review various environmentally friendly initiatives for both the home and including interior design, baking office. bread, managing a glassblowing In addition, Keller is leading the company’s Carbon Neutral Initiative, in studio and contracts administration. which she gathered data to track its greenhouse gas emissions, coordi- nated the purchase of carbon offsets to mitigate the emissions currently During her 16 years in archi- produced, and worked to get executive approval to make this an annual tecture and engineering, Keller commitment. Her next step is to receive third-party verification of Otak’s worked in interior design but ul- greenhouse gas emissions mitigation process and reduction plans. timately realized she is happier managing the business side. Her current Tim Leavitt, PE, Otak’s director of operations for Southwest Washing- role, managing administrative services in Otak’s Vancouver office, brings ton, called Keller “proactive, reliable and continuously investigating and many parts of her background together, including her work with organiza- implementing measures to enhance our work environment and efforts to tional management, employee engagement and green operations. improve the world around us.” “I enjoy supporting all of the interesting projects that we do,” she said. A longtime Vancouver resident, Keller has been involved in the cleanup “My job is to make sure that things run smoothly so engineers, planners and beautification of the downtown core and has organized litter pick-up and designers can do what they are best at. Making sure that effective events for Otak employees. She is a Friends of the Columbia River Gorge systems are in place, and staff have an engaging workplace are my pas- Trail Ambassador and educates people about the Leave No Trace pro- sions.” gram to reduce litter. Keller has delivered Meals on Wheels for 13 years Keller recently joined the Green Otak committee, helping the company and feeds homeless people through the Blanchet House of Hospitality. Women of Vision 2020 | 15 Laurie Kendall

president and CEO of Associated Builders and Contractors Pacific Northwest Chapter

aurie Kendall, who recently suicide rates. The chapter has started a Happy Hour for female appren- celebrated 15 years in the tices to meet other ABC female members in the industry. Kendall also Lconstruction industry, re- recently has been asked to sit on the Minority Contractor Task Force. members when just a handful of ABC PNW also continues to encourage more minorities to get involved women were presidents/CEOs of ABC chapters across the country. in the trades, and one of the group’s biggest successes is its Craft Cham- Today, out of 69 chapters, 42 pionship, a local competition for HVAC and sheet metal apprentices. The percent are run by women. winners of each trade traditionally have received an all-expenses paid She called them an “amazing trip to ABC Nationals to compete, and Oregon’s program is now in its support and peer group” and not- sixth year. ed they reach out to each other with questions about their boards, staff, “We invite the public and high school students to educate them about legislative issues, financials and when they need an ear. the trades and apprenticeship programs,” she said. “I am excited to grow While the COVID-19 pandemic has turned business as usual on its head, Kendall is focused on the positive. “I guess the silver lining of the the event to include other trades and expose more high school students pandemic is that we realized in the construction industry that we are to the construction industry.” pretty agile,” she said. “There is a sense of accomplishment when we can Kendall strives to mentor women in the trades, not only through ABC’s help members with safety, workforce, training, etc. COVID has been trying since we are not able to get together with them because they become apprenticeship programs but also by working with youth just starting their friends to us.” careers to collaborating with women at the peak of their professional ac- Looking ahead, Kendall sees the PNW chapter evolving with advocat- complishments. She is entering her fourth term on the Skills USA Oregon ing for mental health awareness, as construction has one of the highest Chapter Board of Trustees.

Angela Khosa-Marangwanda

project coordinator for DAY CPM, a division of Otak

ngela Khosa-Marangwan- Oregon City School District’s bond program. da grew up in Zimbabwe, Khosa-Marangwanda is part of a strategic initiative within Otak that is Awhere her father was a city looking for ways to uncover people’s professional passions. She also is manager. On the weekends, he a member of Otak’s Equity and Inclusion Advisory Group, a group of em- would take his family to visit water ployees who work closely with company leadership to develop firmwide treatment plants, bridges or other strategy for equity and inclusion. cities, and she found it fascinat- A minority volunteer panelist for the City of Portland’s Minority Eval- ing. In high school, she became uator Program, Khosa-Marangwanda participates in the procurement interested in architecture because award process by reviewing proposals to ensure minority representation of its mix of art and engineering. in the city’s contracts. “I was fortunate to have grown up in a household where I had a tremen- In 2008, together with a small group of design professionals, she dous amount of support, and there were no imposed limitations or barriers helped charter the Pacific Northwest chapter of the National Organization ahead of me,” she said. “I am thankful for that foundation because it pre- of Minority Architects. Khosa-Marangwanda has participated in recruiting pared me to step into a world where there were perceivable barriers which events at local university career fairs, not only for networking but also I was equipped to navigate. For this, I am eternally grateful to my parents.” because it provides visual exposure to attendees who typically do not see Khosa-Marangwanda has 10 years of experience in architecture recruiters who look like them. and design and joined Otak as an architectural designer. She decided Khosa-Marangwanda is a member of Jack & Jill of America Inc., an to switch to construction management/project management because it organization of mothers dedicated to nurturing future African-American gave her the opportunity to work with the education sector. She recently leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, vol- moved into DAY CPM, a division of Otak, as a project coordinator for the unteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty. 16 | Women of Vision 2020 Rebekah Kilgore

senior purchasing agent for Hoffman Construction Co.

ebekah Kilgore grew up in and emerging small businesses. She is a hub for connecting subcontractors a blue-collar family with with resources and, as an example, if they need help with bidding or billing, Rseven siblings and a father Kilgore connects them to Hoffman’s in-house estimators. who was a painting contractor who “Hoffman does these massive, landmark projects and I think sometimes owned his own business. “Our small contractors think, ‘I could never work on a project that big,’ and to be family was pretty traditional and able to tell them “Yes, you can and there are opportunities here’ is so fulfill- the girls were never encouraged ing,” she said. “I feel like it’s an honor to be part of that journey.” to get into the trades, but I was a Kilgore is active in community meetings, outreach and local events such good bookkeeper and helped him as the Meet the Primes and Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs with his billing and payroll in my trade shows to build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors. teens and early 20s,” she said. She has been an integral part of Hoffman’s long-time partnerships with Kilgore was working on a Hoffman job for another contractor when the Hoffman team encouraged her to join the company. She celebrated 25 years organizations such as the National Association of Women in Construction, there last April. the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC-Oregon), Profession- al Business Development Group and the Port of Portland’s Mentor Protégé Kilgore noted that when she joined the industry, most tradeswomen didn’t even have their own bathroom on jobsites. Today, not only are there more Program. She also is an advisory board member at Beaverton’s Business women in the trades but there are more female project managers, superin- Executive Sustainable Training Headquarters. tendents and project engineers. In 2019, Kilgore was honored with the NAMC-Oregon Executive Director Relationships, both internally and externally, make her job special, Kilgore Choice Award, which recognized her for going above and beyond to bring said. This is particularly true when it comes to minority- and women-owned opportunities to and address concerns of minority contractors.

