c us t om co n t en t ja n ua rY 11, 2021

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN

espite the challenges of 2021, the construction industry is ripe with opportunity – especially for women. A recent study showed that although women are still underrepresented in the construction industry overall, they are making significant progress in becoming leaders. A substantial portion of female executives Dand construction managers have been in their roles in the last five years, suggesting that companies are more recently promoting women to leadership roles. Furthermore, companies and associations are increasing their efforts to promote women in their organizations and educate young women about the benefits of working in the industry. Plus, the construction industry has managed to avoid the gender pay gap, with women actually making about 1% more than men, in terms of average income. Although there are obstacles for women to get into construction, women have the potential to solve the industry’s labor shortage. With more and more groundbreaking women chipping away at gendered norms and leveling the playing field, the industry is taking bigger steps at becoming a more diverse and inclusive space for future generations. In this section, we profile some of the key women paving the way.

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WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN Letter from the Publisher

elcome to the third edition of our annual section honoring LA’s most influential women in construction and design. Los Angeles is truly a national leader when it comes to influential women – and the field of W construction and design is no exception. There are stellar female industry professionals in the region and we’ve alphabetically listed some of the best of them here, along with highlights about their careers.

According to labor force statistics, the share of women in the construction industry is currently only at about ten percent, so the women who make their way to become standouts in that industry truly are pioneers. There’s obviously a way to go for representation in the building game, but the needle is moving, and the industry offers great opportunities for advancement for women.

Congratulations to the extraordinary, talented group of professionals who made this list and thank you for your contributions to the Los Angeles economy … and skyline!

Best regards,

Josh Schimmels Publisher & CEO

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WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN

JOANN ATIENZA SUSAN BARTLEY DR. GIOVANNA BRASFIELD DAWN BRISCO Assistant Project Manager Associate Director/Project Manager Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion Associate Principal Lendlease Skidmore, Owings & Merrill Flatiron Construction NAC Architecture

oanne Atienza, an assistant project man- usan Bartley has led the design manage- n March 2019, Dr. Giovanna Brasfield awn Brisco is an associate principal with ager at Lendlease, is one of those talented ment of some of the most significant and (“Dr. G”) was appointed senior supplier NAC Architecture. She’s a member of Jindividuals that is able to make critical Sground-breaking new civic buildings in Idiversity and community inclusion officer Dthe American Institute of Architects decisions with less than perfect information the Los Angeles region. for Flatiron Construction as vice president and is a LEED Accredited Professional while leading by example. Through her extensive skills and back- of diversity & inclusion and serves as the through the U.S. Green Building Council. Last year, she was entrusted with critical ground in both the creative and technical highest ranking African-American at Flat- During her 16 years at NAC, she’s worked high risk projects in trying times of COVID- aspects of the architectural design process, iron. In her role at Flatiron, Dr G assists on community-facing projects ranging 19 where direct oversight was difficult. Bartley has successfully led multi-disciplinary the Southwest District Manager and the from adaptive re-use buildings to classroom Atienza excelled with little management teams on multiple courthouse, administra- Division Manager in meeting contractu- design and modernization. or mentorship under tough conditions. tion, and operational facilities for Federal, al requirements on current projects and Brisco is passionate about sustainable Throughout the pandemic crisis to date she State, and City agencies. Among these proj- upcoming project pursuits that engage school design that addresses diversity and has seamlessly navigated through the chang- ects are the headquarters for the Los Angeles women, diverse businesses, local workforce, space equity. She believes all young learners ing world of essential construction and Police Department, the California State and youth engagement. deserve to have a healthy, quality place to constant setbacks from unknown conditions Courthouse in Long Beach, the regional Dr. G takes great pride to develop and learn and grow. Quality learning space to intrinsically part of many infrastructure jobs headquarters for the Royal Canadian Mount- implement initiatives that will assist Flat- her means listening to the needs of students and has been able to deliver her projects ed Police in Vancouver, and most recently iron intentionally increase inclusion both and families. It also means building an with high accolades from her clients as well the new Los Angeles Federal Courthouse internally and externally. Dr. G also serves eco-sensitive space that fosters wellbeing. as Lendlease management. in downtown Los Angeles. With Bartley’s as the inclusivity manager for LINXS JV on Her designs incorporate sustainable com- hands-on project management, the Court- the Los Angeles World Airport’s Automated ponents and the thoughtful application of house set new standards of excellence for the People Mover project and is an advocate, water conservation and usage. As an advo- design and construction of future judicial leader, and change agent within construc- cate for sustainability, Brisco creates envi- facilities and is a model for new civic archi- tion who is driven from the inclusion of ronmentally progressive projects with sys- tecture. The building is LEED Platinum-cer- others within construction and construc- tems that include photovoltaics, reclaimed tified and has received the AIA’s highest tion-related trades. water, and innovative heating/cooling. awards for design and sustainability.

