Spotlights

2021 Women in Building Services: Cathlene Mitchell, BBS Architects, Landscape Architects and Engineers PC

What led you to your current profession?

As a senior in high school, I was looking at different colleges and my boyfriend just started attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). I applied to

2021 Women in Building Services: Ámbar Margarida, Spacesmith LLP

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I’ve wanted to be an interior designer since I was 12 years old. I’d finally moved into my own room and got to redesign it.

2021 Women in Building Services: Gabriela Lachapel, Shawmut Design and Construction

What led you to your current profession?

In college I spent time in Costa Rica and Honduras working on infrastructure projects to support local economic development initiatives. These

2021 Women in Building Services: Susan Kessel, CNY Group

What did you want to be when you grew up?

With my love of music, growing up I wanted to be a sound engineer. My grandfather played the stand-up bass with Louie Armstrong for

2021 Women in Building Services: Katy Flammia, Spacesmith LLP

Who was/is your mentor and how did s/he influence/help you in your career?

I have never had just one in particular. I would say the Boston Women Principals Roundtable, part of the Boston AIA chapter was and still is a

2021 Women in Building Services: Eliana Peralta-Sapienza, BBS Architects, Landscape Architects and Engineers PC

What led you to your current profession?

My dad is a civil engineer and a developer, ever since I can remember, he used to take me to the project sites with him, so my love for

2021 Women in Building Services: Karen Lelo, Alan Margolin and Associates

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A psychologist.

2021 Women in Building Services: Kenne Shepherd, Kenne Shepherd Interior Design Architecture PLLC

What did you want to be when you grew up?

An artist

2021 Women in Building Services: Amy Swift, EverGreene Architectural Arts

How do you contribute to your community or profession?

I am a big advocate of building better pathways for women to get involved in the trades. Representation is important. I’m very petite, and when I was

2021 Women in Building Services: Christine Barshtak, Finaly General Contracting Corp.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A writer.