Gianna Krol

safety and facilities project coordinator for The Parr Lumber Co.

ianna Krol’s background it as if that’s my family calling me needing some help.” as an environmental law Community service is essential to Krol and she felt especially rewarded Gparalegal led to her in- organizing Parr Lumber’s “Shop with a Cop” event, during which children terest in safety and compliance, K-6 shopped for their families with a police officer and then came to and she joined The Parr Lumber Parr’s corporate office to wrap the gifts and have a pizza party. Co. just over four years ago. The following year she implemented “Some of the kids came from foster homes or low-income families a digitized system the company that needed a little help that Christmas. I really wanted to do it for the credits for allowing it to complete kids that might not be setting up a tree that year,” she said. “All the kids projects faster and estimates has smiled and you could hear the low murmur of ‘wow’s’ and ‘oo’s’ and saved thousands of dollars in the last year alone. ‘ah’s’ as they walked in. A few officers came and commented to me that Krol also is charged with providing comprehensive facility coordina- it was the best year that they had had. Seeing all their faces light up, the tion and management services, including system upgrades, preventa- children and the police officers, that really made Christmas special that tive maintenance, safety and code enforcement, staff training, and team year.” leadership for 36 facilities and 900-plus employees. In addition to donating to the Ronald McDonald House, Krol organized “I’d have to say my favorite thing about my job is working with and for people that I care for,” she said. “My company is my second family a community tree planting event with the Oregon Department of Forestry and when I get a call from one of our stores saying they need something to replant 10,000 red cedar saplings. The event featured an appearance repaired, or they would like something refreshed or remodeled, I look at by Smokey the Bear for his 75th anniversary and celebrated Arbor Day.

Women of Vision 2020 | 17 Ellen Krusi

AIA, associate at Waterleaf Architecture

llen Krusi describes her- Tribe in Port Angeles that will contribute to and tell the story of the indig- self as a kid who had a big enous peoples in northwest Washington. Eimagination, curiosity and a “My favorite part of the work is the creative problem solving. I love strong drive to create. She was taking what I’ve learned from listening to a client’s goals and dreams and interested in art, technology, finding a way to make it all work beautifully,” she said. “I often compare fashion, sociology and storytell- it to tailoring a garment (sewing is a favorite hobby of mine). It has to be ing, and started drawing designs for buildings in grade school. constructed of quality materials in the right style and be a perfect fit to the wearer. A well-crafted garment enhances the features of the wearer, “When I was middle-school age my family visited Hearst Cas- just as a well-designed building or space will embody the values of the tle. Finding out that it was designed by a trailblazing female architect, client and uplift the activities of the users.” Julia Morgan, really inspired me to focus my career aspirations on archi- Krusi is an integral part of Waterleaf’s sustainability team and cham- tecture,” she said. pioning its effort to offset 100 percent of its greenhouse gas emissions. Krusi is a champion of adaptive reuse and her work includes the reno- She successfully advocated for flexible schedules, especially for working vation of the Newberry Building to include improved daylighting, operable mothers transitioning back to the office. windows, a new HVAC system and efficient lighting. She designed a new Head Start preschool and Sewing Training Center that will be used to Active with the local B Corp community, Krusi initiated a panel discus- teach business and sewing skills to a new generation of entrepreneurs at sion for B Corps to highlight Waterleaf’s experience of going beyond ADA the Rockwood Center in Gresham. code and the benefits of universal design. She also leads Waterleaf’s In addition, Krusi designed a new hotel for the Lower Elwha Klallam participation in the Portland Winter Light Festival.

Quisha Light

manager of product development for Portland General Electric

uisha Light was caring for difference in the community. “I also enjoy doing that work with friends a sick parent when she and team members who are smart and really do care about the future of Qrealized she was ready our planet, and are working to create an equitable clean energy future.” for a career change. Previously Among her accomplishments, Light led a cross-functional team to de- an assistant public defender and velop Oregon and PGE’s first voluntary renewable energy tariff, which assistant attorney general in Ten- significantly expands green energy choices for customers who wish to nessee, Light had been in private purchase 100 percent renewable power. She also coordinated and man- aged writing PGE’s Integrated Resource Plan which set forth the compa- practice and discovered that her ny’s strategy for supplying the region with reliable, clean and least-cost priorities and love for the work energy over the next 20 years. had changed. She joined PGE’s Light mentors others in myriad ways, from her service on several Legal Department in 2012 and had the opportunity to work with depart- boards and involvement in Delta Sigma Theta to her leadership in several ments throughout the company. PGE initiatives. “I became fascinated with the many aspects of the energy industry,” “Mentoring is an amazing, bi-directional relationship. You get to ex- she said. “Prior to working for PGE, I never thought about what it took to change valuable knowledge and experience with another person,” she bring power to my home. I just came home and flipped the switch and ex- said. “And, as a Black woman, it’s important to me that young, Afri- pected power. I never thought about climate change or the environment can-American children, or any BIPOC children, see someone that rep- and the impact of my life and choices on the environment.” resents them and provides them hope that they can rise above their cir- Light said her work with PGE allows her to engage in conversations cumstances or explore opportunities that they otherwise might not have and develop products, programs and services that are making a positive thought possible. Through mentoring, I provide hope and I receive hope.”

18 | Women of Vision 2020 Steffi McDonald

PE, associate, transportation project manager at David Evans and Associates Inc.

teffi McDonald credits a of the Central City in Motion project team. She noted that some Portland “phenomenal mentor” Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) projects are the right scale to influence Swho, at the beginning of how the downtown core functions, and the project’s design has innova- her career a decade ago, under- tive features for making bike and pedestrian movements comfortable and stood and instilled in her the im- safe for all users. portance of a diverse engineering “The project team is small yet so collaborative. We’ve conducted site background as a designer and visits (on bike!) with the PBOT staff to brainstorm creative solutions for project manager. the new protected intersection designs,” she said. “We put a lot of weight “Through his encouragement into opportunities and constraints at the beginning of the project, knowing to see the big picture, I was able to clearly find the area of civil engineering I most wanted to influence,” the support of users and business owners will influence overall project she said. “Growing up as a Portland native and avid runner and cyclist, success. The collaboration and creativity of this project is exhilarating. I I’ve been able to witness the infrastructure changes in Portland as the can’t wait to see how it affects the dynamic downtown.” city grows and have seen how those changes specifically influence bikes McDonald is a Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) member and and pedestrians.” enjoys the camaraderie in the organization, noting the diversity of mem- McDonald’s work includes the Southwest Corridor Light Rail Project, bers and discussion topics are relevant and bring new ideas to the table. which thrills her because she grew up in southwest Portland, went to Wilson High School and lives there with her family. She serves as the Among other accomplishments, McDonald played a key role in the Inner Portland section manager for the Southwest Corridor and provides Sellwood Bridge project, which won multiple awards including ACEC proj- coordination across all engineering disciplines. ect of the year (2017), DJC Top Projects (2017), and Greenroads – Silver She also is working on Better Naito Forever and appreciates being part certification.

