Even as a minority, women continue to make huge strides in the construction industry. CM&B is committed to enhancing the success of women in our industry, and no truer example is evidenced than in the construction and management of our new corporate headquarters facility. In the summer of 2021, when the planning for our new building commenced, the team assembled to bring our project to life was a majority, woman-led project team. Our team included architects, project managers, and administrators – all of whom brought their unique set of skills and perspectives to the project. In recognition of Women’s History Month and Women in Construction Week, we wanted to highlight the core group of women that played a significant role in this pivotal project.
Elsiana Zhaka - Lead Designer
What did your role entail as part of CM&B’s New Corporate Headquarters’ Project Team?
I worked closely with the executive leadership group and project manager Megan Burridge to set the design intent and vision for the space. Then executed the design and construction drawings as well as finish specifications. I worked closely with Project Executive Tom Tassinari and Senior Project Superintendent Tom Gallo as well as the various subcontractors in the execution of the construction work.
Like everyone, we wear many hats! Whether you are a mother, daughter, aunt, sister, cousin, friend, etc., how do you find a life/work balance?
As women, we tend to put a lot of pressure on ourselves to do it all. It has been my experience that although one can do it all, that comes with a price. It is important to allow ourselves the grace to invite some flexibility in our lives so that we can continually excel at what is important at that given moment of time. Having a partner or other help that shares the burden of everyday life is also very important.
Megan Burridge - Project Manager
What is your favorite part about being on the Project Team for CM&B’s New Corporate Headquarters?
My favorite part of being on the Project Team for CM&B’s new Corporate Headquarters was being able to affect the function of how every employee will work and feel about working in our new office space. Every detail of our space was driven through a process of function and purpose. Nothing was more gratifying than seeing our team walk the space for the first time.
What makes you proud of working in the construction industry?
In an industry dominated by men, it’s important to me to show my daughters that you can succeed in any avenue you pursue in life. I work with some of the most capable, intelligent, and thoughtful women I’ve ever met.
Carolyn Campot - Marketing
What personal traits do you think help you succeed in your job?
Confidence and a belief in myself and my abilities have helped shape my career. Early on, I wasn’t afraid to ask questions or admit that I didn’t know the answer to something. Being curious showcases a willingness to learn and often has you interfacing with people and situations that you might not have encountered otherwise. Knowing my strengths and not being afraid to work on my weaknesses has been a guiding light throughout my career.
What advice would you give other women interested in working in construction?
I would offer the same advice to any woman/person looking for a job, not just in construction, and that is, find a place where you can explore your talents, challenge your creativity and thinking, and learn. Take advantage of any opportunity to upskill, contributing to the overall betterment of yourself and the company. Lastly, build a network of people with whom you can connect. Use your network to get career advice, strengthen your business relationships, raise your profile, and develop long-lasting relationships. In my opinion, networking is vital to career growth.
Molly Knowles - Office Manager
What did your role entail as part of CM&B’s New Corporate Headquarters’ Project Team?
I assisted in facilitating our move from 75 Sylvan Street to 85 Sam Fonzo Drive. This required organizing the office packing and moving schedule to ordering all our new supplies. It was important to have our new office fully stocked and prepared for our first day. There were a tremendous amount of moving parts that went into making it as seamless as possible.
Like everyone, we wear many hats! Whether you are a mother, daughter, aunt, sister, cousin, friend, etc., how do you find a life/work balance?
Becoming a mom this past year has been the most rewarding and challenging experience of my life and finding that work-life balance was important. Thankfully, I was able to reduce my hours and help support the team at CM&B part-time. I am able to commit to work while also raising my son and enjoying time spent with loved ones, trips to the library, daily walks, and life.
Jennifer Carney - Technology Coordinator
How long have you been with CM&B and how did you get started in the construction industry?
I’m approaching my seven-year anniversary with CM&B this fall. I’ve actually grown up working in the construction industry. My dad was a residential GC, so I could be involved at his job sites from building houses to making repairs. I’ve always felt there is no challenge too big or task I couldn’t take on as he taught me the trade along the way where you put your problem-solving skills to the test to get the job done. The day of my interview with CM&B I was actually helping him at a local job site just shortly ahead of me quickly changing out my shoes and making my way over to CM&B headquarters.
As part of CM&B’s New Corporate Headquarters’ Project Team, what did your role entail?
I worked with the project team for our new Corporate Headquarters to help identify and plan for the technology throughout the building. We collaborated on each detail to ensure the best experience for our own team members and office guests alike. The ease of connectivity and use in each space was the key to improving the efficiency of our team while creating an engaging meeting space for both in-person and online meetings.
Krystin Sartorelli - Project Coordinator
What personal traits do you think help you succeed in your job?
As a Project Coordinator, I feel as though I am ambitious, conscientious, detailed oriented, and cooperative. Being ambitious allows you to have a strong desire to achieve success by meeting your goals. Part of being a Project Coordinator is about meeting deadlines to help achieve project success. With having communication with Owners, Architects & Engineers, you need to be very conscientious with your work and uphold the professional standards on which CM&B prides itself in. With that being said, you need to be very detailed oriented as a Project Coordinator because you are sending critical information to update the executives on the project. Project needs can change at the drop of a hat and as a Project Coordinator, you need to be cooperative to adapt to changes in plans and shortened project timelines or client needs.
As part of CM&B’s New Corporate Headquarters’ Project Team, what did your role entail?
I was the Project Coordinator for the new Corporate Headquarters. As the Project Coordinator for the new office, I provided operational support to the project team, which included issuing all subcontracts/purchase orders, managing subcontractors’ compliance, uploading/ distributing drawings, creating/issuing subcontractor change orders, and maintaining all of the project closeout documents.
Pat Hasselschwert - Project Accountant
How long have you been with CM&B and how did you get started in the construction industry?
I will be with CM&B for 10 years in September! It all started with a phone call on my drive from Ohio to my daughter’s graduation from Providence College! CM&B was going through some growing pains and Kevin called to offer me a position in accounting. My previous experience was as a purchasing manager of a large food manufacturing company (before kids) and then once I got back into the workforce, I was an office manager for a Dental practice. I jumped at the chance to move back near family and to start a new career path.
What do you see as the biggest challenge of being a woman working in construction?
One of the biggest challenges women face, not just in the construction industry, is being heard. We can voice an opinion or a suggestion, but most often, we are not taken seriously. A man can say the same thing and it is their opinion that is recognized. Things have gotten better since I started working (many years ago) but we still have a long way to go.
PROJECT TEAM
Dave Sullivan, Jen Carney, Nick Carter, Krystin Sartorelli, Kevin Puopolo, Len Cubellis, Tom Tassinari, Pat Hasselschwert, Tom Gallo, Megan Burridge, and Molly Knowles. Camera shy: Elsiana Zhaka, Carolyn Campot, Dave Watson and Mark Roberto.
