2025 GWIC NYC Agenda
Program is subject to change
Monday, February 24
Editor-in-Chief, Engineering News-Record
Mindy Gentile
Of Counsel, Miami Office, Peckar & Abramson P.C.
Women Leading JFK's Transformation Bring Opportunities to Diverse Suppliers
John F. Kennedy International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the nation, is undergoing a transformative $19-billion public/private redevelopment program, led primarily by women. The presenters will highlight project delivery methods, resilience and sustainability on two massive new terminals, modernized existing terminals and streamlined roadways. The session will also delve into the commitment to diversity and inclusion at the largest component, the $9.5-billion New Terminal One.
Director of Construction - JFK Airport, Port Authority of NY & NJ
Kristen Derewecki
Senior Engineer of Construction, JFK Redevelopment Infrastructure Program
Uzoamaka N. Okoye
Chief of Staff, The New Terminal One (NTO) at JFK
Workplaces That Work: Inclusive Policies for Growth and Success
Women in construction face unique challenges but are thriving and leading new ways to create healthy workplaces that go beyond traditional approaches and emphasize strategies that address their personal and professional needs. Critical elements include flexible work arrangements, meaningful diversity and inclusion initiatives, and supportive HR policies for mental health and work-life balance such as parental leave, mentorship, leadership development paths and stress management resources. Two veteran woman managers share how targeted benefits and psychologically safe environments allow employers to attract and retain talented women, and boost workplace productivity, engagement and community.
City Engineer, City of South Bend, Indiana
Lisa De Lor
Vice President of Human Resources, Clune Construction
Private Investment in Public Works: View From Women at the Top
Private investment has long been core to many construction markets, but billions now are being raised to fund new infrastructure needs as eyed returns and changing politics create opportunities and benefits for investors, owners and project participants. Women executives now leading investment firm decisionmaking will share expertise in choosing market funding targets, and managing risks and rewards. Learn how projects can be impacted and how women have met their own career challenges in this male dominated financial arena.
Managing Editor, Pensions & Investments
Tara Crotty
Managing Director and Head of Asset Management, Nuveen Green Capital
Meet the Disruptors: Women Execs Push Boundaries for AI on Jobsites
Join the conversation as two leading construction sector tech innovators share insights on their joint effort to revolutionize industry AI data management and empower users to accomplish more with less time and limited resources. Learn how to create a culture of innovation that is inclusive, productive and almost without limits.
Vice President of Sales Operations, Gilbane Building Co.
Sarah Buchner,
Founder & CEO, Trunk Tools
Tuesday, February 25
Continental Breakfast & Exhibits
Day 2 Welcome Remarks
Editor-in-Chief, Engineering News-Record
Mindy Gentile
Of Counsel, Miami Office, Peckar & Abramson P.C.
The Power of Life or Death Listening: What You Can Learn From a Former FBI Hostage Negotiator
Effective communication starts with listening. Learn to listen more effectively, engage more meaningfully, and achieve greater outcomes in both your personal and professional interactions. Former FBI hostage negotiator Michelle Kelley will provide attendees with a compelling, interactive walk through the listening skills she used in hostage negotiations. She will discuss (1) how to listen at an elite level (actual v. active listening); (2) how to be trusted and liked (you don’t have to like them back); (3) how to gather critical information (intelligence) without asking questions; (4) how to state what you think is really going on without causing offense; and (5) three things you can say that produce amazing results – but use with care, you may get more than you bargained for!
U.S. Lead, The Listening Institute
Riding the Waves: Navigating the Uncertain Waters of Diversity Initiatives
In the Summer of 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court held that race cannot be considered a factor in admissions at colleges that accept federal funds. Since these decisions, there has been a wave of lawsuits against companies and agencies challenging DE&I initiatives, hiring and promotion practices, and minority/women-owned/disadvantaged business enterprise programs. This panel will discuss the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decisions, the arguments being made for and against these diversity initiatives and the uncertain future of DE&I and MWDBE initiatives in the construction industry.
Partner, Houston Office, Peckar & Abramson P.C.
Mindy Gentile
Of Counsel, Miami Office, Peckar & Abramson P.C.
Jennifer Harris
Partner, D.C. Office, Peckar & Abramson P.C.
