Board of Directors
Sara Urizar is an Associate and Cultural Leader with SmithGroup in Chicago. Her 25+ year career is marked by delivering complex, multi-million-dollar construction programs, notably across museums, higher education institutions, and non-profit organizations. Her leadership has helped shape landmark cultural projects at institutions across the country, including The Art Institute of Chicago, the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, and the Joslyn Art Museum.
As a Founding Director and current President of the Chicago Chapter of Professional Women in Construction, Sara leads mission-driven programming and outreach to support and advance women and build diversity in the AEC community. She also serves on the Board of Directors of Diasporal Rhythms, whose mission is to collect, promote and preserve art from the African Diaspora by encouraging individuals and institutions to appreciate and acquire this art. With a unique blend of technical acumen, recognized project leadership, and community-focused governance, Sara brings strategic insight and passion to all of her professional endeavors, whether client-focused or in support of her non-profit partners.
President
SmithGroup
Kasie Mathena is a construction industry leader who has directly led or overseen over $5
billion of construction delivery throughout her 25-year career. Working for national CM/GC
firms or for her own company, Kasie has successfully delivered strong pre-construction,
procurement, and construction services on a diverse range of product types and deliveries
including CM, lump sum, P3, Design-Build, Owner Rep, Owner Agency, high-rise/mid-rise ,
healthcare, public sector, higher education, cultural, multifamily, hotel-hospitality,
sports/entertainment facilities, manufacturing, emergency response, and science spaces.
A founding member of Professional Women in Construction - Chicago Chapter and a
frequent speaker on inclusion in the industry, Kasie is committed to education, mentorship,
and community in order to drive positive change, build strong relationships, and create
lasting impact.
In 2025 Kasie founded the Mathena Construction Group, with the Obama Foundation as their
debut client. When not working you might find Kasie watching documentaries with her
partner, on the golf course, coaching T-Ball, or keeping up with her two young kids.
Vice President
Mathena Construction Group
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
Amy Mayer is Vice President of Construction at Related Midwest. Since joining the company in 1996, Amy has worked on projects in Illinois, Michigan, and Colorado and held several roles including project manager, senior project manager and assistant vice president before ultimately ascending to her current position as vice president. She has been integral to the success of numerous luxury residential and mixed-use developments including Landmark West Loop, 500 Lake Shore Drive, the Residences on Lake Shore Park, Park Tower, the Town of Fort Sheridan and the Mayfair.
Most recently, Amy completed Lathrop, One Bennett Park and The Taylor Street Library and Apartments. She is actively managing the construction of Lathrop, Roosevelt Square, and Lakeshore Plaza.
Amy is a licensed architect and a LEED accredited professional, which signifies core competency in green building principles. She is an alumna of the University of Illinois, where she earned both her bachelor’s degree in architectural studies and master’s degree in architecture. Amy is committed to supporting women in construction by providing guidance and mentorship to young women entering the field, helping them to navigate the industry. She is a founding board member of Professional Women in Construction (PWC) Chicago Chapter, and a city council member in Geneva, IL.
Treasurer
Related Midwest
Shaylyn Cullen is the Founder and President of Cullen Construction Management and an active leader within the construction and engineering community. She is a founding member of the Professional Women in Construction - Chicago Chapter, a board member and mentor for Steel Bronco Robotics, and serves on the Marquette University Civil Engineering Advisory Board. Deeply committed to mentorship and industry leadership, Shay has been recognized with several regional awards for her impact, leadership, and advocacy.
After more than a decade working for a general contractor, Shay founded Cullen CM to fill the gaps during the preconstruction stage and bring a collaborative approach to construction management. Under Shay’s leadership, the firm has grown into a trusted Owner’s Representative partner known for its exceptional team, and deep industry expertise. 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. Outside of the office Shay enjoys reading, yoga and spending time with her husband, three sons, and dog.
Board Member
Cullen Construction Management
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 and past president of the Chicago Chapter of PWC and looks forward to also sitting on PWC’s National Board in 2026.
Board Member
Fox Swibel Levin & Carroll
Toni Graham is the Director of Community Initiatives at Berglund Construction, where she leads efforts focused on workforce development, community engagement, subcontractor diversity, training programs, and youth outreach. In this role, Toni has developed and implemented strategies that strengthen partnerships between Berglund and the communities it serves, ensuring equitable access to opportunities within the construction industry.
