2022 Women in Construction: AnaTracey Hawkins, CNY

Name: AnaTracey Hawkins

Title: SVP of Strategic Growth

Company Name: CNY

Who within your own firm has helped you succeed within the construction industry?
The owners of CNY, Ken Colao, Steve Colao, and Dennis Prude. My role is very much that of an intrapreneur. Ken, Steve, and Dennis have empowered me to explore multiple avenues of strategic growth for both CNY and SPACES, they continue to support me in building out our business development team and initiatives, and they are always available as mentors whether it be on the technical or business side of construction.

What advice would you offer to other women getting into the construction industry?
I can’t say this enough—network, network, network. Choose to network and connect with people that make you want to strive to be a better version of yourself. Oh, and don’t get caught up on the little things, be authentic, kind and always have the big picture in mind.

What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months?
At CNY we’ve been working on diversifying our markets sectors from what we were traditionally most known for which has been the construction management of large-scale projects, living spaces, commercial buildings, and hotels. SPACES our interiors and special projects division has been one of our diversification initiatives. During the pandemic this area of our business increased significantly. Because of this we added some talented people along with building out our business development group.

Why should women consider a career in construction?
There are so many opportunities in construction, you may start with one area of focus but with its supportive network the sky is the limit in terms of opportunities and personal growth.

Starting out in the construction business, who or what empowered you?
There are many answers to this question. Besides some amazing mentors, and an incredibly supportive network, I would say the firms and teams that I worked with. I learned a lot from each experience and am grateful they were part of my path here today.