MARIA CARLSON SHARA CASTILLO HUNVEY CHEN VESNA CONROY Chief Financial Officer, Vice President Principal Principal, Regional Leader of Healthcare Operations Manager Pankow Builders ZGF HOK Turner Construction Company

ince joining Pankow in 2005, Maria or Shara Castillo, knowing the difference s the regional leader of healthcare for ensa Conroy is a construction opera- Carlson has served as corporate control- between a good decision and a bad one, the Los Angeles office of HOK, Hunvey tions manager with more than 20 years Sler and as CFO. She directs the compa- Fsticking tightly to a project schedule, and AChen is directly responsible for ensuring Vof experience in the design and con- ny’s finance, accounting, tax planning and never leaving an assumption unchecked are that projects meet their goals at all levels struction industry. Starting her career as an information technology functions. She is the cornerstones of her principled leadership – visioning, project development, construc- architect in Belgrade, Serbia, Conroy came the first female executive/general partner at style, which she has developed over the past tion and implementation. Hunvey brings to Los Angeles in 2003 as a senior project Pankow and uses her voice and perspective 15 years of working as an architect. With to each project her extensive expertise as engineer for Turner Construction Company. to positively influence the company. projects across the country, Castillo draws a project manager and a project architect Since moving to the Los Angeles area 17 Carlson is also a certified Professional inspiration from many different locales, such focusing healthcare design and delivery. years ago, Conroy has been a driving force Coach and is instrumental in shaping the as Los Angeles–a melting pot of ideas, cul- Finding her passion for healthcare architec- working behind the scenes on some of the leadership development programs at Pan- tures, topographies, and architectural styles. ture over 18 years ago, Chen has been part region’s most complex and iconic building kow. Her dedication to support a culture of Castillo’s most recent accomplishment of every major recent healthcare project in projects. She has a demonstrated history of learning and development at Pankow has is leading the ZGF design team through the the Los Angeles office during her tenure successfully managing complex multi-billion been influential in helping the company design competition, design development, at HOK. Her most recent accomplishment dollar projects such as the Wilshire Grand navigate through the unprecedented times and construction of the new 403,306 square is the renovation of the formerly named Center in downtown Los Angeles and cur- of 2020 and beyond. She led the formation foot Southern California Consolidation Martin Luther King Jr. County Hospital to rently the SoFi Stadium and entertainment of Pankow’s mentorship program, which Project for the California Department of the Mark Ridley-Thomas Behavioral Health complex – future home of Los Angeles Rams supports individuals of different specialties General Services, California Air Resources Center. and Chargers. Hospitality construction has with personal growth opportunities. Her Board (CARB), which will be one of the Other projects in which Chen has been been a passion for Vesna. With the ability to leadership in the leadership programs and largest, most advanced vehicle emissions critical are, Kaiser Baldwin Hills-Crenshaw strike a balance between construction and teaming workshops fuels Pankow’s develop- testing and research facilities in the world. Medical Office Building, Ventura County architecture, she is a valuable partner for ment culture. These efforts are helping to As the lead design principal, Castillo was Medical Center, Scripps Prebys Cardio- owners and architects alike. place Pankow on a path toward more inclu- able to infuse her passion for the sustainabil- vascular Institute, Cedars-Sinai Advanced sion and resiliency through change. ity-built environment into the project. Health Sciences Pavilion and the Saint John’s Millennium Project.

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WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN

OLIVIA CREVER JULIE DAVIS JANELLE de la GUARDIA CHRISTINA DELGADO Director of Client Relations Project Executive Project Manager Architect / Project Manager Howard Building Corporation DPR Construction Nadel Architecture + Planning Hammel, Green and Abrahamson, Inc. (HGA)

fter a number of years excelling in the ulie Davis is a project executive at DPR anelle de la Guardia, AIA, has been hristina Delgado, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, hospitality industry, Olivia Crever was Construction where she specializes in with Nadel for four years of her 14-year is an architect and project manager with Aoffered a business development role at JOSHPD healthcare design and construc- Jcareer. In 2019 she received her Cali- CHGA in Los Angeles, where she focuses a prominent architecture firm. Nine years tion, as well as Lean leadership. Davis has fornia architecture license, after previously on designing higher education projects. Her later, she has climbed the commercial real more than 25 years of experience managing receiving her license in Texas. She is a accomplishments include feasibility studies, estate ladder and is now Director of Client technically complex projects, mainly acute LEED Accredited Professional and NCARB renovations, and new academic buildings Relations at Howard Building Corporation care hospital renovations and additions, certified. In her time with Nadel, de la for such clients as California State Univer- (HBC). Since joining the team in 2018, Cre- including the only OSHPD1 vertical addi- Guardia has worked as project manager for sity Fullerton, California State University ver has amplified HBC’s presence in South- tion in Southern California. She provides both renovation and ground-up work. She Dominguez Hills, San Diego State Universi- ern California by fostering and maintaining leadership and support to multidisciplinary has worked on a variety of projects which ty, and California Polytechnic State Univer- relationships with new and existing clients. teams through the planning, design and con- include mixed-use, multi-family residential, sity San Luis Obispo, among other leading Her continuous effort in generating new struction for new projects and remodels. hospitality and commercial. academic clients. leads, researching growth trends, and working Since joining DPR in 2011, Davis has de la Guardia’s tasks have involved orga- With more than 10 years of experience collaboratively with the project management established herself as an expert and champi- nizing and preparing teams for new projects; since graduating with a Master of Architec- teams has yielded significant results. on of Integrated Project Delivery and Lean aiding the client in consultant acquisition; ture from Virginia Tech, her skills perfectly Crever’s involvement with CoreNet Construction within the company. However, producing long-term project schedules while align with her current role as project manag- Global and the International Interior Design her leadership extends beyond DPR and into maintaining project budgets; and working er directing interdisciplinary team processes Association helps bridge the gap between the greater industry. From 2018-2020, Davis with the contractor, client and consultants during the design and construction process. the design and construction management served as the chair of the Lean Construc- through the life of the project to achieve a As a mother with a young child balancing communities, ultimately promoting a more tion Institute Los Angeles/Orange County design-oriented product within the client’s work and family responsibilities, Delgado inclusive, coherent industry. The unique Community of Practice, a role that enabled budget. She is proficient at Revit and has also provides encouraging advice for women circumstances of 2020 further highlighted her to provide tools and training to industry been a key player in aiding her organization entering the profession. “Our voices are Crever’s creativity and resilience. partners about effective project integration, in its transition to BIM projects. needed,” she said. “Women are providing a process transformation and Lean thinking. lot of value and your experience, talent, and insight will take this industry forward.”