Women of Vision 2020 | 19 Della Mosier

PE, deputy director of the Oregon Department of Transportation’s Office of Urban Mobility

ella Mosier was not ex- continues to focus on diversity and equity and increase the amount of posed to the term “civil work ODOT provides minority contractors on its mega projects. A recent Dengineer” until she had example is the 18-22 percent DBE goal for the Rose Quarter CM/GC nearly completed her under- contract, which is well above the statewide 15 percent goal and amounts graduate degree. She found that to more than $100 million in DBE contracts. serving the public requires the “Della is a catalyst for change and champion for women and minori- skills of people with differing ties,” said Amber Ontiveros, owner and president of Ontiveros & Asso- professional backgrounds, from ciates. “She uses her nonsensical, self-deprecating sense of humor to public involvement to structural push ODOT to open doors and ensure minorities and women get real engineering. work.” “My hope is that by introducing the term ‘civil engineering’ to as many Mosier said she enjoys working with teams that have diverse personal girls and people of color as we can at an early age, we can encourage and professional backgrounds. “I strive to provide space for these teams more interest in the field than we have had in the past,” she said. to think differently about how a modern transportation system can meet Mosier grew up in the Northwest and began her career as a geotechni- climate goals while providing safe and reliable access for all users.” cal engineer for a Las Vegas consulting firm, where she worked on public works projects for water lines, schools and roadway improvements. After She noted that she encourages diversity and spent many hours on the obtaining her PE license, she joined a large civil consulting firm where ground in the diverse neighborhoods and communities that make up the she transitioned her focus from geotechnical engineering to roadway en- Las Vegas Valley. “For the first time in my life, I lived in a community that gineering. brought Hispanic and Black cultures together with White culture, along In her current role as deputy director of the Urban Mobility Office, she with the influence of numerous international cultures.”

Catherine Myers

PE, executive vice president and chief operating officer for SSOE Group

atherine Myers was in- vanced Technology Business Unit, and then became the firm’s first fe- volved in semiconductor male executive vice president and chief operating officer. She has con- Cfacility design early in her sistently exceeded financial goals and grown operations, earning SSOE career and her accomplishments top rankings by Engineering News Record. include helping to create an im- Previously, Myers was senior vice president for CH2M’s Industrial and proved solution for cleanroom Advanced Technology Business Group and oversaw $200 million in an- ceiling grid that became widely nual revenue. She also was Director of Industry and Community Partner- ships within the Donald P. Shiley School of Engineering at the University used. of Portland. Myers moved into project Myers, who got involved in Society of Women Engineers STEM out- management and client account reach early in her career, is committed to mentoring others. “Having management with a single semiconductor client and then into overall op- received opportunities in my career to attempt different activities and erations. She said her primary interest as an engineer is problem solving, roles, I want to be able to provide similar opportunities to others. I have whether that is a specific client need, looking at how to improve internal a keen interest in developing people and look at that from high school processes, or thinking about organization and staffing. and college internships to sponsoring colleagues who may take on future “As a consultant the days are never the same, and this has always executive roles.” been what I’ve considered to be the best part of my roles. Working to Also dedicated to community service, Myers is a member of the De provide the desired outcome for a client is very rewarding, and helping La Salle North Catholic High School Advisory Board and serves on the other team members to achieve this client satisfaction is how I look at construction committee overseeing the new school construction. “It’s im- my current role,” she said. portant to me to help the community where I live, whether that is with Myers joined SSOE in July 2017 as senior vice president of the Ad- financial contributions or volunteer time,” she said. 20 | Women of Vision 2020

Lauren Peng

director at CBRE

auren Peng discovered her and restaurant food hall Cooperativa. interest in real estate while “Working with the team to open a new business during a time when Lworking as a temporary re- many restauranteurs have been closing their doors has been very chal- ceptionist for a development and lenging,” she said. “The team has pulled together to make our tenant property management firm just open a fabulous concept during a particularly tough economic time. The out of college. She found she reward of seeing smiling faces and nearby residents patronizing the new- liked the mix of watching vacant ly opened market has been very fulfilling.” buildings fill with people, cus- Peng served for many years as president of the Building Owners and tomer service, solving problems Managers Association (BOMA) of the Carolinas, and was integral in im- for tenants, finding solutions for plementing growth strategies and mentoring programs for the organiza- owners and marketing new spaces. tion of real estate teams and vendors. “Property management and real estate are a ‘never a dull moment’ In her free time, Peng volunteers with at-risk youth and has fostered type of business,” she said, adding that she has experienced strong sup- several children, two of whom have been adopted. “I truly believe in the port from CBRE’s leadership, internal teams and other directors through- out the country. Yet, each city and market operates as its own diverse need for strong parents and partners in raising children with positive family and everyone feels valued and listened to. self-esteem and providing foundations of good education and health, ba- sic building blocks many are still lacking.” Peng relocated to CBRE’s Portland office about two years ago after more than 20 years in Charlotte, N.C. She was involved in the acquisition She has joined several SOLVE events in Portland to clean up parks and of Tanner Point in the Pearl District and her team is marketing it for office downtown areas. She also volunteers at her church and provides support users. She also recently oversaw the construction of the Italian market to Portland police officers through a program her church provides.

Dr. Melanie Quaempts

director of educational planning and project logistics for Wenaha Group

elanie Quaempts, Ed.D., Group because many of its guiding principles echo her own. She has can’t remember a day worked with school districts to implement improved equity goals, assist- Mgrowing up when she ed with curriculum for teachers and students to use hands-on learning didn’t see her mother helping directly related to their school’s or district’s construction projects, and someone and it inspired Quae- helped create curriculum for young children that is focused on preserving language and culture. mpts’ own commitment to social equity. She worked in public edu- In addition, she has trained architects, general contractors, subcon- tractors and client leaders on identifying and isolating marginalism and cation as a teacher, school prin- oppression within their operations. She also helped gather narratives cipal and district administrator from people of color, LGBTQ communities, and culturally and linguistical- for 20 years. ly diverse backgrounds during efforts to create safe, private, non-binary “However, what I really saw as my role for those 20 years was as a restrooms in schools. leader in the community. I spent countless hours visiting with families Quaempts noted that leading through equity is not always easy. “There from all walks of life and had the great honor of serving families in ref- is nothing better than to see folks in construction move from attitudes of ugee status,” she said. “My greatest learning moments about the power ‘equity in construction … what is that?’ to ‘equity in construction looks of education came from working alongside powerful community leaders.” like this.’ Individuals are all at different places,” she said. Passionate about ensuring culturally and linguistically diverse represen- She particularly enjoys working with children and teens. “They typi- tation within school decision-making processes, Quaempts has carried cally have such clarity on what is right and just. A fourth-grade student those guiding principles as a construction consultant with clients who have once told me, ‘Life begins at 50 since you still have 50 more years to some of those same intended outcomes for community engagement. go.’ Twenty-four years later, Cassie’s 8-year-old words of advice always A Native Hawaiian from Washington State, Quaempts joined Wenaha remind me how much more I have to learn.” 22 | Women of Vision 2020 McKenzie Richardson

marketing manager and associate at PAE

cKenzie Richardson en- Portland office’s Wellness Committee. tered business school “I love that my job is never boring. Every day I get to work on something with a dream of being M new and push myself and learn new skills,” she said. “But what really gets an event planner and perhaps an event venue owner. She quickly me up most mornings is working for a mission-driven company, helping discovered a passion for market- to solve our world’s most pressing challenges – water and energy.” ing. She has volunteered with the Society for Marketing Professional Ser- “I love the strategy and empa- vices (SMPS) Oregon chapter for more than five years and is the chapter’s thy required to put myself in my current president. Through SMPS, Richardson has had the opportunity to client’s shoes and think about mentor new industry professionals through the Membership Roundtable. what is important to them and what their problems are, and how I can help solve the challenge in a unique way,” she said. In 2018 and 2019, she served as the Director of Education, where she Hired by PAE as an entry-level marketing assistant in 2010, Richard- led and mentored a five-person volunteer group. son quickly advanced to marketing manager and associate. She is one of “As a marketer in the A/E/C industry my job can be so varied, I’m often the firm’s youngest shareholders and makes up part of the 17 percent of part marketer, part graphic designer, part copywriter, part PR agency, and women shareholders at PAE. Richardson manages a team of eight people part economist, all while managing a team of eight. I’ve learned much of and helped grow the total marketing team from three people to 11. these skillsets and nuances of the craft from peers and mentors. I want Richardson helped the firm design two new websites and create a children’s book focused on sustainable design. She has helped mentor to pay forward the education and mentorship I received to the next gen- and grow the careers of more than a dozen marketers, and she leads the eration of marketers,” she said.

