2026 GWIC Conference Agenda
Program subject to change
Sunday, June 14
Registration kiosks will be open starting at 4pm. Pick up your badge Sunday evening, and get a drink ticket for the reception
Pick up your badge and join us for a relaxed reception on the Flamingo Lawn tonight between 6-9. Have a drink and meet your fellow attendees.
Monday, June 15
Editor-in-Chief, Engineering News-Record
Kim Altsuler
Partner in Charge, Houston Office, Peckar & Abramson P.C.
Woman Rising: Building Your Power and Influence in Construction—and in Life!
Emily Cohen is not just part of the construction industry—she is helping reshape who leads it and how it succeeds. As CEO of United Contractors, representing more than 800 union-signatory contractors and other members, and 40,000 workers, she is at the center of decisions, pressures and opportunities that define California’s construction economy. Over more than 16 years, Emily has helped drive billions in infrastructure investment, expand industry’s political influence and push organizations to evolve. She shares a candid, unfiltered perspective on what it actually takes to rise—and lead—in a high-stakes, male-dominated industry, sharing moments that shaped her and needed leadership shifts to build stronger cultures and a more competitive industry.
Chief Executive Officer, United Contractors (UCON)
Unleashing Your Agency: Optimize Your Career Trajectory
This panel discussion will highlight the journey of several women leaders in the construction industry, looking at how their rise to the C-suite has had a ripple effect in creating more opportunities for women. What are these pioneers doing both inside and outside their companies to help women think more strategically about their career paths and to be ready to act when the opportunity comes?
President & CEO, Royal Electric Co.
Mary Teichert
Chief Executive Officer, Teichert, Inc.
Staci Woolsey
EVP, Chief Financial Officer, Granite Construction
Moderator: Jorge Quezada
Vice President, People & Culture, Granite Construction
Women Building Airports: Mentoring and Inspiring Future Generations at LAX
Los Angeles World Airports, through its Airport Development Group, is advancing a vision that combines infrastructure modernization with strategic engagement to inspire the next generation. The Women Building Airports initiative at Los Angeles International Airport promotes diversity in aviation construction by highlighting women’s achievement across regional infrastructure projects while creating opportunities for networking, mentorship and industry collaboration. A structured mentorship program also pairs early-career professionals with experienced leaders to build a workforce that can deliver complex capital projects. These reflect an approach that aligns major infrastructure delivery with education, mentorship and public engagement to cultivate inclusive talent pipelines and shape the future of airport development.
Director of Capital Program Outreach & Engagement, Los Angeles World Airports
The 2-Minute Test: Making Your Voice Count in Every Conversation
Can you make your voice count in just two minutes on a jobsite walk, in a project meeting or in the C-suite? This interactive session will teach simple yet powerful techniques to speak with clarity, confidence and authority in any setting. Learn from a corporate communications expert how presence and delivery shape your credibility in meetings, interviews and conversations from the job site to the board room—and beyond.
Founder & CEO, The Corporate Refinery
Optional Facilitated Conversation tables
Unlocking Innovation: The Business Case for Neurodiversity
This program will explore neurodiversity as the natural variation in human cognition, encompassing conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia. Recognizing it as a spectrum, discussion will highlight diverse ways individuals think, learn and process information—challenging one-size-fits-all definitions of ability and performance. Through an engaging panel format, participants will examine the value of neurodivergent talent in the workplace. Drawing on real-world insights, they will highlight how neurodiverse individuals contribute to increased creativity, innovation and productivity. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how inclusive workforce practices can tap into these strengths and foster more dynamic, effective and forward-thinking organizations.
Vice President, LA Speech and Language Therapy CTR Speakers: Meredith Adragna
Director of Talent Acquisition, The Haskell Co.
Shana Francesca
Founder & CEO, Concinnate LLC.
Clark Turner
Founder & CEO, ProStruct360
A Champion’s Story: Quality Management Matters in Design-Build Infrastructure
To deliver the best infrastructure projects and satisfied stakeholders, design-builders look to the strength of their quality management. With design-build now the fastest growing project delivery method and quality assurance responsibilities shifted from owners to the DB team, the stakes are especially high. TYLin expert Carol Choi shares how a quality management plan guided one of the firm's largest North American infrastructure projects, the $4.2 billion Samuel De Champlain Bridge Corridor in Montreal, to award-winning success. Learn how it streamlined design and construction workflow and created the framework for seamless team collaboration across the globe, meeting all quality objectives and becoming an industry model.
