What was a pivotal point in your career? 

My most pivotal point work-wise was launching Eastman Cooke & Associates in 2009 with business partner Peter Morandi! At the time, I was a special education teacher working with students on the autism spectrum. Peter and I grew up in the construction industry and he was contemplating launching a firm based in both Long Island and New York City. His enthusiasm was contagious, and I was blown away by his brilliantly unorthodox business plan. Without realizing it, I was ready for a seismic change and starting Eastman Cooke turned out to be career kismet! 

How can AEC companies recruit more women? 

As wages rise, we will continue to see more women participating in both management and in the field. Over the past decade, there has been greater acceptance of all-gender hard hats on construction sites, creating additional and better opportunities. Another catalyst in the AEC space is technology. More than ever before, being on a job site requires brains and brawn!

In the past year, what project or accomplishment are you most proud of? We completed a series of veterinary clinics in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Long Island for two highly innovative practices. All are located in former retail spaces that required comprehensive electrical and infrastructure work to support state-of-the-art examination and surgical rooms. For one of the practices, we worked directly with the group’s designer to provide uniquely elevated interiors that include reception areas with coffee bars, custom furnishings, porcelain tile floors, and Porcelanosa tile counters and backsplashes in examination rooms. What is most gratifying about these projects is that each one has already received positive attention in their respective communities. 

Which professional associations or organizations would you recommend to women who are starting out in the AEC industry? Participating in professional networks is important for building careers and professional friendships. Among the ones I highly recommend to women in the AEC space, whether just starting out or already established, are Commercial Real Estate Women’s Network (CREW); Association of General Contractors (AGC); Professional Women in Construction (PWC); and Hospital and Engineering Society of Greater New York (HESGNY). For those with more entrepreneurial spirits, the Women’s Economic Developers of Long Island (WEDLI) is also an excellent group to join.