CAA ICON's Women in Construction

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Melissa Acham-Wallace

Recent Project(s): Coachella Valley Arena

What led you to the construction industry? 

I always wanted to study architecture. During my senior year of high school, I stumbled upon Architectural Engineering, which allowed for a focus on Construction Management. My stepfather was also a construction foreman.

What was your first project?

I had a summer internship at the Delta IV Rocket Factory in Decatur, AL.  After graduation, I worked on the Comcast Arena (now Xfinity Center) at the University of Maryland.

What do you like the most about the industry?

Every couple of years you get to work on an entirely new project with a whole new set of key players.

Julie Amacker

Recent Project(s): Allegiant Stadium, Vivint Smarthome Arena Renovation, T-Mobile Arena

What led you to the construction industry?

I wanted to be a part of building things that people depended on. It doesn’t matter if you're building a park, a gas station, or a stadium. People will get to see your work, appreciate your work, and remember your work.   

What was your first project?

My first construction project was a high-rise condominium complex in Las Vegas, NV, Queensridge Towers. 

What do you like the most about the industry?

I love the ability to collaborate with a team to overcome obstacles and find solutions to problems.

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Stephanie Bax

Recent Project(s): Co-op Live Arena, Moody Center, Stadio della Roma

What led you to the construction industry?

I guess I like to play in the dirt!? My undergrad was in archaeology and anthropology actually. From there I “rebranded” myself with studies in architecture and building economics and was spit out of school a month before Vancouver (where I was living at the time) was awarded the 2010 Olympics Games. I’ve been fortunate to work on big, complex projects ever since.

What was your first project?

My first job was with a company responsible for the VANOC venue bid book. We developed budgets for all the 2010 Olympic Venues and I personally was able to be a part of the Richmond Speed Skating Oval, which is still one of my favorite venues.

What do you like the most about the industry?

Three things drive me about our particular niche within the industry: (1) placemaking projects that change communities, (2) creativity and collaboration with high-caliber individuals, and (3) no two days are ever the same.

Cassidy Cavanaugh

Recent Project(s): Q2 Stadium

What led you to the construction industry?

Sports! Sports have always played a huge role in my life, and I am still shocked I have the privilege to assist on a monumental, professional sports facilitiy.

What was your first project?

Q2 Stadium for Austin FC, which is almost finished!

What do you like the most about the industry?

The relationships you make with the client and getting to watch the stadium come to life day-by-day.

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Kladeh Dennis

Recent Project(s): Anschutz Health Sciences Building, Canvas Stadium, Ball Arena Renovations

What led you to the construction industry?

Growing up I was always interested in hands-on activities, building things, and drawing. That led me to an interest in Civil Engineering, which is what I studied in college. During my college course work, I developed a greater interest in Construction Management and Structural Engineering. I ultimately decided to go the Construction Management path!  

What was your first project?

My first project was the Denver Justice Center, which consisted of a Detention Center and Courthouse.

What do you like the most about the industry?

I love that every day is different no matter what phase of the project you’re in.

 

Carrie McKinnon

Recent Project(s): UBS Arena FF&E, Fiserv Forum, BMO Field Renovation

What led you to the construction industry?

I grew up with a Mom who was a business manager, and a Dad who worked in construction. I think working in construction management just ended up being a natural fit for me.

What was your first project?

Grand Renewable Energy Project (GREP) – A renewable energy (wind turbine) project in Ontario, Canada.

What do you like the most about the industry?

I like that it requires a lot of teamwork, that every day is something new, and that at the end of every project you get to see the results of your hard work.

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Shannon Miller

Recent Project(s): Allegiant Stadium, Brightline West

What led you to the construction industry?

Happenstance, really. The opportunity came along to be a part of a major project in my hometown and I jumped at the chance.

What was your first project? 

Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders!

What do you like the most about the industry?

It is always evolving and changing. There is always something to learn and a new challenge around the corner.

Stephanie Pizzorni

Recent Project(s): Climate Pledge Arena

What led you to the construction industry?

My lifelong interest in Real Estate Development. Construction is a given in that industry, so while my direct involvement in the construction aspect has not been intentional, it is a component of the overall development process.  

What was your first project?

A large residential home that was being renovated in Los Angeles, CA.

What do you like the most about the industry?

I like that no day is ever the same and that projects are an overall collaborative process.

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Rachel Quinn

Recent Project(s): CSU Spur at National Western Center, Canvas Stadium

What led you to the construction industry? 

If I’m being completely honest, it was when I bombed my first college level “Human Anatomy” class.  Turns out I wasn’t destined to be the real life, “Dr. Quinn.”  From there, I started taking AutoCAD classes and fell in love with the idea of being an architect.  I went home, told my parents “I want to be an architect!”  They said, “Why would you want to do that?  It’s hard for a woman to be an architect.”  So, I did what any stubborn young woman would do and enrolled myself into the architecture program the following year.  

What was your first project? 

Canvas Stadium, the Colorado State University (CSU) Football Stadium. 

What do you like the most about the industry?  

The constant challenge.  Every single day is different and more challenging than the next.  Then again, ask me what I like “least” about the industry and I’ll probably give you the same answer!

Morgan Reed

Recent Project(s): Anschutz Health Sciences Building

What led you to the construction industry?

I was looking for a career that would keep me engaged and present unique challenges that require creative problem solving. In construction, there is a new challenge every day, and my focus changes and evolves as the project progresses.

What was your first project?

My first project was for the National Science Foundations’ United States Antarctic Program. The project was a large-scale infrastructure modernization of McMurdo Station, the main U.S. Antarctic research station, which serves as the primary logistics hub for inland stations and remote field camps.

What do you like the most about the industry?

There is a strong sense of accomplishment being involved in creating something tangible that will last for years to come. I love to see the contributions of the entire project team come together into something we can all point to and be proud of.

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Amy Thomas

Recent Project(s): CSU Spur at National Western Center

What led you to the construction industry? 

I started in sports working in building maintenance and operations for an NFL stadium. As the building aged, we took on more renovation projects. The scale and quantity grew each year, along with complexity and scheduling. This led me towards the path of Project Management and to get my Project Management Professional certification (PMP) to help support my team. Since most of the projects were construction-based, my knowledge in the area grew along with my skills around organizing, planning, and communicating. It became an easy transition.

What was your first project?

The first major project I worked on was a $30 million renovation of the stadium scoreboard, AV, sound system, and lower concourse of an NFL stadium. My first construction project from the ground up would be the project I am currently on, which is CSU Spur at National Western Center in Denver, CO.

What do you like the most about the industry?

I like seeing ideas come to life. I like to be a part of the idea or solution and see it through to completion, and sometimes even more so, following up after the fact to understand if the intended benefits were realized or not. I like to continue to learn and understand how improvements can be made and things can be done better, or more efficiently.

Lori Wray

Recent Project(s): Nashville SC Stadium, Q2 Stadium, Wisconsin Center Expansion

What led you to the construction industry?

Serendipity. Someone I went to college with set me up with an interview.

What was your first project?

I77 widening from I85 to Huntersville, NC. It was the State of North Carolina’s first major design-build project.

What do you like the most about the industry?

 The cool projects I have worked on over the years.

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