12-14-2012 - PWC honors PANYNJ's Dawson at Dinner Dance Gala

On December 14, Professional Women in Construction (PWC) will honor Stephanie Dawson, acting COO of the Port Authority of N.Y. & N.J. at its annual holiday black tie Dinner Dance gala. The event features "the crown prince of swing," Stan Rubin and his Orchestra in the Grand Ballroom of the Yale Club. Cocktails start the evening at 7 p.m., followed by dinner and dancing until midnight. Appointed acting COO in April, Dawson is responsible for aviation; tunnels, bridges, and terminals; Port Commerce; PATH Rail; as well as all operations, services and public safety departments. She was most recently the authority's chief of staff. A certified Project Management Professional (PMP), she has served as president and board member of the N.Y.C. chapter of the Project Management Institute (PMINYC); founding member of the Transportation Diversity Council, VP and board member of the Council of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO-NYC); and as a member of the security advisory committee of ASIS International. She is also a retired military ordnance and logistics officer, brigade commander, and a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. PWC president Lenore Janis said, "We are thrilled to be able to honor a woman whose blend of courage and professionalism have led her to a position of true leadership in the industry." She notes too that this is one of PWC's most popular events, "a rare opportunity to network in a festive atmosphere with some of the industry's leaders and decision makers; it's a time to see and be seen." Co-chairs of PWC's 2012 Dinner Dance are Maria Wilpon, AIA Assoc., director of education, AECOM; and Nancy Czesak, RA, first VP, Tishman Construction Corp., an AECOM company. Comments of recent attendees include: "The cross section of participants facilitates a blending of perspectives and opinions that helps us keep abreast ... and offers insights into current trends across the industry," said Joseph Cadillac, WTC Construction, The Louis Berger Group, Inc. Phil Cacossa, Design Resources Group Architects, was glad for the chance to speak one-on-one with "several industry leaders we normally would not have access to." "I was fascinated by the breadth of industry professionals present," said Heather Fraser, JCJ Architecture. Flora Ramos, Tishman Construction Corporation of NY, said, "PWC has been the foundation allowing many women within the industry to grow and prosper." "The event provided excellent B-to-B opportunities ..." said Lincoln Simmons, Warren Panzer Engineers, P.C. Tickets are $385. For reservations, call 212.486.7745 or email [email protected]. Visit www.pwcusa.org/ny.