Jackie Ross

accounts payable/payroll for Triplett Wellman Inc.

ackie Ross has had a talent found a way to make everything work. She is truly a rock star within our for numbers and the abili- company.” Jty to balance accounts for Ross said balancing work and life with kids can be difficult at times as long as she can remember. and sometimes feels like a constant juggling game. “It’s taken me awhile, “When I was high school, I used but I’ve learned that I can’t do it all and sometimes I just need to ask for to reconcile my parents’ check- help. I’ve missed field trips and the kids still have fun. I’ve had to ask ing account and I looked forward for an extension on deadlines at work and it’s been okay. I know I am a to that each month,” she said, better parent and person when I have an identity outside of my home, adding a payroll instructor during something else that I’m responsible for and can take pride in.” college fueled that interest. Ross is a member of the National Association of Women in Construc- Ross joined Triplett Wellman in 2005. Since then, the firm has grown tion and meets with her peers to help new accounting professionals while from $30 million in annual sales to more than $90 million and from about also learning from those peers. Additionally, she enjoys learning and 35 employees to more than 100. In addition to accounting, she plays a significant role in onboarding new employees when it comes to their sharing about other aspects of construction that NAWIC talks about such paperwork, filing, setup and distribution of new employee handbooks. as market trends, production methods and company-wide efficiencies. “Jackie has performed impeccably and even while having three young The treasurer for Immanuel Lutheran Church in Silverton for several boys under 11 at home,” said Nick Wellman. “COVID-19 has also im- years, Ross now balances an account for Faith Lutheran Church in Keizer. pacted her life in terms of family/work balance but she has somehow She also is involved in setting up the PTA book fairs for her sons’ school.

Women of Vision 2020 | 23 Crystal Sanderson

LEED AP BD+C, shareholder, project manager and project architect for Yost Grube Hall (YGH) Architecture

uring high school, Crys- managers and executive teams. tal Sanderson had the “She brings a passion for community that is rooted in the belief that Dopportunity to travel to the built environment influences our every activity, our experience and Spain with her best friend, whose our lifestyles, and she aspires to enrich communities and to design grandfather was an architect. adaptable, timeless projects that meet the needs of today while providing “It was an amazing introduc- for future generations,” he said. tion and I was hooked. The pro- Sanderson is a leader of YGH’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Commit- fession seemed like a good fit tee and a key member of its Sustainability Committee. She is an Archi- with my interests and skills,” she tecture Foundation of Oregon board member, is on AFO’s Community En- said. “Architects are multidisci- gagement Committee and coordinated its Honored Citizen event last year. plinary generalists. We need to know a little bit about a lot of things. She has done five residencies with the Architects in Schools program, Learning new things is what I most enjoy.” which introduces elementary school children across the state to archi- Sanderson most recently led the OSU Marine Studies Initiatives Build- tecture. This year she is involved with Hip Hop Architecture Camp to ing project at the Hatfield Marine Science campus in Newport. The build- introduce underrepresented youth to architecture and design. ing is designed to withstand a 9.0 earthquake and the associated tsu- “Kids need to have exposure to all types of livelihoods to fully under- nami. The building’s roof will be utilized as a tsunami vertical evacuation stand their options. They should know that as an architect, your influence refuge, the first of its kind in Oregon. on the built environment can positively impact the community,” she said. Steve Neiger, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, senior shareholder at YGH, not- Sanderson received last year’s YGH Motivator Award by seeing poten- ed that Sanderson is accustomed to working on projects with multiple tial in others and challenging, supporting and inspiring them to achieve key stakeholders and managing the competing needs of users, facilities their highest potential.

Shannon Sevigny

president and CEO of RJS Construction Inc.

JS Construction is a fam- Of the Sevigny’s children, four daughters work for RJS, with one as the ily business in the truest marketing manager, another managing the company’s finances, another Rsense. Shannon and Rich- standing in as the receptionist while in college and another working part- ard Sevigny grew up in construc- time while in school. tion families and worked on job- Construction is in the other children’s blood as well. Their eldest son sites together to pay for college. is a civil engineer, another daughter is an industrial engineer and, at one time or another, they have all worked for RJS in some capacity while They married and worked for growing up. Richard’s father briefly before “My daughters have seen women working in construction and that deciding to start their own com- construction needs the gifts that women can bring to it,” Shannon Sevi- pany in 1990. gny said. For several years they ran the company from their basement while She has expanded RJS operations into 15 states across the country, raising a family that ultimately grew to eight children. Shannon Sevigny opened six satellite offices and won numerous awards for her leader- said she feels blessed that they were able to work from home and be with ship and RJS’ successes. As the Great Recession began, however, the their children, and it gave them an opportunity to teach their kids about Sevignys called a family meeting and explained that RJS was losing the the business. custom homes and commercial work it had been doing. “We started from nothing and to have our family be a part of that “We knew we needed to make some changes in our business, and means so much,” she said, adding they still consider their company to be they all pitched in and started helping more in the business and at home a mom-and-pop shop even though they are on track to reach $20 million so we were able to focus more on the business. So, without them we in revenue this year. wouldn’t have been able to make it,” Shannon Sevigny said.

24 | Women of Vision 2020 Tami Skiles

human resources manager for PBS Engineering and Environmental

ami Skiles’ degree in com- tablish its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. The firm credits her munications included a with transitioning PBS from a small company of 120 people to double the Thuman resources compo- size while retaining a high percentage of employees. nent that launched a 28-year HR When the Young Professionals Network program started, there were career with Nordstrom. So, when about 45 participants and now there are more than 100. “It’s been excit- she was offered a job at PBS En- ing because as I added an HR assistant. I was able to hand it to someone gineering and Environmental, it was a bit of a learning curve. who was hired for recruiting and retention and they have leadership over the program,” Skiles said. “Getting into engineering and environmental consulting was The Supervisor Training Program now includes up to 50 participants such a foreign concept for me,” she said. However, when Skiles joined and, as Skiles said, goes beyond project work and time sheets to address the firm 15 years ago, it had never had an HR professional and was ex- leading, growing, encouraging and mentoring. “For some supervisors it periencing significant growth, also a steep learning curve. comes very natural and for others it’s a chance to help guide that and be “The beauty of it is that I got to grow this department and develop it,” a real resource for them,” she said. she said. “HR has two ways it can go. You can be about processes or about people, and my focus is people. It’s allowed me to grow relation- Skiles was responsible for the establishment of the GROWTH mentor- ships with our employees so it’s not a scary thing to come to HR. It’s a ship program at PBS, as well as expanding its volunteer hours matching good thing.” program. She also regularly volunteers for community health events such Skiles developed the firm’s Supervisor Training Program, Young Pro- as races and runs, and for eight years she was part of various commit- fessionals Network, onboarding and recruiting process, and helped es- tees in the community.

