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Celebrating Women In Construction Week

It’s National Women In Construction Week! Put on by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), ‘WIC’ week, March 4-11 celebrates women in the construction industry including women builders, engineers, surveyors, project management, administration, and leadership.

Women in Construction (WIC) Week raises awareness and celebrates the work of women in the construction industry across the country. NAWIC founded WIC Week in 1998 to continue its mission of strengthening and amplifying the success of women in the industry. This year marks 25 years of celebrating Women in Construction!

Just in time for this week of celebration, TFMoran’s own Mahreana Hopson, PE, Structural Project Manager had a featured profile in High Profile’s Women in Construction special issue. Also in this issue- TFMoran’s team of Professional Women are recognized for their contribution to the Construction Industry!

Check out Mahreana’s profile in High Profile’s Women In Construction supplement, or continue reading below.


Mahreana Hopson, PE
Structural Project Engineer, TFMoran, Inc.

Published in High Profile Magazine
March 2024

Mahreana Hopson, PE is a structural project manager at TFMoran. When asked how she navigates the unique challenges women face in the construction industry, Mahreana says, “Although I was only able to participate in a single official mentorship program, I have really enjoyed the opportunities I have had in my career to mentor younger women in the industry. Any new college graduate feels uncertain at the start of their first job, but I feel women have a greater need to prove themselves.” She says there is a struggle with the balance of asking enough questions to be successful yet not too many to make one appear less qualified from a male counterpart. Then as women advance in their careers, there is the challenge of how to approach the older male generation that often is not comfortable taking direction from younger women. She continues, “I only hope to pass on the knowledge I have gained from my own experiences and provide the much-needed sounding board I could have benefited from having during those times. I think mentorship for women by women is the key to our continued success in the construction sector.”

When asked what changes or progress she has witnessed in the industry regarding gender diversity and inclusion, Mahreana says, “Most recently, I have noticed a shift in the amount of attention that is being brought to metrics on gender diversity and inclusion in our industry.” She says it is so wonderful to see companies acknowledging the discrepancies and possible deficiencies within their organization and then the drive that the younger workforce has to see these rectified with visible change. “It provides me with a lot of hope for our future,” she adds.

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Jen Porter Featured in New Hampshire Business Review’s Ask the Experts: Women In Construction Overcome Obstacles, Innovate for Change

New Hampshire Business Review‘s February 23rd issue features a women in construction spotlight, with input from Jen Porter, PE. Read Jen’s insights below:

(Ask the Experts) Women in construction overcome obstacles, innovate for change

Women in Construction Week takes place the first full week in March, celebrating the history of women in the industry who faced tremendous challenges in a traditionally male-dominated field. In this issue of NH Business Review, we learn from an expert in the field who shares insights and perspectives on what it’s like for women in construction today, and how they’re helping to foster inclusivity, develop talent and innovate for the future.

Our expert: Jennifer F. Porter, PE, senior project engineer for civil/traffic, TFMoran Inc.

Q: What led you to choose a career in engineering?
A: Throughout high school I always thought my future career would be in the sky, as I wanted to be a pilot and go to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to study.

Sometime during my junior year in the early ‘90s, I attended a Women in Engineering Symposium at New Hampshire Technical Institute in Concord, NH. That day inspired me and shifted my interests back on the ground to the field of engineering.

When I enrolled at Bucknell University, I was unsure if civil or mechanical engineering was the correct path for me. Luckily, Bucknell requires all potential engineering students to take Engineering 101, a class that explores all disciplines of engineering with weekly hands-on problem-solving labs. It didn’t take long for me to decide to pursue civil engineering.

These early opportunities and hands-on learning not only taught me the skills required for my course work but also set the foundation for my future in engineering. The many hours of traditional academics and practical labs, in addition to my collegiate sports career — I was a member of the Track and Field team — helped me sort priorities and budget time; attributes that would serve me well in my profession. My engineering class had a very high percentage of women enrolled, and it’s where I developed some of my best friendships, many of which went on to be very successful women in the field of engineering.

Q. How can the construction industry attract and retain more women professionals, ensuring a diverse and inclusive workforce that enhances creativity and productivity?
A. Providing opportunities that introduce girls/women to construction and engineering opportunities can be the spark that changes the course of thinking for a young person. Many women do not consider the construction industry based on the simple lack of knowing it is an option. Having a sound understanding of basic construction and engineering principles and receiving proper training early in your career is key to establishing confidence and comfort in the construction environment. Providing resources for mentorship, male or female, can also make a tremendous difference to a new engineer starting out, so providing this resource is pivotal to women entering into the profession and staying with it.

I’ve had the pleasure of working for my current employer, TFMoran, for over 25 years. It has been my first (and only) engineering job since college graduation. I started at entry level in the office, running errands, making prints and reading regulations. I asked a lot of questions.

At TFM, I have had great mentors to educate and support me in my career. Teaching by example, showing patience, providing opportunity and pushing me to be a problem-solver by asking the right question and seeking out the answer. They provided me with challenges and the support I needed to grow as an engineer and a person. I am proud to be part of the team at TFM.

With the good also comes the bad, as I have had encounters in my career where my job experience appeared to be questioned due solely on my gender. When confronted with such a moment, I have felt I had two choices: deflect or stand tall. I have not let those moments define me, and have used each opportunity to build confidence and a greater belief in myself. To treat others with respect, setting boundaries to form positive relationships based on trust, and to project the confidence my experience and knowledge should garner after 25 years in the field of engineering. Much like the values my parents instilled in me, and I hope to inspire in my children, I choose to be fair and respectful to others. We should all expect nothing less. Treat everyone as you want to be treated.