DENISE DESISTO CHRISTIE FISCHETTI ANNE FLETCHER JACQUELINE GONZALEZ Senior Project Manager - Team Leader Principal Senior Principal, Managing Principal Preconstruction Manager Clune Construction CMPG HOK The PENTA Building Group

second generation woman in construc- hristie Fischetti is a strong leader in the nne Fletcher leads HOK Los Angeles as mart, persevering and resourceful are all tion, Clune Construction’s Denise construction community. Launching managing principal, where she is respon- words that perfectly describe Jacky Gon- ADeSisto is setting new standards of CCMPG in 2008 at the beginning of a Asible for the strategic direction and Szalez, who currently serves as a precon- excellence within the construction industry. recession was no small feat. During a time overall performance of the multidisciplinary struction manager at The PENTA Building At a young age, she observed her mother’s that ended most construction management practice. As an architect with over two Group. At just 34 years old, her multiple work as a project accountant with a local practices, she not only opened a new com- decades of project management and design educational degrees and nearly a decade’s general contractor, sparking her passion for pany but led her team through the recession experience, she has led teams through sig- worth of experience in the industry are a the construction process. In 1989 DeSisto and the years to follow with an expanding nificant projects including dozens of mixed- few of the many reasons she is a woman to began her career in the plan room for a client list and growing team. use, hospitality, residential and transporta- watch in construction. Southern California based construction To build a company with great employees tion projects. Anne has a unique ability to Gonzalez graduated with a bachelor’s company and she never looked back. and satisfied clients, Fischetti has used her guide teams in translating client priorities, degree in Civil Engineering from Cal State Throughout her career she has worked her charismatic ability to present information expectations and requirements into elegant, LA in 2011 and a master’s degree in 2013. way through various roles including estimat- and documentation that is easy and intui- efficient and buildable design solutions. She then went on to gain experience in per- ing, project management, and beyond. tive for employees and clients. This infra- During her tenure as managing principal mitting and as a project engineer and senior In 2020, DeSisto was promoted to senior structure allows the CMPG team to provide of HOK’s Los Angeles studio, Fletcher has estimator. Gonzalez joined PENTA in 2018 project manager and team lead. In this exceptional services and has created a high overseen the successful pursuit of numerous and recently celebrated two years at the firm role, she has the overall responsibility and company standard for the CMPG brand. projects in the aviation, healthcare, science as a preconstruction manager. In this role, accountability for each project she works With COVID-19, she quickly responded and technology, and education sectors. The she is responsible for determining the costs on. In addition to her management of the and continued to hold herself and CMPG studio’s leadership team has been expanded and evaluating all documentation associated project team, she is also accountable for accountable to achieve excellence even to enhance the studio’s expertise and visibil- with a project. This includes evaluating the making sure that the project is staffed prop- through unprecedented times. She has ity in these critical sectors that contribute construction site, budgeting, researching erly and that the project cost and schedule continued to grow the company, increasing to the economic and social health of the Los ways to reduce project costs, and collaborat- is monitored and maintained to the satisfac- revenue over the last year. Angeles region. ing with various departments to explain cost tion of the client. findings.

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WE PAY TRIBUTE TO THE 2021 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN

INCLUDING OUR VERY OWN ALISON KERMODE & DENISE DESISTO Photo Credit: Marc Weisberg Marc Credit: Photo

| #732107 #732107 CA License CA License

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WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN

