SAVE THE DATE
19th Annual Conference
THURSDAY, October 30, 2025
Renaissance Arlington Capital View
2800 S Potomac Ave, Arlington, VA 22202
Get a feel for what you can expect at the WIC Conference!
Filming and editing credit to Kian McKellar of Key In Films
7:30-8:30am
7:45-8:15am
8:30-8:55am
Sarah Forrest, Hensel Phelps
9:00-9:30 AM
Dreams have the power to shape the future. Dr. Sam will discuss a process of pushing the boundaries of what is possible, leading to real-world innovation and progress. The session aims to inspire participants to pursue their visions with determination, turning possibilities into reality.
Together, we can rise to meet the challenges, transforming them into opportunities for growth and success while ensuring that the human element remains central.
Dr. Sam Zolfagharian, YegaTech
9:35-10:15am
We all know AI is not going anywhere. Hear from leaders in the construction technology space about the current landscape of AI in construction and it's potential future applications. Learn how to integrate AI into everyday work and life.
Kelly Benedict, Gilbane
Iman Hyder-Eliz, American Arbitration Association
Dolores Mears, Hensel Phelps
Patrick Scarpati, Associated Builders and Contractors
Dr. Sam Zolfagharian, YegaTech
10:15-10:40am
10:45-11:40am
Mastering Business Development and Business Etiquette
Speakers:
Wendy Venoit, Cozen O'Connor
Stephen Seeger, Cozen O'Connor
Lusanna Ro, AECOM
Meredith Philipp, Amazon
Show Me the Money: Navigating Government Contracts and Understanding the Impact of Federal Infrastructure Spending
Speakers:
Susana Erpestad, HDR
Christine Merdon, Merdon Strategies, LLC
Moderated by: Liz Hollenbeck, Deloitte
Building Strong Personal and Professional Networks through Connection, Mentorship and Sponsorship
Speakers:
Sheila Sears, HITT Contracting, Inc.
Aimee Fogarty, Hammes Co.
Kristin Protas, Gilbane Building Company
Moderated by: Keeley McCarty, Fox Rothschild
In Search of Success Without Sacrifice: A Guide to Balancing Leadership, Family And Well Being
Speaker:
Louise Stoner Crawford, Stoner Crawford, LLC
The real Girl Math: Owning Personal Finance in the Construction Industry
Speaker:
Darren Straniero, OnPlane Financial Advisors LLC
Moderated by: Rebecca Gray, Southland Industries
The Ozempic of the Construction Industry – How to Get Lean
Speakers:
Erin Chelf, Whiting Turner
Beth Winters, Whiting Turner
Sarah Gallareta, Whiting Turner
10:45-11:40am
This interactive session will tackle the stigmas associated with mental health in the construction industry and offer tactical solutions that go beyond rhetoric, highlighting training, education, and data-backed research to help cultivate a culture that supports business needs and prioritizes the well-being of all employees.
Zeke Smith, Apache Industrial
Dan Lester, Clayco
11:45am-1:00pm
12:10-12:50pm
Join Angie as she shares her inspiring journey in the construction industry, highlighting key lessons learned and the challenges overcome. Discover how she is paving the way for future generations through her dedicated efforts with her non-profit organization.
1:05-1:50pm
Though we may have different roles and locations, we can still empower our team members. Hear from women in the field, and their unlikely workplace partnerships, about how they have helped each other grow, succeed, learn and elevate themselves and those following their footsteps.
Violet Carter, Rosendin
June Day, Southland Industries
Kelsie Lovelette, Clark
Randy Merry, Rosendin
Scott Murri, Clark Water
Pasquale Petrovia, LU 486
Moderated by: Caroline Sullivan, Bozzuto
2:00-2:55pm
Mastering Business Development and Business Etiquette
Speakers:
Wendy Venoit, Cozen O'Connor
Stephen Seeger, Cozen O'Connor
Lusanna Ro, AECOM
Meredith Philipp, Amazon
Show Me the Money: Navigating Government Contracts and Understanding the Impact of Federal Infrastructure Spending
Speakers:
Susana Erpestad, HDR
Christine Merdon, Merdon Strategies, LLC
Michelle Shropshire, VDOT
Moderated by: Liz Hollenbeck, Deloitte
Building Strong Personal and Professional Networks through Connection, Mentorship and Sponsorship
Speakers:
Sheila Sears, HITT Contracting, Inc.
Aimee Fogarty, Hammes Co.
Kristin Protas, Gilbane Building Company
Moderated by: Keeley McCarty, Fox Rothschild
In Search of Success Without Sacrifice: A Guide to Balancing Leadership, Family And Well Being
Speaker:
Louise Stoner Crawford, Stoner Crawford, LLC
The real Girl Math: Owning Personal Finance in the Construction Industry
Speaker:
Darren Straniero, OnPlane Financial Advisors LLC
Moderated by: Rebecca Gray, Southland Industries
The Ozempic of the Construction Industry – How to Get Lean
Speakers:
Erin Chelf, Whiting Turner
Beth Winters, Whiting Turner
Sarah Gallareta, Whiting Turner
2:00-2:55pm
This interactive session will tackle the stigmas associated with mental health in the construction industry and offer tactical solutions that go beyond rhetoric, highlighting training, education, and data-backed research to help cultivate a culture that supports business needs and prioritizes the well-being of all employees.
Zeke Smith, Apache Industrial
Dan Lester, Clayco
3:00-3:30pm
3:30-4:20pm
Women are still a minority in the construction industry at about 11% of the workforce. Hear from these C-Suite execs about what they and their companies are doing to recruit and retain women. Discussion topics may include: good-sense policies, who is doing the recruiting and when, ERGs that work, etc.
Lynn Stith Bennett, Coakley Williams
Elizabeth Bissell, Jacobs
Pallavi Keluskar, CannonDesign
Jane Galbraith Mahaffie, Mahaffie Consulting
Moderated by: Josephine Bahn, Cozen O'Connor
4:20pm
Sarah Pearlstein, Jadian Industrial Outdoor Storage
Cocktail Reception Immediately Following
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