Principal Project Manager, Bridge Sector Quality Manager, and Associate Vice President, TYLin
Construction Tech Spotlight: A Miami Startup Transforms Coastal Infrastructure
Starting her career as an attorney, Anya Freeman knew about risks in business. But her passion to find solutions for climate change impacts spurred a career pivot into innovative technology development and running her own company—and so far, both are producing great returns! Hear Anya’s story about how Kind Designs developed its patented 3-D Living Seawalls now being installed at many U.S. coastal sites and how the construction startup has a winning formula for clients and investors.
Founder and CEO, Kind Designs
Breaking Barriers with BOLT: Building Inclusive Teams in Tough Environments
Exclusion, stigma, and silence are still common in construction—and they keep great people from speaking up, contributing, and staying. In this session, attendees learn a jobsite-ready way to use the BOLT framework to build psychological safety and inclusive team norms, even under pressure. You’ll leave with simple and repeatable communication tools that can be put into action immediately to strengthen trust, reduce stigma, and improve performance.
Founder & President, Tradewinds Leadership
Putting on the Lawyer Hat: How Project Teams Can Prevent Top Legal Mistakes
Construction projects—no matter the size—are uniquely complex, involving multiple parties, evolving scopes, technical challenges, and significant financial stakes. With that complexity comes the risk of legal missteps that can delay progress, increase costs or result in costly disputes. Attendees will gain practical guidance on pertinent contract provisions, managing change orders, improving communication between stakeholders, ensuring compliance with statutory and safety requirements and resolving conflicts before they escalate. Whether you work for owners, contractors, design professionals or consultants, this session will provide actionable strategies to safeguard your project—and your organization—from avoidable legal exposure.
Partner, D.C. Office, Peckar & Abramson P.C.
Elaine Lee
Partner, Los Angeles Office, Peckar & Abramson P.C.
Stefanie Salomon
Partner, Miami Office, Peckar & Abramson P.C.
From Boardrooms to Blueprints: Building a Women in Construction Plan to Engage More Tradeswomen
Through the creation of the Superior Women in Construction program, Superior Construction leaders Amy Henningfield and Jessica Paske have successfully upskilled craftworkers into company leaders using deliberate, novel workforce development strategies that they are now teaching more construction companies to follow. In this skilled trades-focused presentation, attendees will learn their secrets to success and get the tools they need to upskill today’s jobsite stars into tomorrow’s boardroom leaders. Plus, keep the conversation going with a lightning lunch table talk focused on recruitment and retention led by Superior’s Liz Howard.
Director of Workforce Development, Superior Construction
Jessica Paske
Director of Organizational Development, Superior Construction
Building What’s Next: Culture, Talent, and the Future of Construction
The future of construction depends on the culture leaders create and the talent individuals are empowered to grow. In this executive-level discussion, we explore how leadership-driven culture and intentional talent strategies are helping shape the next era of our industry.
Panelists will discuss what strong, inclusive culture looks like in practice, how leaders set the tone across teams and jobsites, how organizations are expanding pathways and accelerating development, and what kind of leadership the next era of construction will require.
Executive Chairman and Founder, Clayco
Peter Davoren
Chairman and CEO, Turner Construction Co.
Beth Lowry
President & CEO, Holder Construction Company
Krista Twesme
Senior Vice President, Mortenson Construction
The Boss Shift
The Boss Shift. Claim it. You don’t have to wait for a promotion to make an impact. In this audience-forward presentation, NAWIC president Rita Brown tackles the mind shift that fuels successful careers and drives progress. Make that shift from passive participation to intentional action and strategic moves to kickstart careers, influence industry and company culture. Bring questions, and let’s discuss real-world challenges and push solutions that help all of us build a better way forward.
National President, NAWIC
Sheronda L. Carr
Chief Executive Officer, NAWIC
Editor-in-Chief, Engineering News-Record
Kim Altsuler
Partner in Charge, Houston Office, Peckar & Abramson P.C.
Tuesday, June 16
Partner in Charge, Houston Office, Peckar & Abramson P.C.
Self-‘Disrupt’ | Blowing Up Career Paths in the Age of AI and Curiosity
Jacobs President of Strategy, Growth & Digital, Shannon Miller, a 25-year company veteran, leads you through a journey of how self-disruption can reshape your career goals and drive company innovation in an always-changing industry. Plus, a live taping of the ENR Groundbreakers podcast.
