Join Portland CSI JEDI Committee for a Women in Construction Panel Discussion at Freeland Spirits; a women-owned and run distillery in Portland staking their claim in a male-dominated industry. Meet our panelists doing the same in AEC, and hear about their roles and what drives them forward.
Discuss environments, both physical and emotional, that make women feel comfortable, and uncomfortable, as well as common obstacles that undermine female confidence in the AEC industry and how can we move past them.
Be part of the conversation to discover ways to encourage more women to join the AEC industry.
Schedule
5:00 PM - Happy Hour and Networking
6:00 PM - Panel Discussion
8:00 PM - Event Ends
Meet the Panel!
Tradeswoman: Silvia Lopez is a dedicated second-year sheet metal apprentice. Born in El Salvador, raised in Los Angeles, and moved to Washington ten years ago, bringing a diverse cultural perspective to everything she engages with, including architectural sheet metal. Silvia works for Flynn and studies at Northwest College of Construction in Portland. She currently serve as Vice President of NAWIC Portland Chapter #54. Silvia aspires to be a role model for women entering the trade while building a solid and successful career in the industry. “I have the opportunity to help pave the way for the next generation of women.”
Contractor: Lauren Holmes with Lease Crutcher Lewis has nearly two decades of experience within the construction industry, catering to various public and private-sector clients. Throughout her career, she has been actively engaged in multiple industry groups dedicated to mentorship and professional development, particularly advocating for the advancement of women and emerging talents. Her expertise spans multiple market sectors, including civic, office, hospitality, education, and healthcare, which have afforded her a diverse and robust skill set.
Subcontractor/Manufacturer: Jody Moore, CSI, Assoc. AIA & DBIA, has been an active member of Portland CSI since 1984 when she and her partner founded DeaMor Associates, a specialty union subcontractor and manufacturer of custom commercial daylighting products including glass skylights and canopies. CSI has provided a strong platform for growing a professional network current education, and leadership. Coming into the industry in the late 70’s, when she was often the only woman in the room or on the jobsite, Jody has seen positive changes in AEC outcomes as women have achieved prominent roles in both leadership and execution of significant and complex work. A beneficiary of opportunity and on-the-job mentoring, she is a strong proponent of women pursuing what excites them with the education and internship tracks now available, and by developing a network of colleagues and mentors to create a personal track for a fulfilling and well-compensated career.
Product Representative: Cherie McNabb brings 33 years of invaluable experience in the construction industry. For the past 21 years, she has excelled as a sales associate at Forbo Flooring, showcasing her dedication and expertise. Residing in Vancouver, WA, she is a proud graduate of Washington State University (Go Cougs!) and covers the entire Pacific Northwest, including Washington (excluding the Seattle market), Oregon, upper Idaho, Montana, upper Wyoming, and Alaska. Cherie is deeply committed to her profession, actively participating in numerous associations. Her involvement on boards and various committees demonstrates her passion for enhancing and benefiting the industry. Currently, she is engaged with OSHE, WSSHE, WAMOA, and CSI, where she works tirelessly to support and advance their missions. Cherie's extensive experience and commitment make her a valuable asset in the construction field.
Engineer: Kate Jones is a licensed mechanical engineer and has been with Interface Engineering for eight years providing mechanical design for a variety of project types. Her goal for each project is to ensure a coordinated design that balances sustainability and efficiency while serving the owner’s needs and providing comfortable spaces for end-users. In 2024 Kate was among the first recipients of Architecture Foundation of Oregon’s Emerging Professionals award and also received Consulting Specifying Engineering Magazine’s 40 Under 40 award.
Moderator/Architect/Specifier: Melody Fontenot is a senior specification writer with Conspectus, Inc. and Technical Content Manager for the firm’s spec software, Conspectus Cloud. Originally from Oklahoma, relocated to Portland, Oregon in 2019, she is an active member of the Portland CSI chapter, as well as a member of AIA and SCIP. Melody is a licensed architect, with over 20 years' experience in construction documents, specifications, and construction contract administration for commercial projects. She has a passion for product research, spec content management, sharing spec knowledge, and improving communication in the AECO industry.
Additional Information
Emerging Professionals are considered anyone with less than 10 years experience in the AECO field.
Registration includes hosted bar and heavy appetizers.
Let us know if you have special dietary needs.
Contact Maddie Bowman for any questions - chaptermeetings@portlandcsi.org
Interesting in Sponsoring?
Reach out to chaptermeetings@portlandcsi.org with any questions!
Sponsorship Packages
Happy Hour Sponsor - 2 available
Includes
Your company logo on the event website
Your company logo on the promotional materials at the event
(1) ticket to the event
Event Sponsor - 1 available
Includes
5 minute “quick pitch” before presentation
Your company logo on the event website
Your company logo on the promotional materials at the event
(1) ticket to the event