Spotlights

BWiC Emerging Leader of the Year: Jane Kaplan Peck, Owner & COO of Kaplan Construction

In October 2014 Jane spearheaded the effort to be certified as a Women Business Enterprise by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Kaplan Construction has since ranked annually as a Top 100 Women-Led Business in Massachusetts by The Commonwealth Institute and a Best Place to Work

BWiC Rising Star of the Year: Carli Cabana, Project Manager at Siena Construction

Carli demonstrates many positive attributes – conscientiousness, initiative, collaborative spirit, a client-first philosophy, and ambitions to benefit the greater good – which are needed to succeed in the construction industry and serve as an example for developing great female leaders.

BWiC Tradeswoman of the Year: I-Leika McLean, Local 1421 Building Wreckers Union

BWiC Tradeswoman of the Year: I-Leika McLean, Local 1421 Building Wreckers Union Nominated by Danielle Skilling of Gilbaine Building Comp...

2018 Women in Construction: Nancy Gould,WSP USA

Why the A/E/C Industry? I wanted to be a part of the evolving building landscape in the city, as well as the opportunity to work on iconic and sustainable buildings.

2018 Women in Construction: Melissa Sierra Senior Associate WSP USA

Why the A/E/C Industry? I went to school to be an engineer because I loved math and science. Which allowed me to find a career in the A/E/C industry. I chose this industry because I loved the concept of putting pen to paper then being able to go to the buildings to see my work being built.

2018 Women in Construction: Siggy Pfendler, Columbia Construction Company

Advice/Keys to Success: Never stop learning from everyone around you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Build relationships with as many people in the industry as you can. The construction industry in Boston is a very small community.

2018 Women in Construction: Brittany Boilard, Columbia Construction Company

Why the A/E/C Industry? As a kid I always dreamt of becoming a famous architect! Unfortunately, while completing my undergraduate degree I realized that being a designer wasn’t necessarily my thing.  I enjoyed architecture/engineering so much though that I was determined to stay within the industry.

2018 Women in Construction: Katie Gibbs Senior, Shawmut Design and Construction

Advice/Keys to Success: Always ask questions! There is so much to learn in this business. I learn something new every day. Being a general contractor, I feel like I know a little about a lot of things. It’s ok to ask the trades how and why.

2018 Women in Construction: Jessica Spivey, Shawmut Design and Construction

If you had to choose one word to explain why you do what you do, which one most suits you? And why? Challenge. Building is in my blood, and solving problems makes me excited to go to work each day. I work hard to be the best I can be, part of that involves overcoming adversity and conquering obstacles.

2018 Women in Construction: Latoya Baskin, Shawmut Design and Construction

Why the A/E/C Industry? I have always had a passion for construction and being on a jobsite. I started doing small projects with my dad as a little girl. Any chance I had to pick up a hammer or drill to build a fence, a wood deck, or remodel a kitchen on my free time I did. Being able to build something out of nothing fascinated me!