President of Strategy, Growth & Digital, Jacobs Interviewer: Emell Adolphus
Senior Editor, Engineering News-Record
From Dean’s Office to C-Suite—Women Shape Today’s Talent and Propel the Pipeline
Join this conversation with three outstanding women leading U.S. engineering and construction innovation in academia and in business for a dynamic look at how their efforts to empower next-generation talent will drive decades of technology, diversity, project management and leadership success. How can schools and companies collaborate more to boost industry cultures, outcomes and workforce development?
Partner, FMI Corporation
Speakers: Doris Espiritu
Inaugural Districtwide Dean and Head, City Colleges of Chicago, School of Engineering
Kathryn Jablokow
Dean of Engineering, Manhattan University, New York City
Emily Kay
President, Balfour Beatty, California Buildings Operations
Girl Scout Partnerships Power the Next Generation of Women in Construction
Think the future of construction doesn’t depend on you? Think again. In this engaging session, Beth Duyvejonck and Marisa Williams share how a powerful partnership is introducing young women to the trades, breaking stereotypes and striving to build the next generation of industry leaders. GSRV’s Power Girls offers a hands-on experience in construction and STEM, develops leadership skills and build confidence while exploring new career pathways. Attendees will learn how intentional collaboration can create real workforce impact and leave with practical strategies to engage youth, form community partnerships and foster inclusive environments that attract and retain future talent to help shape construction’s future—starting in their own communities.
Executive Vice President of Construction, Opus
Marisa C. Williams CEO, Girl Scouts River Valleys (GSRV)
Own Your Wins: A Guide to Getting the Recognition You've Earned
In this transformative keynote, Valeria Wright confronts the silent epidemic undermining professional advancement: the systematic invisibility of high performers. Drawing from first-hand experience and compelling research, this presentation reveals why professional visibility isn't about ego—it's about equity.
Through the powerful metaphor of stepping "from behind the door," attendees will discover how to break free from the "invisible achievement trap" that keeps talented professionals overlooked for promotions, excluded from high-visibility projects, and undervalued in compensation discussions. Along the way, Valeria introduces practical strategies, including her signature “Take Credit Thursday” practice, to help professionals confidently acknowledge their contributions and make their impact visible. This isn't another generic confidence-building session—it's a strategic masterclass in authentic self-advocacy.
Project Director, J.A. Watts
Editor-in-Chief, Engineering News-Record
Kim Altsuler
Partner in Charge, Houston Office, Peckar & Abramson P.C.
Pitch It To Me: How to Share your Company's Project News with ENR Editors
Join ENR Deputy Editor Aileen Cho for a discussion of what makes something newsworthy and learn the best approach for submitting your company's project, people and industry news for possible publication in ENR.
Aileen Cho
Deputy Editor - Infrastructure, Engineering News-Record
The Construction Tech Detox: Cut Tools, Keep Outcomes
Alena Tuttle
CEO, Hardline
Turning Imposter Syndrome into Empowerment Through Strategic Network Leadership
Imposter Syndrome affects 75% of women executives, but the right leadership strategies can turn it into a source of strength. This talk will introduce you to three key types of network leadership that will help you grow your influence; access critical resources; and connect with key internal and external partners—including suppliers, distributors, and customers. Learn practical tools to lead with confidence and expand your professional reach.
Joanne Newborn
CEO & Founder, Newborn Evolution LLC
Careers in Residential Construction
Curious about where you might fit in the homebuilding industry? This discussion highlights the wide range of careers available to women in shaping communities and impacting families’ lives. From land development and construction to sales and customer care—there’s a place for every interest and skill set.
Kjersti De Lind
Strategic Talent Acquisition Leader, Taylor Morrison
Built to Last: Succession Planning for Sustainable Leadership
Leadership succession isn’t a moment, it’s a long arc of thoughtful planning, collaboration, and commitment. It’s not about letting go; it’s about building what comes next. Leadership transitions are hard. They stir up uncertainty, personal identity, financial complexity, and questions of legacy. But when treated not just as an obligation, but as a design problem, succession becomes something else entirely: a chance to reimagine the future with clarity, care, and purpose.
Rachel Rasmussen
Partner, Architekton
Building Confidence: Let's Empower the Future to Lead
Drawing from her experience in the field and the office, Liz will facilitate conversation about initial struggles fitting in, qualities and actions that build confidence, and practical approaches for developing as a leader in a male-dominated industry. This session welcomes participation from attendees at all career stages seeking to strengthen their leadership presence.
Lizabeth Howard
Senior Project Manager, Superior Construction
You Don’t Have to Choose: Creating a Sustainable Career in Construction After Having Kids
Many women are told they must choose between being a present parent and having a successful construction career. This lunch table discussion challenges that idea, offering practical strategies for managing fast paced projects, protecting family time, staying organized, and avoiding burnout. We’ll also explore how motherhood can strengthen leadership skills—communication, prioritization, empathy, and decision making.