KIRSTIN HARPER-SMITH SONNET HUI LEIGH ANNE JONES SHAFEE JONES-WILSON Project Executive Vice President and General Manager Higher Education Leader, Principal Director of Design Management Shawmut Design and Construction Project Management Advisors Inc. DLR Group AECOM

s project executive at Shawmut Design orn and raised in Hong Kong, and hroughout her career, Leigh Anne Jones hafee Jones-Wilson serves as director and Construction, Kirstin Harper-Smith having lived in five countries, Sonnet has provided direction and opportuni- of design management in AECOM’s Ais responsible for the oversight of the BHui has spent her life at the crossroads Tties for women and under-represented SConstruction Management Services in office and field team—and in an industry of ideas, cultures and global experience, populations in the AEC industry. She is an Los Angeles. In her 13-year career working that’s less than 10% female, she has estab- a perspective she brings to her day-to-day active mentor within DLR Group where internationally with AECOM, her unique lished herself as a leader with the skill and work, facilitating discussions and navigating she supports several architects who seek and diverse expertise and skillset as a expertise to successfully guide a team. Cur- the complexity of high-stakes development guidance and direction at all levels of their designer, project manager, client represen- rently working on projects spanning from a projects. As an architect, developer, business career. She has been formally and informally tative, contractor, and leader has provided historic building from 1935 to a tight urban strategist and planner, Hui’s professional involved with industry leadership and EDI invaluable benefit to both the AECOM site for microunits, Harper-Smith brings achievements span brand-defining mixed efforts and believes the profession improves company and the construction industry. expertise in major proj-ects—including high use, luxury residential, healthcare, hospi- with diverse involvement. She also is a reg- In her current position with AECOM’s rises—and a collabo-rative, proactive tality, and entertainment developments ular design critic at Mira Costa College and Construction Management Services, approach to construction with a solutions- throughout Los Angeles and beyond. the Art Center of Design in Pasadena and Jones-Wilson has been instrumental in the first focus. In the immediate aftermath of COVID- is on the Architecture Department Advi- construction group’s success. On multiple With the COVID-19 pandemic, Harp- 19, Hui and her team pulled together to sory Committee at San Bernardino Valley iconic Los Angeles projects with well- er-Smith has understood the importance of assess every project they were working on College. known, high profile clients, she has provid- showing up even more for both clients and and how the dual threats of a pandemic Jones is also committed to making her ed invaluable expertise in design manage- teammates. Ensuring she and her team do and economic downturn might impact each community a better place to live and the ment, coordination of bid teams, input into everything to keep projects moving forward one. Hui and her team mobilized, which AEC industry a better place to work. She strategy and operations, pursuit leadership, safely, she has become entrenched in under- ultimately kept their projects on track as views her leadership role at DLR Group as construction oversight, quality and comple- standing what the effects of COVID are and the initial work-from-home period stretched an opportunity to give back to others and tion processes, client outreach, and commu- planning the construction process around from a few weeks to several months. to prepare the next generation of designers nity involvement. restrictions during the preconstruction who will shape the experiences of building phase. users around the world.

Congratulations to Swinerton’s very own Kaylee Knudsen and Julie Luu on being named two of Los Angeles Business Journal’s Women of Influence: Construction and Design! We are extremely proud of their contributions to our firm, not just as women, but as two of the most dedicated individuals in the construction industry as a whole. As women comprise only 10% of the industry workforce, Swinerton wholeheartedly supports Kaylee and Julie’s goal to inspire women to bridge the gap and empower them to join the industry.

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Irvine • Los Angeles • San Diego • Ontario • Tarzana • Chicago • Denver • Nashville • Phoenix • Tucson www.weoneil.com

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WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN

ALISON KERMODE KAYLEE KNUDSEN SARAH LANDSBERGER KARIN LILJEGREN Senior Vice President, Marketing & Communications Assistant Superintendent Project Director Owner + Founder Clune Construction Swinerton Webcor Omgivning

lison Kermode began her career in the pon graduating from the USC with a he past 18 months of Sarah Landsberger’s arin Liljegren, FAIA, IIDA, has dedi- construction industry as a marketing degree in Civil Engineering, Kaylee professional journey have been nothing cated her career to revitalizing the rich Amanager for a national publishing UKnudsen started her career in construc- Tshort of groundbreaking. In May 2019, Kstock of existing buildings in Los Ange- company that specialized in construction tion as a project engineer at Swinerton. she transitioned from the California branch les. In 1999, she worked on the very first cost estimating books. It was there that her Over the last six years with the firm, she of Lendlease, a construction, real estate and projects under LA’s Adaptive Reuse Ordi- interest in construction began. This experi- has worked on many logistically challenging investment group based out of Sydney, Aus- nance, which launched her nuanced under- ence eventually led her to Clune Construc- projects with aggressive schedules. These tralia, to Webcor, a general contractor with standing of the challenges and opportunities tion where she has spent the last 15 years projects have been performed for notable offices throughout California. Since then, of adaptive reuse. She is a thought leader in of her career. During her tenure at Clune, clients in the greater Los Angeles area, she has pioneered a new role as the South- the downtown Los Angeles community and the company has grown from a two-office, including Disney, Apple, NBC Universal, ern California region’s first Commercial and is active with city and county officials in $200 million company, to a $1 billion, 600 and NASA-Jet Propulsion Laboratory. She Risk Manager and been appointed Project crafting policies that ease the challenges of employee-owned company with six offices has expertise in a wide range of construction Director on a $400 million residential tower working on existing buildings. Her impact nationwide. types, including high-end tenant improve- in downtown Los Angeles. created the return of historic downtown LA Kermode began her career at Clune ments; office building renovations; historical Landsberger’s unique blend of global as a livable, walkable neighborhood. developing relationships within the Los renovations; ground-up high-rise buildings; experience and recent experience with Liljegren was recently inducted into Angeles market. She played a key role in and seismic upgrades and building retrofits. California construction allowed her to AIA Fellowship, the highest honor for an making Clune more visible in Los Angeles Kaylee is currently finishing a two-year identify a gap in the industry. Her ultimate American Architect. She’s also changed by attending and sponsoring many industry long phased renovation project at Union vision is the appointment of a commercial some codes for commercial buildings down- events. Clune is now one of the area’s most Bank Plaza along South Figueroa Street and risk lead on all Webcor projects. This town, like allowing better pool access, and prominent general contractors, and is invit- in Downtown Los Angeles. It consists of would guarantee a proactively led approach has come out with a post-pandemic design ed to submit proposals for many of the most major interior and exterior renovations for to accountability for fulfilling a project’s report called “Reimagining Spaces” that can high-profile projects in California. the high-rise office building, including the commercial function, including optimizing change the outlook of downtown Los Ange- lobby; office space; two levels of retail and margin, while also protecting the business les and the city as a whole. restaurant space; the standalone conference from commercial risk. center; and the historical outdoor plaza.