WORKING TOGETHER TO BUILD A DIFFERENCE. Congratulations to Erica Spiritos and the other DJC Women of Vision Honorees!

Swinerton is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Minority, Women, Disability, and Veteran Employer.

Women of Vision 2020 | 25 Annelisa Smith

owning attorney and partner at McKean Smith

nnelisa Smith was earning “I think most of what I enjoy is the ability to form relationships with my a degree in biology with clients where I can help coach them to hopefully be a better person for Aplans to become a veter- their family,” she said. “I like helping parents get out of that space and inarian when a bioethics profes- do what they can do to make sure their kids are happy, healthy and OK.” sor suggested she consider put- Smith is dedicated to the development of new attorneys just out of law ting her debate skills and ability school. She brings on new associates who work directly with her to give to formulate unique arguments to them a sense of the practice and hands-on training so they are confident use as an attorney. in their own style of litigation. Beyond providing case-related support, She began her career as a Smith encourages her associates to be involved in the legal community public defender representing and continue learning to be better able to serve their clients. parents and children in child abuse and neglect cases. Smith transitioned to litigating complex family law and divorce cases in 2011 when she and She is president of the Oregon Academy of Family Law Practitioners, her partner, Collin McKean, opened their firm. chair-elect of the Oregon State Bar Family Law Section, and serves on the Family Court Enhancement Project Committee and the Gus J. Solo- “What I really wanted was to help people and give them support when many of them are going through some of the most difficult times in their man American Inn of Court. Smith has maintained nominations and elec- lives,” she said. tions to Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers, both peer review platforms, Smith said that while the people involved in most of her cases begin since 2012. the process stressed out and fearful, she sees the transformation as they In addition, she is a board member for Allies in Change and a founding come to resolutions and are able to move forward. board member and secretary for BRAVO Youth Orchestra.

Erica Spiritos

preconstruction manager for Swinerton

rica Spiritos is regarded not Spiritos’ project portfolio includes leading the PDX TCORE project with only for her accomplish- Swinerton’s design, sourcing and contracting partners. She has worked Ements within Swinerton, with the team to discover, analyze and co-develop strategic procurement but for making great strides in approaches to meet the project’s sustainability and wood sourcing re- the mainstream adoption of mass quirements. timber in the United States and Her passion for social justice and inclusion shines through in projects sharing her knowledge with part- such as 14th and Union, a workforce housing project in Seattle in which ners and colleagues. Spiritos helped make sure the project penciled out by working closely “I became interested in a ca- with the design team and developer. reer in mass timber construction Spiritos gives back to the community by volunteering with Friends of as an opportunity to address and mitigate the environmental crisis of Trees and restoring urban forests. She volunteers at the Children’s Book climate change. I am inspired by the vision of a skyline that so directly Bank, and participates in the annual Rebuilding Together event. She also honors the natural resources – and the earth – on which our lives de- has spent time at the Lambert House, engaging with disabled elderly pend,” she said. residents, making gingerbread houses and playing games. Spiritos noted that mass timber buildings serve as a bridge as “they A firm believer in voting with her dollars, Spiritos supports women- and exist at the beautiful and profound intersection of urban and rural, nature minority-owned businesses with her purchases. She is an active mem- and technology, function and aesthetics. ber in her local Rotary chapter, planning the annual Enterprise Academy “I love that in my work I get to interact with and learn from people who where she spends a weekend teaching youth how to launch a business. have such different experiences and perspectives from me, but who find As part of the event, she mentors students in how to market, write busi- common ground in a love and respect for forests and trees,” she said. ness plans and develop small business ideas. 26 | Women of Vision 2020 Jessie Steiger

PE, DBIA, senior project manager for Portland Public Schools’ Office of School Modernization

essie Steiger was a busi- Steiger relishes the challenge of solving problems and views projects ness major until she stud- as puzzle pieces that interlock. “You may not know at the start of the day Jied the Tacoma Narrows what puzzle you’re going to have to solve and I enjoy that part of it.” Bridge collapse during a phys- She moved to Portland in 2014 and worked for Washington State Uni- ics class and was immediately versity until 2017 when she joined PPS. She’s the project manager on drawn to engineering. She start- the Madison High School modernization, a two-year project that involves ed her career as a structural en- gineer and worked on projects adding 170,000 square feet to the campus and including a new theater, in the Washington, D.C., area, gym and commons area, among other features. including a Central Intelligence “We put a lot into these high school modernizations and one of the Agency building constructed to withstand bomb blasts and other poten- things I like about making this one the best it can be is that it’s for an tial attacks. underserved community that has been historically left behind,” she said. Among her favorite projects were historical structures such as the “We are bringing equity and giving them a school they deserve to have.” Baltimore Basilica. Dubbed “America’s First Cathedral,” the basilica was Nominator Christine McKinley, PE, mechanical engineer and owner of constructed from 1806-1821 and underwent a $32-million, 30-month restoration completed in 2006. Bantam Engineering, described Steiger as “a strong, honest leader who spends time in the field and helps the PPS facilities team understand “Those were a really fun array of projects to work on. I like that we put in all of this effort and, whatever project you’re on, the time comes to what they are inheriting from the bond building program. The facilities an end and it’s something tangible that you can look at. I find that really teams are often the last to be considered, but she gives them tours and satisfying.” responds to their concerns while the building is in progress.”

Sharron van der Meulen

managing partner for ZGF Architects

harron van der Meulen was Among many projects, van der Meulen led ZGF’s work on the Portland an artistic kid who loved International Airport expansion, Legacy’s Randall Children’s Hospital, Sdrawing, photography and OHSU’s Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, and offices for Google Portland art history, so when she started and NIKE. In 2015, she was recognized as an Interior Design Magazine considering careers she was de- HiP Leader in Health and Wellness. Her work on Stoel Rives’ Portland termined to do something related headquarters was recognized as a 2017 IIDA “Best in Class” Corporate to the arts. Office and an ENR Northwest Best Project, among other accolades. “Without really knowing if I A mentor for young architects, van der Meulen enjoys architecture’s was going to fall in love with it, I variation and the ability to use her creative talents in different ways. Her applied for a class in architecture work gives her an opportunity to take esoteric goals and make them into and it was pretty much a love affair after that,” she said, adding she also physical spaces. participated in landscape architecture studios and was drawn to interior “Every day is completely different from the prior day and it’s going architecture. “To this day I feel like there’s such a strong connection be- tween art and architecture, so there was this natural path and evolution to be different from the day in front of you. You are always solving for I took.” different problems and issues along the course of your day,” she said, adding it’s rewarding to understand a client’s goals and aspirations and van der Meulen joined ZGF Architects in 1987, rose through the ranks and was named managing partner of the firm’s Portland office in July. find creative methods to bring them to fruition. She oversees a 260-person staff and is a member of the Executive Com- Earlier this year, van der Meulen joined the board of Converge 45, an mittee for the 730-person firm, which has offices in five U.S. cities and organization dedicated to increasing visibility of the visual arts to local, one in Vancouver, B.C. national and international audiences. Women of Vision 2020 | 27 Mary Louise VanNatta

CAE, APR, Fellow PRSA, CEO of VanNatta Public Relations Inc.