Montserrat Fernandez
Project Manager, Rudolph and Sletten
Building Trust, Building Teams:The Power of Collaborative Leadership
This 26-year industry veteran explores how true project success is built on collaboration—not just within your team, but across every jobsite stakeholder—from trade partners to owners and architects. Attendees will learn practical strategies for becoming the “easy button” for clients—building trust, solving problems proactively, and embodying the commitment to being a relentless ally to all that comes in contact with your work.
Belinda Graham
Senior Project Manager - Texas, Balfour Beatty
What Got You Here Won't Get You There—Preparing for Your Next Leadership Role
That next role isn't just about doing more of what you're already good at — you’ll need to shift where you spend your time and what you focus on. So how do you start preparing now, before your title changes? Join this lunchtable to share what needs to shift when you step into a bigger role, and what you can do about it today.
Tracey Smith
Partner, FMI
More Than a Seat at the Table: Building Truly Inclusive Project Teams
Dr. Giovanna Brasfield
CEO and Principal Consultant, Brasfield & Associates LLC
Getting to NO: Setting Boundaries That Build Your Career
Many of us find it hard to say “no” at work, leading to overload and stalled growth. This interactive conversation explores why saying no is so hard and what it really costs us. You’ll leave with strategies to set boundaries and make intentional choices for long term success.
Kim Altsuler
Partner in Charge, Houston Office, Peckar & Abramson P.C.
Using BIM as Bidding Docs: How To's and Lessons Learned
Join a conversation about using BIM as bidding documents on heavy civil or transportation projects and share what lessons can be learned as teams transition from 2-D plans to the 3-D model.
Margie Perez
Construction Dep. District Director, District 11 (San Diego), Caltrans
Creating High-Performance Project Environments: Turning Culture into Jobsite Reality
Culture is not just defined at the leadership level, it’s built through the systems, routines, and behaviors that shape how work gets done every day. This discussion will focus on how project teams intentionally create alignment, accountability, and trust through practices like clear communication, defined roles, and consistent team expectations. Participants will share what it takes to consistently deliver high-performing environments across complex projects.
Martine Sanders
Vice President and General Manager, Turner Construction Co.
Developing the Next Generation: What Project Teams Can Do Today
Developing talent happens on our projects through mentorship, exposure, and intentional growth opportunities. This conversation will focus on how teams can create meaningful development experiences that prepare the next generation of leaders. Attendees will share ideas for fostering growth, engagement, and long-term career success in construction.
Kristy Baumer
Vice President and General Manager, Houston Office, Turner Construction Co.
The Renewable Road Less Traveled
Join Natalie to share how the sum of GWIC attendee professional experiences can contribute to our careers in construction and renewable energy in California and beyond. What experiences brought you here and contribute to your success? What are the opportunities ahead in the growing renewable energy market?
Natalie Mazzotta
Business Development Manager, SOLV Energy
Make Your Voice Count: Real Conversations That Open Doors
We all have moments where we know what we want to say, but don’t say it in a way that truly lands. This table is a space to talk through those real scenarios. Bring a moment where you needed to speak up, influence a decision, or advocate for yourself, and we’ll explore simple shifts that can change how your message is received. You’ll leave with practical insight and greater confidence in how to use your voice to create opportunity.
Colleen Hauk
Founder & CEO, The Corporate Refinery
The Business Case for Bringing Your Whole Self to Work
This discussion explores what it means to lead openly as an LGBTQ+ professional—or as an ally—in an industry that hasn't always made space for it. We'll trade real stories about visibility, the moments that tested it, and the unexpected ways being your full self can strengthen relationships with clients, trade partners, and crews. You'll leave with a clearer sense of how authenticity becomes an asset rather than a risk.
Andrew Yoshimura
Founder & CEO, Logic
The Leadership Triangle: Balancing People, Clients, and Profit Without Losing Yourself
Leadership is often presented as a series of tradeoffs: support your team or meet client demands, invest in people or protect profitability, focus on growth or maintain culture. The reality is that great leaders learn to balance all three. Drawing from more than three decades of leadership experience in engineering and construction, this discussion explores a practical framework for making decisions through three lenses: employees, clients, and company health. Join an interactive conversation about navigating competing priorities, developing future leaders, building strong client relationships, and creating sustainable growth without sacrificing culture.
Lucy M. Labruzzo
President & CEO, Engineering Partners Inc.