If She Can See It, She Can Be It
The more that women professionals can see someone who looks like them in a role they aspire to, the more achievable the aspiration becomes. Join this insightful session—with interaction between an industry expert on the topic and an executive of one of the largest US contractor groups—on how women are rising to AEC leadership and influence and becoming indelible role models.
Managing Partner and Talent Practice Lead, EFCG
Amy Wincko
Chief Strategy Officer, STO Building Group
Refreshments, Networking, Exhibits
Putting STEM Back in Skilled Trades Training
In a construction marketplace of more complex, fast-moving and technology-focused projects, craft workers need to use math, science, technology and engineering (STEM) on a daily basis to do their work. But emphasis on STEM in construction trade training programs has waned in the last 25 years, with next-gen workers lacking the needed foundation to tackle new complexities in such areas as welding, plumbing, electrical & HVAC. Women are poised to advance STEM training in corporate, union, nonunion, nonprofit and corporate recruiting initiatives—and particularly in school-based programs. This eases the learning lift later for future generations, boosts their marketability and destigmatizes craft work as an option in high school/early career development and guidance. Join homebuilding veteran and WBE entrepreneur Demi Clark to learn how STEM skill can add the spark to move the equity needle for women in construction.
Founder & Chief Spark Igniter, Spark Building Group
ESG: Staying Empowered in a Changing Workplace
Environmental, Social, and Governance principles remain key to advancing in construction. Learn now ESG can provide a powerful framework to address workplace gaps and create new leadership paths, with real-world examples of policies in action—from innovative diversity programs to green construction leadership—and how they will shape the future of the industry. Through this lens, Jennifer will highlight still transformative impacts for projects and people.
Director of Environmental Social Governance, Turner Construction Co.
All In: Breaking Through Barriers
Join DPR CEO George Pfeffer for a candid discussion on the critical evolution of women in construction, how DPR reshaped how it builds a healthy workforce, and why a commitment from industry leaders is more important now than ever.
CEO, DPR Construction
Optional Hosted Conversation tables
Read about each one here.
Construction in a New Era—What Industry Professionals Should Know
Don't miss this key GWIC session for a laser-focused Wall Street view of what the construction sector can expect going forward from the second Trump administration, other changing politics in Washington and developing global economic pressures. Jamie Cook, Truist Securities managing director and a veteran financial analyst in construction, equipment and other industrial sectors—and one of the most highly rated women in corporate research—will weigh in on how you can prepare for unknowns ahead.
Managing Director - Equity Research, Truist Securities
From Blame to Growth: Problem Solving Strategies that Build a Positive Learning Organization
The construction sector tends to focus on the negative—studying failure and laying blame when things go wrong, an approach that can hinder growth and innovation. Join Victoria as she explores a transformative approach to industry accountability and learning. She will share insights on how Colas Inc., a large US Transportation and Materials Company which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Colas SA and their parent company, Bouygues SA, headquartered in Paris France, has created a comprehensive corporate framework to investigate both successful and challenging events. By fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, Colas empowers its workforce to view accountability through a new lens that embraces learning rather than blaming.
Vice President of Health, Safety and Environmental, Colas Inc.
Tap Into YOUR Superpower: This Wonder Woman with A Wrench Will Show You How!
Judaline Cassidy, a three-decade union plumber, tradeswoman activist and workforce development innovator, shares her inspiring life story, career path and current mission to empower young women and girls to be confident, skilled builders of the world they envision. Join this acclaimed industry trailblazer to find your why and crush your goals.
Plumber and Founder/CVO, Local Union No. 1 NYC and Tools & Tiaras Inc.
Editor-in-Chief, Engineering News-Record
Mindy Gentile
Of Counsel, Miami Office, Peckar & Abramson P.C.
Hosted Conversation Tables
Use AI to Unlock the Value of Structured and Unstructured Data
Dareen Salama, Co-Founder & CEO, Gryps
Owners have troves of information buried across silos of systems and documents. Learn from an AI expert how to automate data collection, extract critical information from files, answer questions in real time and dramatically increase team efficiency by adopting an AI first data platform.
Impact of Recent Executive Orders on Federal, State, and Local DBE Contracting
Jean Gallo Wine, Capital Partner and Co-Chair of Construction Law Group, Fox Swibel Levin & Carroll LLP
We will be discussing how recent Executive Orders pertaining to DEI within the federal government may impact DBE contracting goals on both federal projects and state and local projects receiving federal funding.