34-year veteran of the community relations.” public relations and gov- Among her lengthy list of accolades, VanNatta was inducted into the A ernmental affairs industry, Public Relations Society of America College of Fellows this year. Last Mary Louise VanNatta said com- year, DJC readers voted her Best PR and Marketing Firm and she re- munication has been essential to ceived the Distinguished Service Award from the Salem Area Chamber her since she was a baby. “I was of Commerce. born with an orthopedic condi- VanNatta said that unlike marketing, which is primarily about sales, PR tion, which forced me to wear a strategies work to develop long-term relationships with all stakeholders. full body cast when most children “When that is done well, it is very satisfying, and clients achieve great learn to walk. Due to my inability results,” she said. to run around and play, I had to get their attention and make friends using “Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with some incredi- my words.” bly talented people and organizations, especially in the construction and VanNatta began her career working with her father, longtime executive development industry,” she added. “I’ve worked with architects, land- director and governmental affairs representative for the Oregon Home scapers, real estate agencies, construction firms and development firms. Builders Association. She said he considered himself an affordable hous- Working with the building industry is rewarding because you can enjoy ing advocate and was a tireless supporter of the state’s building industry. seeing the final outcome of a project.” “He always told me that ‘If you’re not at the table, you’re probably on In 1987, she developed a flexibile internship program that covers the the menu.’ To me, that meant ‘show up’ and ‘be involved,’” she said. “I various disciplines of PR. Over the years, VanNatta has mentored more love volunteering in my community and encourage my clients to do the than 100 interns and hired several of them in addition to providing job same. Because of that philosophy, I chose to focus my PR practice on shadows and informational interviews for young professionals.

Jannel Waldron

senior associate at Holst Architecture

assionate about design- buildings as fully flexible office space. ing public spaces, Jannel Waldron shares her time and talent with a range of community organi- PWaldron studied them in zations, including Doreen’s Place where she regularly prepared and served Copenhagen, Denmark, after dinner to shelter residents, as well as Project Lemonade and Friends of earning a bachelor’s degree in Trees. Her pro bono work at Holst includes the design of the Portland In- architecture from the University stitute of Contemporary Art’s new home in North Portland and painting a of Virginia and a master’s from Holst-designed mural at the Gresham Women’s Shelter. Arizona State University. While Waldron served as co-chair of the AIA Portland Emerging Professionals in Copenhagen, she also studied Committee from 2014-16, and she is a member of the Society of College Scandinavian furniture design and and University Planners. She taught architectural design studios for several the development of its bike transit system. years and continues to be a guest critic for university-level design studios. Since joining Holst in 2012, Waldron has led teams for some of the In leading by example, Waldron became a sought-after mentor for junior firm’s most challenging projects. These include OSU’s INTO International staff members as part of Holst’s Advocate Program. She is a member of the Student Center, a fast-track renovation that adapted a former warehouse firm’s Design Committee, evaluating and improving its collaborative design into a campus gathering, learning and service space. She currently is lead- process, and Education Working Group, working to expand the firm’s reach ing Holst’s team on the OSU Arts & Education Center, a $70 million new and knowledge in the education market. performing arts center. When Holst moved into a new office at the end of 2019, Waldron also She also served as project architect for NIKE’s Dan Fouts Building, an served as co-chair of its Moving Committee, ensuring that the complicated 80,000-square-foot renovation on the company’s Beaverton campus. De- process of cleaning out the firm’s archives, coordinating packing efforts signed and built in 14 months, the project reinvented one of NIKE’s original and communicating the process to staff went smoothly. 28 | Women of Vision 2020 CONGRATULATIONS TO AFTON WALSH, AND TO ALL THE WOMEN OF VISION!

Visit us at: walshconstruction.com | Follow us @walshbuilds

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WOMEN Celebrating 10 Years OF of Workplace Diversity WENAHA & Inclusion

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Women of Vision 2020 | 29 Afton Walsh

project manager and community outreach director for WALSH Construction Co.

alsh is a well-known worked on the Mercy Corps International Headquarters and the original name in Portland but Bridge Meadows project, an intergenerational community of affordable WAfton Walsh, daugh- housing. In 2011, she moved to WALSH’s Seattle office and was pro- ter of WALSH Construction Co. moted to project manager. In 2018, she returned to Portland and took on co-founder Bob Walsh, was the role of community outreach director, allowing her to ensure WALSH determined not to work in con- consistently meets and exceeds equity goals and serve as a mentor to struction. A college athlete, she minority firms. figured she would work for NIKE “On a daily basis I get to work with incredibly smart, talented people. or Columbia Sportswear. Those might be architects and owners or laborers and builders. I like However, as a junior she began being able to work with such a good group and diverse group of people,” thinking more about her career plans and values. She realized she want- she said. ed to work for a company that valued people and community and treated Walsh added that she feels fortunate to build a lot of community proj- employees like family. She realized she already had a model for how a ects for nonprofits and other organizations that serve a great need and good company should conduct itself and interned for WALSH Construc- support communities in deep and meaningful ways. “Fundamentally, a lot tion. of what WALSH does is housing. I believe housing is a right and without “I was on a project by the waterfront and I had so much fun. I was nev- stable, safe, clean housing people can’t thrive.” er at a computer or sat at a desk. I was running around with carpenters, Walsh is a leader in O’Neill/Walsh Community Builders, a partnership plumbers and electricians. I had so much fun and I never looked back,” between WALSH and O’Neill Construction Group, that allows O’Neill to she said. learn from WALSH’s decades of general contracting experience and in- Walsh joined the company full time as a project engineer in 2006 and creases WALSH’s outreach and access to diverse subcontractors.

Jennifer Yruegas

JD, general counsel, associate vice president of human resources and associate dean of the College of Business at Pacific University

