PWC CT Awards Four Professionals for Outstanding Contributions to A/E/C Industry

From left: Patty Bilotto, Amy Ray, Kathleen Cloud, Jillian Gibbs, Katy Gagnon, Dawn Meeker

On Tuesday, January 24, 2023, the Professional Women in Construction Connecticut Chapter (PWC CT) held their first event of the new year, where they awarded four recipients with professional achievement awards for their outstanding contributions to the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (A/E/C) Industry. The Paving the Path to Diversity… A View from the Road program drew a crowd of attendees showing their support for the award winners, and to hear from the stellar presentation panel of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion leaders.

Kathleen Cloud, President at M. Frank Higgins & Co. was honored with the prestigious Women of Achievement Award. Kathleen has over 20 years of experience in the industry. She is passionate about mentoring and teaching and develops training opportunities for members of the A/E/C Industry. She continues to promote the A/E/C through her involvement in many organizations. Recipients of this award have at least 15 years of experience in the industry, have demonstrably achieved excellence in their field, are dedicated to the advancement of women in the A/E/C field, and serve as a good role model.

Jillian Gibbs, Sr. Associate & Sr. Interior Designer at Phase Zero Design, proudly accepted the Rising Star Award. With her ambition and hard work Jillian has shown great skill and tremendous potential in Interior Design. She is committed not only to continued education and professional development opportunities for herself, but for her teams and Phase Zero Design at large. This past year, she also helped concept, coordinate, and lead a program with Connecticut-based Nonprofit: Girls for Technology. The program was a blended course meant to expose young (Grades 7-10), traditionally disadvantaged girls to the power and opportunity they hold in the A/E/C world. This award honors exceptional women who are recognized by their colleagues, mentors and peers as future leaders in the A/E/C industry.

The Excellence in Mentoring Award was given to Katy Gagnon, Senior Project Engineer for Langan for her work and dedication to mentoring young engineers within the A/E/C industry.  Katy dedicates her time to the ACE Mentoring program introducing high school aged kids to career opportunities in the architecture, construction, and engineering industry. She fosters an atmosphere of mentorship and support to empower women to achieve career and personal success by networking, sharing experiences and forming professional identities. Katy is also a mentor in Langan’s internal mentoring program providing mentoring to younger staff throughout the company who look to her guidance and skill. This award honors exceptional women or men who are recognized as positive role models in the A/E/C industry, have sustained a career commitment to mentoring and have had a positive effect on mentees.

Amy Ray, Director, Business Development & Marketing at Babbidge Construction Company, was honored as Volunteer of the Year for her volunteerism and support of the Chapter. Amy has spent countless hours on her role as PWC Board Member, PWC Communications Chair, and has been a key part in growing the PWC CT brand. She has also supported roles within the programs committee and with PWC National’s website relaunch. Amy’s extensive knowledge, and drive to support women in the industry have made her an essential member of the PWC team. This award recognizes women or men volunteers for their valuable dedication and contributions to the success of this chapter and our industry as a whole.

Following the awards ceremony, attendees learned about Paving the Path to Diversity…A View from the Road. Discussion topics included strategies employed, challenges faced, and lessons learned on the path forward to continued advocacy for change.

To learn more about our awards program contact awards committee chair Kim Colapietro.

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