2025 Women in Construction: Elif Kucukdilli, Wendel

What is one project or achievement in your career that you are most proud of, and how did it impact your organization or community?

The Queensboro Correctional Facility Chiller replacement was one of my most challenging projects, but also one that I feel the most accomplished due to my growth in skills. It immensely helped me in improving my communication as this project was in a restrictive environment that required constant communication with the facility and the contractors. I was also able to work alongside multiple different trades, and I learned to further improve my coordination skills from this experience. This project was to upgrade the facility’s antiquated cooling system to a newer energy efficient one.

Who or what has inspired you most in your career, and what advice would you share with the next generation of women entering the A/E/C industry?

What always felt the most rewarding and inspires me to continue to push forward is witnessing the completion of a construction project that my team and I have worked together to achieve. I was never alone in my journey due to the support of my peers. Being able to share these moments of accomplishments with them and seeing the final product of what we had worked together on is always rewarding. I would say that for the new generation, seek out a group of peers that can help support you in your career and for you to share your experiences with.

Do you have a hidden talent or a surprising fact about yourself that most people wouldn’t know?

I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, colleagues, and my cats!