CONGRATULATIONS T O A L L OF THE WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN

“We at Pankow Builders appreciate the leadership Maria brings to the construction industry. Maria represents the next generation leader, she brings strong financial leadership as well as the coaching proficiency to positively influence the learning culture at Pankow.”

- Scott Anderson, CEO of Pankow Builders

PANKOW.COM

MARIA CARLSON VICE PRESIDENT CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

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LA Business Journal JAN 2021 Ad_OUTLINED.indd 1 12/29/2020 3:23:43 PM

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WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN

JO-E LOPEZ JULIE LUU CHEYENNE MANGUBAT NATALIE PUGA Vice President Apprentice Job Captain Project Manager Snyder Langston Swinerton Nadel Architecture + Planning Del Amo Construction

o-E Lopez brings 20 years of experience in ulie Luu entered the construction indus- heyenne Mangubat is a graduate of the atalie Puga is a project manager at Del the architecture and construction indus- try in 2018 and immediately fell in love University of Southern California’s five- Amo Construction, with more than 17 Jtries to her role as vice president and Jwith it. She quickly discovered the vast Cyear undergraduate architecture program. Nyears in construction. Prior to her join- partner for Snyder Langston. In this position amount of networking and leadership oppor- She joined Nadel Architects as an intern ing the company six years ago, she made her she is the second female to achieve exec- tunities it offered. She was inspired and while in school and was hired full-time upon mark as vice president at Titan Integrated utive level at the construction advisor to excited by the energy and healthy competi- graduation. In the past four years, her dedi- Systems. In her time with Del Amo Con- Fortune 500, mid-size and start-up compa- tion amongst the foremen, journeymen, and cation, creativity and adaptability as allowed struction, she has continuously proven to be nies and one of Southern California’s largest apprentices she worked with. They were all her to advance her growth as a young archi- a top project manager, working on higher and most respected builders since 1959. She hungry to learn and grow—and so was she. tect. Her most recent achievements include education, K-12, and laboratory projects oversees market sector strategic planning, Luu enjoys the intellect, skills, and being a key design team member and project across Southern California. She is known to marketing, public relations, client relations teamwork needed to complete a project manager for several multi-family renovation clients and colleagues as a master of value and business development activities for Sny- successfully. She aspires to set new trends in projects throughout California. engineering alternatives and micro and der Langston, Optym and Snyder Langston the industry as a craftsman and carpenter, Mangubat enjoys the complexities of macro schedule analysis. Residential. all while developing her leadership and designing with existing parameters and Puga’s involvement in design-build In her role, Lopez is helping to lead a mentorship capabilities. She is also proud finding innovative solutions to these issues. projects for educational facilities stands firm with more than $400 million annual of her ability to advance her layout skills Her detail-oriented and collaborative nature out as one of her great career highlights. volume. Lopez has helped to build the Sny- over the past year while studying at the made her an asset to the team. In addition, She was an integral part of the design-build der Langston brand, Building with Mastery, Union Carpenters Training Facility. One of she is involved in Nadel’s Business Develop- teams for Arts in Action Charter School, elevating the status of the now more than the most exciting highlights in Luu’s career ment team and led the redesign of the firm’s the Caltech Bouman Lab, and Rolling Hills 60-year-old firm. She is also one of three came during construction at the California office space. She participated as a juror for United Methodist Church. She helped company leaders chosen to carry out the Hospital project in Downtown L.A., which the Architectural Record’s Advertising develop a system to implement both the future of the firm as part of its in-depth and is scheduled for completion this year. Excellence Awards. She was promoted to a needs and wishes of the professors, teachers, strategic succession planning. job captain role this year and is currently on and administrative staff to utilize the spaces the path to licensure. most effectively.

On behalf of the entire team at Turner Construction Company,

Congratulations to Vesna Conroy & Jaimie Turner!

Vesna Conroy Jaimie Turner Operations Manager Special Projects Division Manager

Thank you for your dedication to Building the Future of Los Angeles and your leadership in advancing the construction industry.

Turner would also like to congratulate all of the Outstanding Women in Construction and Design. Your leadership, commitment and vision are instrumental in building the future.

www.turnerconstruction.com

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Building Momentum

Congratulations to the 8th & Figueroa project team for starting construction

We’re proud to recognize the Women of our 8th & Figueroa team

Karina Shultz� Joann Atienza Joseline Jimenez� Caleigh Raymer Doreen D’Ambrosio� April James Mackenzie Dias

www.lendlease.com

www.lendlease.com

Congratulations, Joann!

