Executive chairwoman of Chelsea Lighting Suzanne Yoon shares insights into her career journey and perspectives
on the industry during a fireside chat at Shawmut’s New York office, hosted by project accountant Thalia Navedo
Boston/New York/Los Angeles Shawmut Design and Construction, a leading $2 billion national construction management firm, marked its 10th annual Women in Construction (WIC) Week with a series of events, panel discussions, and jobsite tours that recognized the vital role women play in shaping the construction industry and the importance of representation at all levels.
With a workforce that is 32% female—more than three times the industry average—Shawmut’s employee-owners gathered across the country to engage in conversations about leadership, mentorship, and creating pathways for women in construction.
“Women in Construction Week is about recognizing the critical role women play in shaping our industry and building a strong and sustainable future for construction,” said Les Hiscoe, CEO of Shawmut. “We are proud of our progress and remain committed to building a workforce that better reflects the communities in which we work. We look forward to engaging year-round with our industry partners in these important conversations.”
Shawmut kicked off the week with a companywide opening ceremony featuring a panel of rising women leaders who shared their career journeys, successes, and challenges, aligned with this year’s theme, Together We Rise. Throughout the week, Shawmut hosted additional programming including jobsite tours of high-profile projects, conversations with industry leaders, and networking events.
Highlights from the week included:
- Project tours of Shawmut sites with women leaders, including Harvard University’s mixed-use redevelopment in Allston, MA, which includes new affiliate housing at 100 South Campus Drive and the future new home of the American Repertory Theater; Excel Miami, a new 24-story residential tower in Miami’s Arts & Entertainment District; and FM’s new R&D campus in Norwood, MA.
- A fireside chat with Suzanne Yoon, executive chairwoman of Chelsea Lighting, at Shawmut’s New York office, where she shared insights into her career journey and perspectives on leadership in the industry.
- Social and networking events such as a speed networking session with industry partners in Boston and a lunch hosted by Shawmut’s chair of the board, Kim Bishop, with women leaders in New York to discuss career growth, mentorship, and industry opportunities.
Shawmut’s WIC Week is part of its broader, year-round commitment to workforce development, including ongoing initiatives focused on pay and promotion equity, leadership development, inclusive mentorship, and creating safer, more inclusive job sites through its safety program and focus on Total Worker Health.
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