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Board of Directors

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Sara Urizar
Sara Urizar is an Associate and Cultural Leader at SmithGroup in Chicago with more than 25 years of experience delivering complex cultural, higher education, and nonprofit projects. Her work includes landmark institutions such as the Art Institute of Chicago, the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, and the Joslyn Art Museum. A founding member and current President of Professional Women in Construction - Chicago Chapter, Sara leads mission-driven initiatives that advance women and strengthen diversity across the AEC industry.

President

SmithGroup

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Kasie Mathena
Kasie Mathena has more than 25 years of experience delivering over $5 billion in projects across multiple sectors. Her work spans CM, design-build, owner representation, and public-private partnerships for projects including healthcare, higher education, science, cultural, public sector, industrial, sports & entertainment, multifamily, and hospitality. A founding member of Professional Women in Construction - Chicago Chapter and frequent industry speaker, Kasie is committed to mentorship, education, and building a more inclusive construction industry. In 2025 she founded the Mathena Construction Group, with the Obama Foundation as their debut client.

Vice President

Mathena Construction Group

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Rose McClure
Rose McClure is a structural engineer and Senior Project Manager at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger with over 15 years of experience on new and existing structures. She specializes in waterfront marine engineering, the analysis and design of foundation systems, and the rehabilitation of existing structures. Rose is active in several professional organizations, where she works to improve engagement and retention within her profession, and advocates for diversity and inclusion within the AEC industry.

Secretary

Simpson Gumpertz & Heger

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Amy Mayer
Amy Mayer is Vice President of Construction at Related Midwest and LR Contracting Company, where she has led the delivery of major luxury residential and mixed-use developments for nearly three decades. Her work includes projects such as One Bennett Park, Lathrop, and 500 Lake Shore Drive. A licensed architect and LEED Accredited Professional, Amy is committed to mentoring emerging professionals and supporting women entering the construction industry. She is a founding board member of Professional Women in Construction - Chicago Chapter, and a city council member in Geneva, IL.

Treasurer

Related Midwest

1 Shay
Shaylyn Cullen
Shaylyn Cullen is the Founder and President of Cullen Construction Management, an owner’s representative firm focused on collaborative preconstruction and project delivery. In 2025 Cullen CM was proud to be named an Inc. 5000 Best Workplace, an achievement that reflects commitment to its people, culture, and long-term growth. A founding member of Professional Women in Construction - Chicago Chapter, she is deeply committed to mentorship, leadership development, and strengthening the construction and engineering community.

Board Member

Cullen Construction Management

Gallo Wine, Jean
Jean Gallo wine
Jean Gallo Wine is a construction attorney and co-chair of Fox Swibel's nationally ranked Construction Law Group. Jean specializes in representing general contractors on complex claims across all industries, including aviation, building, education, hospitality, infrastructure, manufacturing, medical, sports and entertainment, and transportation. Jean is the founder, past president, and a current board member of Professional Women in Construction - Chicago Chapter. Jean also sits on PWC’s National Board.

Board Member

Fox Swibel Levin & Carroll

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Toni Graham
Toni Graham serves as the Director of Community Initiatives at Berglund Construction, where she leads workforce development, community engagement, subcontractor diversity, and youth outreach. In this role, she builds strong partnerships with community organizations and educational institutions, developing and implementing initiatives that connect students, job seekers, and underrepresented businesses with career and contracting opportunities in construction. Through mentorship programs, internship opportunities, training partnerships, and outreach events, Toni advances inclusive growth, strengthens workforce pipelines, and connects individuals and businesses to meaningful opportunities.

Board Member

Berglund Construction

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Denise Horsley
Denise Horsley is a Project Executive at Development Solutions, Inc. with more than 35 years of experience in construction and commercial real estate. Known for her structured and client-focused leadership style, Denise emphasizes transparency, accountability, and strong team collaboration throughout the project lifecycle. Beyond her project work, she has served as an Ambassador for the Chicago Build Expo and remains deeply engaged in mentorship, industry outreach, and community-focused initiatives.

Board Member

Development Solutions, Inc.

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Kendall Lettinga
Kendall Lettinga is Executive Vice President of Operations at Focus, where she oversees accounting, human resources, marketing, risk management, technology, and administration. Since joining the firm in 2006, her ability to bring together teams encourages collaboration across departments and her strategic approach consistently develops new efficiencies within how Focus operates. Kendall is also a founding board member of Professional Women in Construction - Chicago Chapter.

Board Member

Focus

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Heidi McClenahan
Heidi McClenahan is Executive Managing Director for Project & Development Services at Cushman & Wakefield, bringing more than 25 years of experience across architecture, construction, and real estate. She leads multi-market teams that combine technical delivery expertise with a flexible, client first approach—shaping early decisions that guide projects from concept through completion and reduce risk before it becomes cost. Heidi also serves as a founding board member of Professional Women in Construction – Chicago Chapter, reflecting her commitment to inclusive leadership and industry advancement.

Board Member

Cushman & Wakefield

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Alicia Ponce
Alicia Ponce is Founder and Design Principal of APMonarch, an architecture firm advancing sustainability and community impact. She also founded Arquitina, a nonprofit working to increase licensed Latina architects in the U.S. Her clients include The Field Museum, Bally’s Casino, the University of Chicago, and numerous nonprofits. Her honors include the 2023 Breaking Glass Award from the Chicago Women in Architecture Foundation and Crain’s Notable Leaders in Sustainability.

Board Member

APMonarch

Tang, Ta Juana
Ta Juana Tang
Ta Juana Tang is the Founder and President of Tandem Ventures, a Chicago-based consulting firm specializing in economic development, compliance strategy, and community engagement for construction projects. With more than 25 years of industry experience, she has supported over $1.5 billion in developments across education, healthcare, retail, and community sectors. Ta Juana is a founding member of Professional Women in Construction - Chicago Chapter. As an advocate for workforce development, she serves as the Board chair for One On One. She also serves as secretary of the Board and is a member of the Government Relations Committee of the Illinois Housing Council.

Board Member

Tandem Ventures