Shown (from left) are: Giardini, DeLeon and Loitz

Rocky Hill, CT On March 1, Professional Women in Construction’s Connecticut chapter recognized four women in the A/E/C industry at their annual awards ceremony. Each of the four winners, which included Lenore Janis (PWC N.Y. chapter), Maria Loitz (BVH Integrated Services, P.C.), Sarah Giardini (The Associated Construction Company) and Alondra DeLeon (Gilbane Building Company), were honored for various accomplishments.

The Rising Star award is given to a candidate who has less than 7 years’ experience in the industry, and demonstrates – through her dedication, her work and her attitude – the capacity to attain the highest levels in the her field. Giardini, the recipient of this award, was described as possessing “a remarkable combination of aggressive, youthful exuberance in combination with an intelligent, mature focus.”

Janis, a resident of Manhattan, was honored with the Founders Award. This award is given to a woman that the PWC-CT board of directors feels has demonstrated ongoing dedication to women in the A/E/C field. This person has strived for excellence in her career while  consistently giving back to the A/E/C Community and advancing the careers of women. Janis helped to found PWC in 1980 to advocate for women and other “non-traditional populations” in the construction industry.

Loitz, recognized with the Women of Achievement Award, is a long standing employee of BVH Integrated Services, P.C. and is highly involved in the ACE Mentor Program of CT, Connecticut Business and Industry Association, The Construction Institute and the Society for Marketing Professional Services. The award is presented to a candidate who has at least 15 years of experience in the industry, has demonstrably achieved excellence in her field, is dedicated to the advancement of women in the A/E/C field, and serves as a good role model.

Mentoring in the construction industry is an extremely powerful and critical tool to success. This year’s “Excellence in Mentoring” honoree was DeLeon. The award is given to a woman or man who has been a positive role model for women in the A/E/C industry, has sustained a career commitment to mentoring and has had a positive effect on mentees. Her recommendations and nominations included a description of her dedication, positive impact, encouragement and respect from mentees and co-workers.