2025 Women in Construction: Briana Whynott, Colantonio Inc.

What is one project or achievement in your career that you are most proud of, and how did it impact your organization or community? One achievement I am most proud of is working alongside our vice president, Chris Powers, to lead the transition from in-house data management to a cloud-based system. Adopting new technologies always presents challenges, but I have become a resource in helping our team navigate and overcome these obstacles while expanding their knowledge of the features and capabilities now available to them. By introducing this, we’re not just embracing innovation, we’re optimizing efficiency and collaboration to benefit our staff, clients, and other stakeholders, which is always a top priority for us.

Who or what has inspired you most in your career, and what advice would you share with the next generation of women entering the A/E/C industry? The women in this industry have always been a source of inspiration for me. Their strength, grit, and perseverance have paved the way for young women like myself, creating opportunities that might not have existed otherwise. I’m especially fortunate to have found both a mentor and a friend in my current manager and as I begin to step into the next phase of my career, I’m grateful for the big shoes she’ll leave for me to fill. My advice to the next generation of women is simple: just go for it. Whether or not you achieve the outcome you hoped for, there’s always a lesson to learn.

What’s your favorite way to recharge or get inspired outside of work? Reading is my escape and reset – whether a fantasy novel or autobiography, it recharges me!

Do you have a hidden talent or a surprising fact about yourself that most people wouldn’t know? I am a speed reader, finishing 50-75 books a year - often multiple at once - with tea in hand!

What trends or innovations do you believe will shape the future of your field, and how are you positioning yourself (or your firm) to be at the forefront? As technology advances, cloud-based collaboration and data management are transforming the industry. To stay ahead, I am working with our Vice President, Chris Powers, to transition from in-house data management to a cloud-based system. While adopting new technologies brings challenges, I am helping our team navigate them and maximize the platform’s features. This shift will streamline processes, improve flexibility, and enhance workflows, strengthening efficiency and collaboration for our staff, clients, and stakeholders.