Spotlights
2023 Women in Construction: April Intrabartola, Eastman Cooke & Associates
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.
2023 Women in Construction: Ella Paolillo, Spector Companies
In the past year, what project or accomplishment are you most proud of? Starting my career at Spector! I’ve grown immensely within the company as an interior designer and have had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects, including assisting top financial firms2023 Women in Construction: Melissa Slavin, Bohler
Which professional associations or organizations would you recommend to women who are starting out in the AEC industry? I highly recommend joining your local Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) chapter. For six years now, I have been a proud member of CREWNY, and currently, as the Communications Chair, I serve on the Board of Directors.
2023 Women in Construction: Maggie Desmond, JRM Construction Management
In the past year, what project or accomplishment are you most proud of? In the past year, my responsibilities have shifted from directly building projects to building teams. Using my experience of managing teams as an architect and overall building experience, I am helping develop others as construction managers.2023 Women in Construction: Ragin Pace, Bohler
How can AEC companies recruit more women? Organizations that champion the education of young women provide valuable opportunities for companies to contribute and volunteer. One such organization that Bohler highly recommends is Girls Inc.
2023 Women in Construction: Deanna Koestel, Pashman Stein Walder Hayden P.C.
In the past year, what project or accomplishment are you most proud of? Over the past year, I have been able to help grow the firm’s construction practice significantly, working with my partners on several large construction litigation matters2023 Women in Construction: Betty Brano, Brano Design
What was a pivotal point in your career? After my corporate position was outsourced, I leveraged my professional experiences from the financial and fashion industries to start my own design firm in 2006. I transitioned from residential to commercial interiors after the economic downturn of 2008.2023 Women in Construction: Michelle Dowd, Reidy Contracting Group
Which professional associations or organizations would you recommend to women who are starting out in the AEC industry? There are so many great organizations out there supporting women right now. I would highly recommend NEW|Nontraditional Employment for Women and the CoreNet NYC|Women’s Leadership Committee.