A Letter to Susan

Susan McCabe Messier

by Anastasia Barnes

HP works closely with a number of organizations, both covering and attending their events.  Personally, I have been working closely with Nancy Greenwald of the Construction Institute for the past few years, developing a strong relationship with the both Nancy and CI’s members.

One of the programs that CI has offered since 2015 is called the Women Who Build Summit, a day long event with a panel of female leaders in the A/E/C industry offering wisdom and guidance.  The summit is always quite popular and attendees walk away feeling inspired and empowered.

One of the speakers that Nancy was hoping to have speak at this year’s summit (which happened on Feb. 22) was Catherine Schoenenberger, current President at NAWIC National.  Catherine’s schedule, unfortunately, did not allow her to speak at the event.

Nancy spoke so highly of Catherine that I thought, perhaps, this would be an opportunity for High-Profile Monthly to participate in “Women In Construction” week by giving NAWIC a platform.

I wanted to chat with Catherine myself to learn more about the organization and its offerings, since, I had been a speaker on a panel for NAWIC Boston in 2013 but had never really given a second thought to what NAWIC actually represented.

Over the three weeks in February that I had to put this section together, the one person I wanted to make sure I included in our WIC Week section for the March issue was Susan McCabe-Messier, Principal & CEO of Campbell-McCabe Worldwide, LLC.  I couldn’t get Susan’s WIC Profile in print, so I wanted to share my thoughts in this blog post.

I originally met Susan when she was Project Manager at Campbell-McCabe in 2007.  I  think I was calling her about a project her firm was involved with.  We were fast friends!   In 2013, when Susan was President for the Boston chapter of NAWIC, she invited me to be a part of a panel for a NAWIC event called WOMEN IN MEDIA.  I, of course, accepted the invitation and had a wonderful experience being  part of the panel, which also included Karen Euler and Renee Loth.

It took me seven years and an interview with Catherine Schoenenberger (who explained to me that mentoring was a large part of NAWIC’s platform) to learn something so obvious…I have a mentor.  I’ve had one since 2011, Susan McCabe-Messier!

I was never seeking one out.  My father, Michael Barnes, has always guided me in this business, since day one.  When I met Sue, I had been working for HP for almost a decade, so when our friendship began, I never thought of it as a “mentor/mentee” relationship.

Yet, over the years, Sue has supported and advised me.  She has encouraged me and inspired me.  She has helped me with both my personal and professional development.  Through NAWIC, Sue provided me with exposure and visibility.  She has always been “on my team”, and if I have ever felt insecure or doubtful, Susan has been there to remind me of my talent, intelligence and strength.

We don’t correspond regularly, and I can’t remember the last time I saw her in person…but she knows I’m writing this blog post about her.  We spoke briefly two days ago.

Susan, whenever you get a chance to read this, I hope this post brings a smile to your face.  I am honored to know you as a colleague and a friend.  Thank you for your guidance and friendship over the years.

Your mentee,

Anastasia

Anastasia Barnes is Business Development Manager at High-Profille Monthly.