2026 Women in Construction: Carrie Villani, LERA Consulting Structural Engineers

What current or recently completed project, accomplishment or initiative are you most excited about, and why does it matter for your team, clients or community? LERA is working on the SPARC project for EDC and CUNY. We are proud to advance important life science research in New York City with the most impressive facilities in the world.

What emerging challenge or opportunity do you see shaping the construction industry in the next few years, and how are you preparing for it? The new mayor in NYC and constant changes federally affect real estate and construction. The community of our industry organizations is vital. That is why I am excited to be serving as co-chair of the New York Building Congress Council of Industry Women for 2026-2027. Together we will embrace opportunities and tackle obstacles.

What is one piece of advice or perspective you would share with women beginning their careers in the construction industry? Gather a group of mentors of different generations. You don’t need to figure out everything on your own.

Share one fun or unexpected detail about yourself that colleagues might not know. I enjoy dancing and concerts and the friends I have made along the way.