PWC applauds key women in the Port Authority of N.Y. and N.J.'s $29.5b capital projects program

On Wednesday evening, March 26, Professional Women in Construction (PWC) rolled out the red carpet to pay tribute to a group of "leading ladies" from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The all-star cast, led by Susan Bass Levin, first deputy executive director of the Port Authority, are playing key roles in the agency's $29.5 billion 10-year capital program. PWC National president Lenore Janis said, "We are proud to acknowledge and celebrate the decision and policy makers and the directors behind the rebuilding and expansion of our region's airports, bridges, ports, railways, tunnels and the WTC site." The event drew a broad spectrum of the industry that filled to capacity the Grand Ballroom of The Yale Club in New York City. Executive director of the Port Authority Anthony Shorris applauded the honorees, calling them "pioneers" and "formidable women" who have broken multiple glass ceilings. "They meet resistance with a renewed and strengthened determination to succeed," he said. Accepting PWC's Leadership Award, Levin thanked those who preceded today's achieving women for "paving the way" in construction and allied fields, traditionally male bastions, and thanked PWC for recognizing the importance of the Port Authority: "We build grand things and think grand ideas," said Levin, noting that such creativity is a byproduct of "grand energy." She urged all to help "make our futures and our lives brighter." PWC board member and event chair, Gwendolyn Colbert Kushner, whom Janis called "an untiring cheerleader for PWC," received a Special Recognition award for her ongoing support of the organization and her longtime efforts on behalf of the advancement of women and minorities in the industry. Colbert Kushner introduced the team of honorees: Sue Baer, director JFK Airport (a past PWC honoree); Diana Beecher, chief technology officer; Victoria Cross Kelly, director tunnels, bridges & terminals; Karen Eastman, secretary of the board; Mary Lee Hannell, director human resources; Tina Lado, director GOCOR; Candace McAdams, director media relations; Ida Perich, manager, business services and utilization, Office of Business and Job Opportunities; Janet Cox, manager, ferry transportation program; Joanne Riccardi, business manager, Port Commerce; and Lillian Valenti, director of procurement. Event sponsors were: DMJM Harris; STV; Tishman Construction Corporation; Gig-Werks; MDS Visual; and R.S. Knapp Co., Inc.