Infrastructure Priorities: Key Issues, Critical Concerns
Jan Tuchman, Editor-in-Chief emeritus and Events Consultant for Engineering News-Record
Join ENR events consultant Jan Tuchman to identify and discuss this region’s infrastructure priorities. Are you concerned about resilience to climate extremes? Stability of funding streams? Integrating AI tools? Staffing jobs? Who are the brightest thinkers with creative solutions they can share? Exchange ideas and network with other professionals in this sector to expand your industry view.
Build Your Industry Network— in NYC and Beyond!
Schillivia Baptiste, Co-Founder & CEO, Laland Baptiste
This veteran engineering executive and NYC area association leader shares her industry networking experience. Join the board president of Professional Women in Construction, New York City, for a discussion on why association leadership matters for women’s careers and how to develop your own strategy.
Keeping a Pulse on Projects: Strategies for Avoiding Disputes and Defending Claims
Leslie Gowdish, Senior Managing Director, and Candace Barfield, Senior Director, FTI Consulting
In today’s built world, having the right people, processes and technology in place is essential to manage construction projects successfully while minimizing the risk of disputes and claims. We will explore strategies that can help proactively address common issues before they escalate into costly conflicts. The importance of clear communication between teams and the integration of technology to monitor progress, track changes and maintain documentation will be discussed, as we cover how to build a solid foundation for smoother projects and stronger defenses if claims arise.
ESG in Action: Your Questions, Your Impact
Jennifer Downey, Director of ESG, Turner Construction Co.
Join a participant-driven discussion to explore how ESG principles can address workplace challenges and inspire innovative leadership in construction. Bring your questions and ideas, vote on topics you care about most and engage in dynamic conversations on ESG transformative potential for projects and careers.
Creating a Culture of Empowerment for Women in Construction
Adrienne Ruebusch, Vice President of Marketing & Branding, Miller-Valentine Construction
In this discussion we will break down the elements of company culture and how the impact the overall wellbeing of the workforce, such as defining and assessing the current culture of your environment, understanding your personal brand and your role in creating culture for others.
Peer Mentoring: Girl's Girls in a Man's World
Abby Bello Salinas and Julia Loudenburg, Associates, Peckar & Abramson P.C.
Join Abby and Julia as they focus on the power of peer mentoring in fostering support and professional growth for women in male-dominated fields. They’ll discuss cultivating a culture of collaboration over competition - without coming across as a pushover, and the importance of strategic communication in environments like construction.
Breaking Ground: Women Leading Change in Construction
Yenisei Bell, Owner and Consultant, YGB Design Group
Through powerful discussions on diversity, leadership, mentorship, and building inclusive work environments, participants will leave with actionable strategies to foster growth and support for women in construction. Whether you’re looking to advance in your career or support the next wave of female leaders, this conversation will offer the tools, motivation, and connections to help you break ground in your own journey.
Pitch It To Me: How to share your company's project news with ENR editors
Emell Adolphus and Jen Seward, Editors, Engineering News-Record
Join ENR editors 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.
From Good to Great: Elevating Talent and Preparing for the Future of Construction
Nancy Chin, Executive Vice President, New York Office, Clune Construction
The construction industry faces a critical challenge: a growing shortage of skilled tradespeople coupled with rising expectations for project delivery and quality. At this Tabletop, Nancy Chin and the attendees will explore strategies on talent retention and performance elevation, offering insights on actionable steps to foster a resilient and skilled workforce ready to meet tomorrow's construction demands.
WJP Improving Safety Standards and Equitable Participation of Immigrant Women in the Construction Industry
Eduardo Garcia, Employment Specialist and Organizer, and Nataly Ardila, Intake and Case Worker, Workers Justice Project (WJP)
Worker's Justice Project is a worker center based in Brooklyn that provides OSHA 30 training and Site Safety Training in Spanish. As immigrant women seek non-traditional roles in New York’s economy, many are finding a home in the male-dominated construction industry. To ensure their rights and safety are respected, WJP has begun offering free construction safety and labor rights classes specifically for women, reaching thousands in the last two years.