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SAVE THE DATE

19th Annual Conference

THURSDAY, October 30, 2025

Renaissance Arlington Capital View

2800 S Potomac Ave, Arlington, VA 22202


Sponsor the Conference

15th anniversary video

Get a feel for what you can expect at the WIC Conference!


Filming and editing credit to Kian McKellar of Key In Films

2024 SUMMARY AGENDA

Agenda 2024 (pdf)Download

First-time Attendee Tips

WIC Flyer_2024 (pdf)Download

2024 agenda

Registration & Buffet Breakfast

7:30-8:30am


First-time Attendee Meet & Greet (pre-registration required)

7:45-8:15am


Welcome Remarks & Safety Moment

8:30-8:55am

Presented By

Sarah Forrest, Hensel Phelps


Morning Motivation: From Dream to Reality: Shaping the Future Together

9:00-9:30 AM

Description

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.

Presented By

Dr. Sam Zolfagharian, YegaTech


How AI Can Empower Users: Insights on How to be Prepared for the Future

9:35-10:15am

Description

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.

Speakers

Kelly Benedict, Gilbane

Iman Hyder-Eliz, American Arbitration Association

Dolores Mears, Hensel Phelps

Patrick Scarpati, Associated Builders and Contractors

Dr. Sam Zolfagharian, YegaTech


Break

10:15-10:40am


Breakout Sessions

10:45-11:40am

Sponsored and Presented by Cozen O'Connor

Mastering Business Development and Business Etiquette 


Speakers: 

Wendy Venoit, Cozen O'Connor

Stephen Seeger, Cozen O'Connor

Lusanna Ro, AECOM

Meredith Philipp, Amazon

Sponsored and Presented by Deloitte

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

Sponsored and Presented by Fox Rothschild

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

Sponsored and Presented by Hoffman & Associates

In Search of Success Without Sacrifice: A Guide to Balancing Leadership, Family And Well Being 


Speaker: 

Louise Stoner Crawford, Stoner Crawford, LLC

Sponsored and Presented by Southland Industries

The real Girl Math: Owning Personal Finance in the Construction Industry 


Speaker:

Darren Straniero, OnPlane Financial Advisors LLC

Moderated by: Rebecca Gray, Southland Industries

Sponsored and Presented by Whiting-Turner

The Ozempic of the Construction Industry – How to Get Lean 


Speakers: 

Erin Chelf, Whiting Turner

Beth Winters, Whiting Turner

Sarah Gallareta, Whiting Turner


Mind Your Business – Why a strategy on mental health just makes "cents"

10:45-11:40am

Breakout+ Session Sponsored and Presented by DPR Construction

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. 

Speakers

Zeke Smith, Apache Industrial

Dan Lester, Clayco


Lunch & Keynote Presentation

11:45am-1:00pm


Lifting as We Climb: A Journey of Growth and Commitment to the Future

12:10-12:50pm

keynote description

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. 

presented by

Angie Simon


Empowering Partnerships On and Offsite

1:05-1:50pm

Description

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.

Speakers

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


Breakout Sessions

2:00-2:55pm

Sponsored and Presented by Cozen O'Connor

Mastering Business Development and Business Etiquette 


Speakers: 

Wendy Venoit, Cozen O'Connor

Stephen Seeger, Cozen O'Connor

Lusanna Ro, AECOM

Meredith Philipp, Amazon

Sponsored and Presented by Deloitte

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

Sponsored and Presented by Fox Rothschild

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

Sponsored and Presented by Hoffman & Associates

In Search of Success Without Sacrifice: A Guide to Balancing Leadership, Family And Well Being 


Speaker: 

Louise Stoner Crawford, Stoner Crawford, LLC

Sponsored and Presented by Southland Industries

The real Girl Math: Owning Personal Finance in the Construction Industry 


Speaker:

Darren Straniero, OnPlane Financial Advisors LLC

Moderated by: Rebecca Gray, Southland Industries

Sponsored and Presented by Whiting-Turner

The Ozempic of the Construction Industry – How to Get Lean 


Speakers: 

Erin Chelf, Whiting Turner

Beth Winters, Whiting Turner

Sarah Gallareta, Whiting Turner


Mind Your Business – Why a strategy on mental health just makes "cents"

2:00-2:55pm

Breakout+ Session Sponsored and Presented by DPR Construction

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. 

Speakers

Zeke Smith, Apache Industrial

Dan Lester, Clayco


Break

3:00-3:30pm


Women of the C-Suite on Recruitment & Retention

3:30-4:20pm

Description

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.

Speakers

Lynn Stith Bennett, Coakley Williams

Elizabeth Bissell, Jacobs

Pallavi Keluskar, CannonDesign

Jane Galbraith Mahaffie, Mahaffie Consulting

Moderated by: Josephine Bahn, Cozen O'Connor


Closing Remarks

4:20pm

Presented By

Sarah Pearlstein, Jadian Industrial Outdoor Storage

Cocktail Reception Immediately Following

scenes from past conferences

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