2024 Women in Construction: Christine Kennedy, Shawmut Design and Construction

What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months? I am proud of the work I do outside of my role. Working on projects for K-12 schools provides a unique opportunity to get students involved in the construction process. I’ve led students through site tours, and involved them in project milestones, such as signing the beam during topping-off ceremonies. I’ve hosted presentations for high school students on the different career opportunities in the industry. Passing on my passion for construction to students – and potentially impacting their lives – is the best achievement I could ever strive for. 

Who or what inspired you to join the AEC industry? In high school, I didn’t know what I wanted to do, but then I found mechanical drawing and loved it. My teacher agreed to let me pursue an independent study in architecture my senior year – and from there, I was hooked. This led me to Wentworth Institute of Technology to pursue architectural engineering. At Wentworth, I quickly realized that I was more interested in the construction aspect than design. I started my career in construction as soon as I graduated, and I’ve never regretted my career choice.