Q. What initiatives or programs have proven effective in breaking down barriers and biases, promoting skill development, and providing equal opportunities for women pursuing careers in construction?
A. Educating men and women that intelligence is not defined by gender. Providing a company culture that brings everyone on the team to the table on equal ground and treated with respect. Engineers are engineers, period.

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Celebrating Women in Construction Week March 5-11

National Women In Construction Week is upon us! Put on by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), ‘WIC’ week, March 5-12 celebrates women in the industry including women builders, engineers, surveyors, project management, administration, and leadership.

Women in Construction (WIC) Week raises awareness and celebrates the work of women in the construction industry across the country. NAWIC founded WIC Week in 1998 to continue its mission of strengthening and amplifying the success of women in the industry. This year marks 25 years of celebrating Women in Construction!

Just in time for this week of celebration, TFMoran’s own Sophie Haddock, Landscape Designer & Assistant Land Planner in our Bedford office had a featured profile in High Profile’s Women in Construction special issue. Also in this issue- TFMoran’s team of Professional Women are recognized for their contribution to the Construction Industry!

Check out Sophie’s profile below:


Profile:
Sophie Haddock
Landscape Designer & Assistant Land Planner | TFMoran

Published in High Profile Monthly’s Women In Construction Supplement

Sophie Haddock is a landscape designer and assistant land planner at TFMoran. She holds a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture with a minor in community planning from the University of Rhode Island. She also serves as treasurer of Granite State Landscape Architects (GSLA).

Sophie’s role at TFMoran is to plan and design landscaping projects, working to bring balance to the site and harmonize with its setting. This year, she helped the Town of Derry redesign and revitalize a historic public park. Sophie’s role included design of a new playground, water fountain, “spray-ground” splash pad, and nature trails for all ages to enjoy. Her favorite part of the job is designing spaces that benefit people, as well as their environment and ecosystems.

Sophie utilizes Lumion, Sketchup, and AutoCAD to create lifelike context in her landscape designs by turning any space into a 3D model. By showing the plants’ sizes, colors, and textures the designer can find the perfect result before reflecting that onto a landscape plan to help clients and contractors better understand how their project will turn out.

In her free time, Sophie feeds her passion for environmentalism. She and her husband recently purchased their first home which was overrun with invasive plants. They have enjoyed restoring its natural charm by planting native species, starting new gardens, and encouraging biodiversity. Sophie also enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with family and friends.

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TFMoran’s Maureen Kelly Featured in High Profile’s Women in Construction Week Supplement

TFMoran’s own Maureen Kelly, EIT, Civil Project Engineer in our Bedford office has a featured profile in High Profile’s Women in Construction special issue. Ms. Kelly holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where she participated in several student scholarships and service-learning opportunities. In her professional role, Maureen enjoys projects that incorporate environmental benefits and equitable design. Maureen works in site design, all levels of permitting, utility layout, and stormwater infrastructure.

See Maureen’s full profile here, and check out High Profile‘s Women in Construction Supplement.

Congratulations, Maureen! And happy WIC Week!

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Celebrating Women In Construction Week 2022

National Women In Construction Week is upon us! Put on by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), ‘WIC’ week, March 6-12 celebrates Women in the industry including women builders, engineers, surveyors, project management, administration, and leadership.

Women in Construction (WIC) Week raises awareness and celebrates the work of women in the construction industry across the country. NAWIC founded WIC Week in 1998 to continue its mission of strengthening and amplifying the success of women in the industry. This year’s theme is ‘Envision Equity.’

Just in time for this week of celebration, TFMoran’s own Maureen Kelly, Civil Project Engineer in our Bedford office had a featured profile in High Profile’s Women in Construction special issue. Also in this issue- TFMoran’s team of Professional Women are recognized for their contribution to the Construction Industry.

Check out Maureen’s profile!

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TFMoran is Celebrating Women in Construction Week

National Women In Construction Week is upon us! Put on by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), ‘WIC’ week, March 7-13th celebrates Women in the industry including women builders, engineers, surveyors, project management, administration and leadership.

Just in time for this week of celebration, TFMoran’s own Hannah Giovannucci, PE, Civil Engineer and Project Manager in our Portsmouth office had a featured profile in High Profile’s Women in Construction special issue. Also in this issue- TFMoran’s team of Professional Women Engineers and Surveyors are recognized for their contribution to the Construction Industry.

Check out Hannah’s profile: HP Women in Construction March 2021-Hannah

In other WIC week news, TFMoran is sponsoring the Union Leader Women in Engineering Symposium to be held virtually on March 24th.

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TFMoran Structural Engineer, Natasha Kultchitsky, PE featured in NEREJ Women In Construction Spotlight

TFMoran is proud to have professional women on our team supporting the construction industry. New England Real Estate Journal recently did a “Women In Construction Spotlight” which features one of TFMoran’s Structural Engineers, Natasha Kultchitsky, PE.  Natasha has been part of the TFMoran Structural Engineering Department since 2016. She recently passed the Professional Engineer exam and is now a licensed structural engineer in the state of New Hampshire. Natasha has a Master’s degree in Civil/Structural Engineering from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics and Mechanics from Lomonosov State University in Moscow. Her structural design experience includes steel and timber commercial and industrial buildings, and concrete foundations.

Congratulations to all the women in construction featured in NEREJ’s spotlight, and thank you all for your hard work and dedication to the construction industry!

Click this link to view Natasha’s spotlight feature: NEREJ-March-April-2020_WIC-Natasha-Kultchitsky-PE.pdf

Click here to read more about Natasha in NEREJ on-line edition. Or, read below:

What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months? I started a civil engineering program at the University of Alaska when I was 37 years old. Pretty late… Being very ambitious in the beginning, I quickly had to understand that an engineering career would not be easy and graceful. Continue Reading →