ennifer Yruegas was in- “Next to my family, Pacific University is the number one influencer and spired to become an attor- constructor of who I am,” she said, adding her relationship with the uni- Jney by an experience that versity “shows a courageous march toward a greater purpose, continually impacted her family. They were serving a more inclusive student body.” working for a farmer in eastern Yruegas said she appreciates the chance to work with a dedicated Oregon who knew their crew was team and her favorite part of her job is mentoring students, particularly in the fields but allowed aerial women entrepreneurs. She noted the K-12 teachers, college professors spraying because it was too ex- and law school professor who impacted her life’s trajectory. pensive to reschedule. “Mentoring changed my life. I know I wouldn’t be receiving this award “We all felt sick after, but my had any one of those eight mentor/educators not gone above and be- mother suffered a severe reaction and could not walk for days as her legs yond,” she said. swelled and turned purple,” she said. “The farmer felt untouchable as he As a Pacific student, Yruegas founded the nonprofit Santos, which ini- felt we had no ability to take action and, given we lacked the knowledge of our options, he was right. My need and desire for understanding has tially created opportunities for disadvantaged youth to play soccer and never diminished since that moment.” now provides tutoring and mentoring. She also founded YES, a foundation to further hands-on science experiments in classrooms. Yruegas earned degrees in biology and English at Pacific University and her JD at Lewis and Clark College’s Northwestern School of Law. A reg- Yruegas is one of only four Pacific Northwest attorneys to receive the istered patent attorney, she was the first Latina to practice at Schwabe, Hispanic National Bar Association’s “Top Lawyers Under 40 Award.” In Williamson & Wyatt and also worked for Viewpoint, InFocus Corp., NIKE 2017, she received Lewis and Clark Law School’s Joyce Ann Harpole Inc. and Keene Footwear before returning to Pacific University. Award, one of the most distinguished awards presented to alumni. 30 | Women of Vision 2020 DJC TopProjects is the premier awards program for the region’s built environment. Honoring the best building and construction projects in Oregon and SW Washington, DJC TopProjects is the must-attend annual event to meet the people and firms who are doing outstanding work in the regional built environment. November 19, 2020 4pm – 6pm | Virtual Event Cost: $25 REGISTER TODAY! Register here: djcoregon.com/events/top-projects WOMEN AT WORK Barnes’ experience working on museums ERIN ROYCROFT KATIE RITENOUR and integrated labs contributes to the firm’s Tonkon Torp LLP KPFF residential, multifamily, hospitality and office Erin Roycroft has joined KPFF has named structural projects. She is currently the project director Tonkon Torp LLP as an engineer Katie Ritenour an for Nike World Headquarters’ Serena Williams associate in its labor & associate in its Portland office. Building. Barnes has a master’s degree in employment practice group. Since joining the firm in 2013, architecture from the University of Michigan. She previously spent two Ritenour has worked on the years as a judicial clerk for Judge Scott Portland Japanese Garden’s Cultural Crossing Shorr at the Oregon Court of Appeals. While expansion, projects for the Oregon Museum of LISA SATO there, Roycroft worked on criminal, civil and Science and Industry and Portland International Carleton Hart administrative appeals involving issues such Airport’s Concourse E expansion. She has a Architecture as contracts, insurance and property disputes. bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Lisa Sato has joined Carleton Roycroft has a Juris Doctor degree from the Oregon State University and a master’s degree in Hart Architecture as a project Willamette University College of Law. While a civil engineering from Stanford University designer. With eight years law student, she served as a judicial extern for of experience, she has built a portfolio that U.S. District Court Judge Michael Simon and NITA POSADA includes higher education, residential, transit, for Judge Darleen Ortega at the Oregon Court commercial and industrial projects. Sato holds of Appeals. Skylab Architecture Skylab Architecture has bachelor’s degrees in both architecture and named Nita Posada a international relations as well as a master’s ANDI CAMP principal. She joined the degree in architecture – all from the University KPFF firm in 2017 and serves as of Toronto. KPFF has named structural director of interior design. engineer Andi Camp an Her career has included programming, KARI KUBOYAMA associate in its Portland planning, management and design for higher WDY Inc. office. Since joining the firm education, civic, athletics, workplace, health WDY Inc. has promoted Kari as an intern in 2004 and care, residential and hospitality projects. Kuboyama to associate. honing her engineering abilities to become Posada has had the opportunity to work with She has seven years of civil a project manager, Camp has worked on an clients in South America and Europe. engineering experience, array of projects – including the new Kellogg including a broad range in Middle School, The Nines Hotel and the new SUSAN BARNES project management and permitting services. U.S. embassy in Maputo, Mozambique. She is Skylab Architecture Kuboyama specializes in site development a licensed Professional Structural Engineer in for private and public improvements. She is a Oregon and California. Skylab Architecture has named Susan Barnes a University of Portland graduate. principal. She joined the firm in 2012 and has served as director of architecture.

Nov. 12 Nov. 18 Energy Leadership Summit 2020 Women On Boards Women Directors During Times of Crisis What: The Northwest Environmental What: This is a series of 30 city/state conversations in the 2020 Women On Boards network Business Council and CleanTech Alliance will across the U.S., Mexico, England, Spain and Switzerland. It will focus on regional insights host this year’s event, which connects policy about how women on corporate boards impact those markets, and how women leaders are with practice and addresses the industry’s using their experience to navigate the pandemic and grapple with social injustice. The Oregon current challenges and future opportunities. presentation focuses on “Women Directors During Times of Crisis.” According to the 2020 Women On Boards Gender Diversity Directory, women hold just 20.4 percent of board seats Where: Virtual among the nation’s largest publicly traded companies in the Russell 3000 Index. Of the 13 Oregon companies in the index, only eight have 20 percent or more women on their board. When: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: Virtual Info: [email protected]; energyleadershipsummit.com When: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Info: https://2020wob.com/oregon/

32 | Women of Vision 2020 design leadership roles for project teams and CHRISTINE ZINKGRAF eventually became co-leader of the interiors AMANDA SALES Truebeck Construction practice. Van der Meulen provides design Energy Trust of Oregon Truebeck Construction has leadership to 260 individuals in the Portland Amanda Sales has been promoted Christine Zinkgraf office, and guides marketing and interior design promoted to director of to project executive. She will efforts for a diverse portfolio that includes human resources at Energy manage multiple teams and corporate workplaces, cultural institutions, Trust of Oregon. The new ensure the best possible health and wellness spaces, higher education position was created in service, value and quality for her clients’ buildings, and aviation facilities. recognition of the importance of people and projects. Zinkgraf has more than 15 years of culture in the organization’s diversity, equity experience in construction. She specializes and inclusion goals. While with Energy Trust, in managing mission-critical projects with an SHANNON SIMMS Sales has developed a mentoring program; emphasis on mechanical systems. Mayer/Reed advanced staff compensation philosophy Mayer/Reed has promoted and guidelines; developed training, hiring NADINE APPENBRINK landscape architect and recruiting strategies for increasing staff Shannon Simms to an diversity; and produced an HR strategy that Parametrix associate in recognition aligns with the organization’s 2020-2024 Nadine Appenbrink has joined of her professional and Strategic Plan. Outside of the company, Sales Parametrix’s Portland office design leadership. Simms, a leader in active previously provided interpersonal and career as a senior transportation transportation and urban design, is currently skills coaching to people of color in prison or planner in the transportation managing the landscape architecture work-release programs. planning group. She has discipline for TriMet’s Southwest Corridor more than 12 years of experience working Light Rail Project (urban design). Her previous on multimodal transportation and land use experience includes the Green Loop and Better KRISTEN CURRENS projects. Appenbrink’s expertise includes Naito in Portland, and the Ebey Waterfront Trail MacKay Sposito multimodal transit access evaluations, corridor in Marysville, Washington. MacKay Sposito has hired planning, mobility, safety and streetscape Kristen Currens, a certified improvements, long-range comprehensive Professional Wetland Scientist plans, regional visioning for land use and KATE ROTH and permit specialist with transportation, and market-based scenario Tonkon Torp LLP 19 years of experience. She planning. Appenbrink was previously with Kate Roth has joined Tonkon specializes in public and private regulatory Jacobs, serving in leadership roles on Torp LLP as an associate compliance in transportation, energy, land multimodal and transit projects, and as a in its tax and executive development, and water management fields. public engagement and planning lead. compensation & employee Currens’ experience includes work for a variety benefits practice group. She of clients in transportation, recreation, energy SHARRON VAN DER previously was a judicial law clerk for U.S. Tax distribution, and water management throughout Court Judge Kathleen Kerrigan. While there, the Pacific Northwest. MEULEN Roth conducted federal taxation research and ZGF Architects drafted memoranda and opinions regarding tax- Sharron van der Meulen related disputes and issues. Before that, she has been promoted to worked for Grant Thornton LLP as a mergers & managing partner of ZGF acquisitions tax associate and served as a law Architects’ Portland office. She joined the firm clerk for the Oregon Department of Justice’s in 1987 as an interior architect, later took on Civil Enforcement Division.

