Boston – The Boston Chapter of Professional Women in Construction (PWC) announced the winners of its annual awards program at its Awards Gala on Oct. 19.
In its second year hosting the event, PWC Boston welcomed over 150 architecture, engineering, and construction professionals to celebrate the industry and, in particular, the achievements of the five award winners. This year’s event included the addition of Chiderah Okoye, chair of Transform Power Systems (TPS), as emcee and keynote speaker, as well as a new “Community Impact” category to acknowledge the difference that PWC members make in their communities.
The 2023 winners:
- Rising Star: Stephanie Crepeau, superintendent, BOND Building
- Excellence in Mentorship: Kelsey Rogers, senior consultant in acoustics, Acentech
- Volunteer of the Year: Jill Papagni, business development, DPR
- Community Impact: Riane Ragno, diversity & workforce coordinator, Cranshaw Construction
- Woman of Achievement: Lynne Deninger, office practice leader, CannonDesign
The gala was held again this year at Artists for Humanity, which provides art and design opportunities for under-resourced teens, and the awards themselves were artwork created by AFH artists. Most of the vendors for the event – from catering by Gourmet Caterers to flowers by the Centerpiece Flower Shop – were local woman- or minority-owned businesses.
“We were beyond thrilled to have so many PWC Boston members and supporters join us to celebrate the strides our industry is making in becoming a more inclusive and diverse community,” said Kristi Dowd, president of PWC Boston and executive vice president at Redgate. “These women are confidently taking their own seat at the table and bringing one for their colleagues alongside them. We’re proud to spotlight these women who are creating space for all within the AEC industry. They truly represent PWC’s values of Belonging, Impact, Collaboration, Community, and Empowerment.”
The awards gala was held during Construction Inclusion Week, as emphasized by award winner Stephanie Crepeau, who said: “If she can’t see it, she can’t be it.”
