Celebrating the 10th Annual Women in Construction and Project Development Event

Bernstein Shur hosted a record number of attendees at the 10th Annual Women in Construction and Project Development event, held on Thursday, May 15th at Falmouth Country Club. This milestone occasion commenced with a welcome address from Bernstein Shur CEO Kaveri Subbarao Nauhaus and was moderated by Shareholder Asha Echeverria.

The program featured a speaking lineup of three leaders from across the construction industry, representing Maine’s pillars of education, industry, and government. Each panelist shared inspirational and compelling stories about embracing one’s origins as a foundation for future change-making. 

Giovanna Guidoboni, Dean of the Maine College of Engineering and Computing, offered an inspiring narrative about embracing the many facets of her identity—as an engineer, scientist, educator, and the daughter of a woman in construction. From early childhood experiences on construction sites to breaking barriers in academic leadership, Giovanna stressed the value of challenging norms and leading with authenticity. 

Brie O’Malley, Director of the ReVision Energy Training Center, spoke about the transformative power of education and apprenticeship. She described training not merely as a means of skill development, but as a catalyst for unlocking human potential. Her work today focuses on building equitable pathways into Maine’s growing clean energy sector. 

Hannah Pingree, former Director at Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation & the Future, told the audience about her path from a small island community to the forefront of public leadership. She spoke about the necessity of women’s participation in construction and governance, emphasizing that solving today’s most urgent challenges will require collective action, innovation, and inclusive leadership. 

Following her presentation, Ms. Pingree read aloud a letter from Governor Janet T. Mills, in which the governor emphasized the critical importance of advancing women in the construction industry and reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to this cause. She highlighted an Executive Order signed last year aimed at removing barriers, collecting workforce data, and expanding access to training opportunities for women entering construction and the trades. 

To join the mailing list for next year, contact us at marketing@bernsteinshur.com.