Congratulations to Lendlease’s Joann Atienza, for receiving recognition in the Los Angeles Business Journal’s Women of In uence: Construction and Design issue.

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WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN

KATIE QUINONES JENNIFER RIES MICHELE SALAS GRACIELA SANTILLAN Senior Estimator Vice President, Senior Medical Planner, Office Director Regional Safely Manager Senior Project Manager W.E. O’Neil Construction Co. of California Hammel, Green and Abrahamson, Inc. (HGA) Suffolk Webcor

atie Quinones joined W.E. O’Neil Con- ennifer Ries is a senior medical planner ichele Salas is a regional senior safety n 1972, Graciela Santillan’s parents immi- struction in 2004 as a project adminis- and office director at HGA in Los Ange- manager at Suffolk with 25 years of grated to Los Angeles from Mexico in Ktrator for a high-profile casino project. Jles, where she specializes in healthcare Mexperience in the construction indus- Ihopes of providing their daughters with She started with duties that included pay design. With more than 30 years of expe- try. Each day she works to maintain safety the opportunities that a country like the applications, subcontractor invoicing, waiv- rience designing outpatient care centers, and security for her colleagues and the com- United States of America could afford them er tracking and processing open account academic medical centers, medical campus munities around job sites. She works across – opportunities Graciela’s mother, who was invoices. She quickly showed interest and master plans, and replacement hospitals, she Suffolk’s Southern California projects where pregnant with Graciela’s eldest sister at the ability in estimating and in 2006 took on has worked with some of the top healthcare she has led safe, on-time and cost-efficient time of the move, lacked while growing up the position of estimating coordinator. organizations in southern California, pro- completions for many high-profile projects, in Mexico in the 1950s. Her family created Quinones’ hard work ethic, combined viding design insight to create efficient, aes- including Atmosphere Affordable Housing, a new life in a series of ethnic Los Ange- with her ability to learn all aspects of thetically inviting facilities that enables her which received a “Best Projects” award from les neighborhoods where they interacted construction, has led to her progression to clients to deliver superior patient care. ENR for excellence in safety. She oversees with other families of similar backgrounds. an estimator. Continually expanding her To help drive change at HGA and with- safety protocols across five projects and Despite many challenges, Santillan’s passion knowledge and leadership, she was recently in the industry, Ries sits on the firmwide works closely with field teams to anticipate for learning and belief that education was promoted to senior estimator. She is now Equity Task Force and Los Angeles office’s potential issues before they arise and find the key to success continued to propel her responsible for managing her bid team, Equity Committee to provide guidance on solutions. forward. developing bid strategies, understanding how the firm contributes to a more inclusive Being a woman in a traditionally Today, Santillan is a senior project man- scope issues, and conveying project costs to culture. “Equity is important to the architec- male-dominated industry comes with its ager, LEED AP and DBIA professional at clients. She bids on new projects (both hard ture industry, our clients, and the commu- share of challenges, but Salas has proudly Webcor. She credits much of her success bid and negotiated with an extensive focus nity at large,” she said. “There are ingrained broken barriers and gender stereotypes by to a collaboration of initiatives that aim to on conceptual and preliminary budget esti- systems, processes, biases and habits that offering fresh perspectives and has worked to reduce the financial barriers of low-income mates and related value engineering studies. unintentionally create barriers to reaching guarantee the safety of multiple field teams. minority families, such as the Gates Millen- Quinones has been instrumental in provid- the goal of a more equitable industry.” She champions other women in the field, nium Scholars program. ing over $150 million worth of pursuit and from executives to site workers, offering sup- construction projects annually. port and recognition.

Congratulations to our own Sejal Sonani & Louise Sharp on being named two of Los Angeles Business Journal’s Most Outstanding Women in Construction & Design.

www.hlw.com Architecture | Interiors | Planning | Strategy | Sustainability

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WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN

MEALII SEANOA-SANCHEZ LOUISE SHARP SEJAL SONANI JAIMIE TURNER Regional Safety Manager Principal Director of Architecture Special Projects Division Manager AECOM HLW HLW Turner Construction Company