Dec. 8-9 Dec. 17 Jan. 28, 2021 Business & The Environment DJC Phenoms & Icons 2020 ACEC Engineering Excellence Conference & Expo Awards What: The Northwest Environmental What: Phenoms & Icons will honor the What: The American Council of Engineering Business Council, State of Oregon local building industry’s long-tme leaders Companies Oregon will present the 2021 Department of Environmental Quality while recognizing the up-and-coming Engineering Excellence Awards, recognizing and State of Washington Department of professionals expected to share the future projects that demonstrate an exceptional degree Ecology will present the Northwest’s largest of architecture, engineering, construction, of innovation, complexity, achievement and value. environmental conference and expo Dec. development, transportation, energy and Projects must have been substantially completed 8-9. sustainability in the region. between Nov. 1, 2018, and Oct. 31, 2020. Deadline for entries is Nov. 16, 2020. Where: Virtual Where: Virtual Where: Virtual When: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Info: Merideth Webber, mwebber@ Info: [email protected]; Info: 503-226-1311; djcoregon.com/ acecoregon.org; www.acecoregon.org/ businessandenvironment.com phenoms-icons events_eng_excellence

Women of Vision 2020 | 33 opportunities to push the envelope. One was The Metropolitan – an award-winning SIERRA CONDER- mixed-use development in Boston. Currently, ASKWITH ALEXI MEUWISSEN she is working on apartment projects in Portland for Marathon Development. Salunkhe MacKay Sposito Scott | Edwards MacKay Sposito has hired has a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Sierra Conder-Askwith, an Architecture the University of Pune (India) and a master’s environmental permitting Alexi Meuwissen has degree in landscape architecture from Penn and construction compliance specialist with joined Scott | Edwards State University. 16 years of experience. She specializes in Architecture as director of environmental permitting and compliance, marketing and business development. She LINDSI HAMMOND environmental plan development, project will be responsible for directing all marketing efforts, strategizing project pursuits and GRI management, estimating and budgeting. GRI has promoted Lindsi building industry relationships. She previously Conder-Askwith will perform a range of Hammond to principal. She spent nine years as director of marketing for professional work in areas related to power has 12 years of experience Bremik Construction. Meuwissen is active generation, distribution, transmission systems, in pavement engineering. on the firm’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion linear projects, and typical building sites. She She is responsible for committee. Her volunteer efforts include also will be a member of Engineer, Procure projects related to pavement evaluation and work on various campaigns with Portland and Construct (EPC) project teams. design for a wide range of public entities, YouthBuilders, Rose Haven, REACH CDC and including municipalities, counties, states, the Oregon Food Bank (Canstruction). JODIE BUCHHOLZ federal agencies, airports and port authorities. Coffman Engineers Hammond also is an expert in implementation Jodie Buchholz has joined KARA GROTHEN of pavement management software and Coffman Engineers’ Scott | Edwards development of long-term, preservation- Portland office as a based pavement management strategies. She Architecture recently was elected a GRI board member. structural engineer. She Kara Grothen has joined recently graduated from Scott | Edwards Architecture the architectural engineering program at as a project architect. P.K. RUNKLES-PEARSON California Polytechnic State University in San Currently, she is working on the new Miller Nash Graham & Luis Obispo. For her senior project, Buchholz Wilsonville Public Works facility and a new joined another Cal Poly student to partnering housing project for Rose Villa in Portland. She Dunn P.K. Runkles-Pearson, a with Journeyman International, a nonprofit, has more than 13 years of design experience, Miller Nash Graham & and design a community center for a village with a special focus in Revit management and Dunn partner, has been in Uganda. Buchholz’s role included creation standards. Grothen previously was a senior appointed by Gov. Kate of a calculations package, a set of structural associate at Mackenzie, where she designed Brown to serve on the newly formed Public drawings and a presentation. She previously high-tech, mixed-use, industrial, tenant Safety Training and Standards Task Force. worked as a technical intern for Simpson improvement and hospitality projects. She has The group will review best practices, research Gumpertz & Heger in San Francisco. a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the and data that govern current standards for University of Oregon. law enforcement training, certification and ABIGAIL MESSEGEE decertification practices. Based on this review, Coffman Engineers MAY LIU the task force will provide recommendations for Abigail Messegee has joined Shapiro Didway improving training and certification practices Coffman Engineers’ Portland Shapiro Didway has hired for Oregon law enforcement officers, as well office after working for a year May Liu as a landscape as provide suggestions for revisions to the in the Spokane, Washington, designer. She has three years legal requirements for officer decertification. location. Messegee of experience working in the Runkles-Pearson, in her practice, specializes previously worked for PCS Structural Solutions Denver area. Liu will begin in helping progressive organizations prioritize in Tacoma, Washington. She has worked on contributing to several projects, including equity and inclusion while minimizing legal risk. several multidiscipline projects throughout North 18 – a six-story mixed-use building the Pacific Northwest, many for K-12 in Portland. Liu has a bachelor’s degree in ODESSA CLEAVENGER education clients. Messegee has experience landscape architecture from Colorado State designing, detailing and analyzing structures University. She also is a member of the BBT Architects Odessa Cleavenger has and structural components, managing American Society of Landscape Architects. project production and budget, and assisting joined BBT Architects on construction phase support. the design team. She will MEETAL SALUNKHE provide 3D renderings TONIE ESTEBAN Shapiro Didway and technical support for Shapiro Didway has hired a variety of projects. Cleavenger recently BRIC Architecture Meetal Salunkhe as a received a bachelor’s degree in architecture – BRIC Architecture has named landscape designer. She has with a minor in interior architecture – from the Tonie Esteban a principal. She more than 10 years of design University of Oregon. She previously received is an accomplished architect and client management the BBT Architects scholarship as a Summit and project manager, and experience. Salunkhe has completed projects High School graduate, and also completed a embraces complex issues as in Portland, the Boston-metro area and India. summer internship with the Bend-based firm.

34 | Women of Vision 2020 2020 WOMEN OF VISION

Celebrate the rising stars and longtime legends Congratulations of the A|E|C industries Phenoms & Icons honors the local building industry’s long- time leaders while recognizing the up-and-coming professionals expected to share the future of architecture, engineering, construction, development, transportation, energy and JENNIFER YRUEGAS! sustainability in the region.

Pacific University Alumna, 1996 Register now: Pacific University AVP of HR https://djcoregon.com/phenoms-icons/ General Counsel & College of Business Associate Dean December 17, 2020 11am – 1pm | Virtual Event

DJC Women of Vision Magazine | Oct. 2020 | 1/4 Pg Ad | Pacific University

ACMS NW is an Oregon-based, women and minority-owned Construction Management and Civil Engineering firm that provides professional services to public agencies and private-sector clients. We proudly hold WBE, DBE, & ESB certifications in Oregon and Washington and we are dedicated to giving back to our community on a regular basis.

ACMS’ project focus includes all aspects of public and private construction including: Civil Engineering • Project Management • Construction Inspection • Construction Management Construction Support Services • Project Controls/Contract Administration • Emergency Management Planning/Oversight