PWC NY welcomes Yuksel of Empire State Realty Trust to board of directors

Manhattan, NY Professional Women in Construction New York (PWC NY) has appointed Sevinc Yuksel, senior vice president of design & construction at Empire State Realty Trust, to its board of directors.

Yuksel brings more than two decades of experience leading complex design, construction, and capital improvement projects across commercial, residential, healthcare, academic, laboratory, and aviation sectors. At Empire State Realty Trust, she oversees the design and execution of capital improvement, tenant, and repositioning projects across the company’s commercial, residential, and retail portfolio. Prior to joining Empire State Realty Trust, she held senior leadership positions with Rudin Management Company, Related Companies, and Turner Construction.

Her appointment also marks an important step in continuing to broaden owner and developer representation within PWC New York’s leadership. While the organization has long been supported by leaders from construction, architecture, engineering, specialty trades, and professional services, Yuksel brings the perspective of an owner responsible for shaping, funding, and delivering projects from conception through completion.

“Owners play a critical role in shaping the future of the built environment, and having that perspective represented on our board strengthens our ability to serve the industry as a whole,” said Gina Grande, PWC executive director. “Sevinc’s experience leading major projects for some of New York’s most respected real estate and construction organizations will bring valuable insight to our members and our mission.”

For Yuksel, joining the board reflects a commitment to supporting the next generation of women leaders in the industry.

“Construction has always been a field where women have had to work harder to earn their seat at the table,” said Yuksel. “Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have opportunities that allowed me to grow and take on leadership roles, and I feel a real responsibility to help create those same opportunities for the women coming up behind me. Joining PWC’s board is a natural extension of that commitment.”

Originally from Istanbul, Turkey, Yuksel moved to New York City to attend Columbia University, where she earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Civil Engineering. Today, she is recognized as a leader in New York’s real estate and construction community and is the proud mother of a seven-year-old son.

“Raising a child while leading large-scale construction projects has deepened my appreciation for the women in this field who balance so much,” Yuksel said. “It fuels my commitment to making the path a little easier for those who come after us.”

As a member of the board of directors, Yuksel will help guide PWC New York’s strategic initiatives, mentorship efforts, educational programming, and industry engagement activities while contributing a unique owner side perspective that reflects the evolving nature of the construction and real estate industries.