ealii Seanoa-Sanchez is the regional ouise Sharp is a principal at HLW Inter- ejal Sonani is a principal at HLW aimie Turner joined Turner Construc- safety manager of Southern California national. She leads the Interior Architec- international and a licensed architect. tion Company 10 years ago as a project Mfor AECOM responsible for develop- Ltural Design practice for the Santa Mon- SShe heads up the architectural design Jengineer in the Los Angeles Office. After ment, mentorship, and implementation of ica based LA office of HLW. With over 25 practice for the Santa Monica based LA only two years onsite, she was quickly pro- safety regulations and policies at six mul- years of experience as an interior architect, office of HLW. Her career in architecture moted to business development Engineer timillion-dollar projects in the greater Los Sharp started her career in London. After started with a Bachelor of Architecture where she helped to secure key sales and Angeles area. She started her safety career achieving a 1st Class Hons Degree in Interi- degree in India. In 2003 she travelled to Los client relationships in the Southern Califor- at UCI Medical Center as a safety specialist. or Architecture, she joined a London based Angeles to earn a Master of Architecture nia region. She progressed quickly through After eight years in the medical field, she architectural practice. She worked with cli- degree from USC and continued practicing positions of increasing responsibility build- made a drastic career change at age 40 into ents such as the Victoria & Albert Museum architecture with several religious, educa- ing the trust of owners, architects, and her construction. and Trinity College Dublin. She then tran- tional, and multifamily residential projects teammates. In 2018, she was promoted to Over the past 12 years in construction, sitioned to workplace design, delighting in in the city. senior project manager for Turner SPD Seanoa-Sanchez has worked in several the speed and tactile nature of that sector. Sejal joined HLW international in 2012 where she successfully managed multiple construction genres, including Aviation at After relocating to New York, Sharp as an associate and was made director of clients and several concurrent projects. The LAX; Education with LAUSD; Healthcare joined HLW as a design director in 2010. architecture in 2015. For the past five years, experience and relationships she built in including Kaiser Permanente, UCI Medical During her 10 years with the organization, Sonani has set the design direction for over this role positioned Turner SPD for growth Center and MLK Medical Center; High she has designed over 1.5m sf of creative 1.5 million square feet of creative office in the region. Rise Residential working with Related, office spaces. In 2015, she relocated to the projects in Los Angeles area. She has been Upon the success of her work on con- Jamison and Mack Real Estate; Hospitality HLW Los Angeles office. She continued instrumental in growing the LA architec- struction projects in the region, Turner was with Sheraton & Pendry Hotel affiliates; to build the Interior Architecture group at tural studio to a multidisciplinary practice promoted to division manager of Turner Science & Technology at UCI Medical HLW by diversifying its portfolio and build- providing architectural, interior design, SPD in 2019. As division manager, she is Center Clinical Lab; and Sports Facilities ing a culture of collaboration and innova- landscape, and lighting design services. Sejal responsible for the overall performance of such as SoFi Stadium and LA Memorial tion within the studio. is the global market sector lead for adaptive Turner SPD. Less than a year after taking Coliseum. Each genre increasing her value re-use, repositioning, and ground up con- the position, she helped to triple sales in the of knowledge with a diverse skill set. struction of office buildings. region.

Quest for Better

Congratulations to our Regional Safety Manager Michele Salas on being named a Women of Influence, and to all the outstanding women in the construction and architecture industries who are leading the way.

Prove impossible wrong

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WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN

JILL WITTNEBEL ANNETTE WU ERIN YOUNG Co-Managing Director and Principal Associate Principal Project Executive Gensler NAC Architecture Clark Construction Group - CA LP

ill Wittnebel is co-managing director at nnette Wu is an associate principal at hroughout her career at Clark, proj- design and architecture firm Gensler’s Los NAC Architecture. She has over 26 ect executive Erin Young has helped JAngeles office. She was promoted to this Ayears of experience as an architect, Tspearhead construction efforts on more role in 2020, after being both a studio direc- designer, and project manager and has been than $1.5 billion of work in Southern Cal- tor and global leader for the firm’s Brand with NAC for over a decade. Wu is also ifornia. Over the last decade, she has been Design practice. She brings to the leadership currently serving her third year on the AIA instrumental in delivering three iconic team incredible business acumen, creative Los Angeles Women in Architecture Com- and award-winning public facilities in Los design thinking, a keen ability to connect mittee as past-chair and recently led the Angeles County, including the Governor with people, and mentorship to colleagues. planning for the Powerful VI Conference George Deukmejian Courthouse, US Fed- For nearly three decades, she has been a promoting equity within the profession and eral Courthouse in Los Angeles, and Long strategic brand designer and has executed celebrating women’s design and leadership. Beach Civic Center. In addition to these campaigns that impact clients across indus- To date, Wu has been involved in 50 proj- projects, her portfolio spans a diverse range tries from hospitality, retail, financial and ects at NAC. of markets, including, education, hospitality, professional services, education, real estate Diversity, equity, and wellbeing are core entertainment, and aviation. and cultural institutions. elements and philosophies of Wu’s work. Young recently led a high-performing Through excellent client relationships, She feels all students should have a moti- design-build team to deliver the $414 Wittnebel has worked with teams to create vating and healthy atmosphere to grow and million Long Beach Civic Center. As unique, memorable brand programs for sig- flourish—physically and intellectually. She project executive, Young was responsible nature hospitality clients such as Starwood feels learning space should allow a young for the successful early delivery of more Hotels & Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, person to explore new ideas within a safe than 600,000 feet of sustainable structures, Marriott Autograph Collection, and for top and welcoming environment. Sustainability including a new city hall and civic cham- companies including Netflix, Credit Suisse, is also a key and base component for Wu. bers, a headquarters for the Port of Long Delta Air Lines, Toys R Us, Estee Lauder, Beach, and a public library, all of which Coca-Cola and Morgan Stanley. play a critical role in reshaping the down- town area.

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN Congratulations to our own LEIGH ANNE JONES DLR GROUP HIGHER EDUCATION LEADER for being recognized as A Women of Influence in Construction and Design.

We are extremely Congratulations to proud of how you represent our organization Natalie Puga and lead within Project Manager the building industry. We Build More than Buildings - We Build Expertise, Relationships, and Legacies.

www.delamoconstruction.com Lic #744458 B C-8 | (310) 378-6203

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WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN

Study Focuses on Need for More Latina Leadership

enior-level Latina talent is heading Figueroa, Latinarrific Vice President of Strategy study co-author Karianne Gomez, NEW Vice “mañana” stereotype, presuming individuals for the exits of corporate America at and Audience Engagement. “Within any ethnic President of Strategic Value. “What remains from Latin cultures put things off until tomor- San alarming rate, according to a study group is a heterogeneous set of experiences, to be seen, as the country reopens, is whether row rather than addressing them head-on today, released last year by the Network of Execu- worldviews and backgrounds, so identified a newly enlightened C-suite will embrace the and employers’ assumption they are somehow tive Women (NEW) and Hispanic marketing trends cannot be viewed as reflective of every unique attributes Latinas bring to the table, or less intelligent because they have an accent. platform Latinarrific. At a time when annual Latina’s journey.” revert to its old ways, forcing an emboldened Some described being disparaged not only by Hispanic buying power is approaching $1.7 Many of the Latinas interviewed said they Latina talent pool to flee corporate America native English-speakers, but sometimes by Latin trillion, yet there are no Latina CEOs with- don’t feel they fit easily into the typical cor- even faster.” co-workers for their regional dialect. The study in the Fortune 500 and Latinas represent the porate culture of the United States. While authors encourage companies to continue, fastest growing sector of small business entre- this could be celebrated from a differenc- WHAT COMPANIES CAN DO or enact, unconscious bias training, noting preneurs, the study provides essential insights es-add-strength perspective, study insights show The study authors urge corporate lead- that building the empathy and emotional into the drivers of Latina career advance- far too many companies quashing Latina diver- ers to look to Latinas as individuals, so they can intelligence of managers helps build better ment and ways in which companies can bet- sity. With the current standard for everything build a more robust talent development plan, relationships with all employees, but especially ter identify, promote and retain Latina leaders from promotability to executive presence based addressing the isolation and bias participants multicultural ones. for a competitive advantage in the marketplace. on white male norms, Latina executives have described. • Practice inclusive leadership “We’re seeing gains in equality through generally succeeded despite their corporate cul- Recommendations include: Without inclusion, diversity walks out the middle management, but there’s still a sparse ture, not because of it. • Embrace diversity and inclusion as door. True cultural competence means under- pipeline of women of color, especially Latinas, The Latina executives interviewed rejected “smart business” standing and valuing the uniqueness of diverse for senior leadership positions,” said NEW CEO the notion that prioritizing family diminishes Study after study show diverse companies others, while also accepting them as members Sarah Alter. “Once we understand why, we can commitment to career and described them- outperforming their competitors. Companies of the group. Companies that celebrate differ- begin to shift the tide, knowing that diversity selves as clear and focused in taking on a with culturally and ethnically diverse execu- ences and identify how those differences are and inclusion is not just the right thing to do, variety of responsibilities and roles, showing tive teams are 33 percent more likely to see making a positive business impact will win and it’s an imperative business strategy in today’s up consistently with integrity and reliably get- better-than-average profits, according to a retain Latina talent. multicultural landscape.” ting the job done. They may do it differently McKinsey & Company report, and when that • Instill a culture of accountability The study, Latinas in Corporate America than their traditional white male counterparts, diversity extends to a company’s Board of To significantly move the needle, com- – A Foot in Two Worlds: Elevating the Latina making it home for dinner more often or taking Directors, the competitive advantage increas- panies need to hold leaders accountable for Experience, examined a wide body of research, a couple hours to visit their child’s classroom. es to 43 percent. Leveraging the thinking of diversity and more importantly, inclusion. This centering its primary findings on a focus group But that balanced approach is part of the diver- diverse groups leads to smarter ideation and means putting measures into place that are tied of 36 senior and mid-level Latina executives. sity and value Latinas bring to the table. decision-making that reduces a company’s risk to performance reviews and ultimately execu- The group included a cross-section of first, “Interestingly, many of the traits cited by of being blindsided by something a diverse team tive compensation. second and third-generation Latina-Americans the focus group as drawbacks within the tra- would have flagged. from multiple countries and cultures of origin. ditional, white male dominated workplace • Recognize bias To view or download the complete Latinas in “The report represents the broad experi- – making time for family, empathy, expressive- Latinas are subject to a range of bias in Corporate America – A Foot in Two Worlds: ences that the majority of focus group partic- ness – have become celebrated assets in the the workplace, both conscious and uncon- Elevating the Latina Experience report, visit ipants shared,” said study co-author Arminda COVID-19 work-from-home landscape,” said scious. Focus group participants referenced the newonline.org/latina.

THE SKY IS THE LIMIT. Congratulations to LA Business Journal’s Women of Influence honorees!

Mea We celebrate all women in the Seanoa-Sanchez industry for breaking barriers and thinking without limits. A special shout out to our very Mea Seanoa-Sanchez own, and Shafee Jones-Wilson who are leading the way in today’s

construction industry. Shafee Jones-Wilson

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