With a strong commitment to promoting inclusive growth, Toni collaborates with local organizations, educational institutions, and trade partners to expand workforce pipelines and support small and diverse businesses. Her leadership reflects a deep passion for creating sustainable community impact and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across all facets of construction.
Board Member
Berglund Construction
Denise Horsley serves as a Project Executive at Development Solutions, Inc. (DSI), bringing more than three decades of experience in construction and commercial real estate. As a founding member of CHIEF Chicago and an active participant in PWC Chicago, she has been a consistent force for elevating women in the industry while giving her time and voice to organizations including Girls in the Game, NAWIC, the AIDS Foundation, and breast-cancer awareness initiatives.
Her portfolio spans a vast range of clients and millions of square feet, yet her impact is best seen in how she leads - with integrity, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to people as the foundation of every successful project. Known for her meticulous approach to structure and process, Denise creates a client experience defined by clarity, accountability, and a steady “no surprises” methodology that keeps projects aligned, informed, and positioned for success from kickoff to closeout.
Denise’s leadership philosophy centers on authenticity, respect, and creating an environment where people are empowered to excel. 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. She is a firm advocate for meaningful work-life balance and for building careers rooted in confidence, purpose, and opportunity. Her perspective on DEI continues to guide much of her advocacy: that no one should limit their ambitions based on someone else’s expectations, and that expanding conversations around equity - both within our own circles and beyond - is essential to making inclusion the rule rather than the exception. In every role she steps into, Denise brings a steady clarity of purpose: elevate people, elevate the work, and leave the industry stronger than she found it.
Board Member
Development Solutions, Inc.
Kendall graduated from Wheaton College in 2005 and started her career with Focus in 2006. Kendall was initially hired as a Marketing Assistant and eventually moved into an Executive Assistant role, working directly under Focus’ CEO. She later went on to become the HR Director where she led the department for four years before moving into her current position.
As Executive Vice President, Operations Kendall oversees + manages all operational functions of the firm including accounting, human resources, marketing, risk management, technology, and administration. Her ability to bring together teams encourages collaboration across departments and her strategic approach consistently develops new efficiencies within how Focus operates.
Kendall is a Founding Board Member of Professional Women in Construction in Chicago, an industry organization which seeks to support and advance the careers of women in the construction industry.
Board Member
Focus
Heidi McClenahan is an accomplished real estate and construction leader with over 25 years of experience spanning architecture, project management, and strategic operations. As Executive Managing Director for Project & Development Services, Heidi oversees multi-market teams and drives operational excellence across complex portfolios, delivering projects that align with client objectives, mitigate risk, and maximize value.
Throughout her career, Heidi has led high-performing teams and managed multi-million-dollar budgets for some of the world’s most recognized organizations. Her expertise includes due diligence, investor representation, and construction project management across diverse sectors such as technology, life sciences, healthcare, education, legal, and financial services. She is recognized for her ability to translate strategic vision into measurable results, foster inclusive cultures, and build long-term client partnerships.
Board Member
Cushman & Wakefield
Alicia Ponce is the Founder and Design Principal of APMonarch, an award-winning Chicago architecture firm recognized for its leadership in sustainability and advocacy. She also founded Arquitina, a national nonprofit dedicated to increasing the 1% of licensed Latina architects in the U.S.
Alicia leads her team of architects and sustainability professionals designing radically better buildings and spaces, LEED and Living Building Challenge–certified projects across commercial, civic, retail, and healthcare sectors. Her clients include The Field Museum, Exelon, Bally's, Chicago Public Schools, the University of Chicago, and numerous non-profit organizations.
Her honors include the 2023 Breaking Glass Award from Chicago Women in Architecture Foundation and Crain’s Notable Leaders in Sustainability. Alicia serves on the boards of the Arquitina, United Way Metro Chicago, and is a Chicago Landmarks Commissioner. She has published Latinas in Architecture Vol. I & II and mentors emerging Latina architects, guided by her ethos to “Lift as you Climb.”
Board Member
APMonarch
Ta Juana Tang is the Founder and President of Tandem Ventures, a Chicago-based economic development consulting firm specializing in construction-focused business development, compliance strategy, and community engagement. Since founding the firm in 2008, she has led a project portfolio totaling $1.5 billion across education, healthcare, retail, and community development, partnering with public, private, and nonprofit stakeholders on some of Chicago’s most high-profile developments.
With more than 25 years of industry experience, Tang brings deep expertise in governance, regulatory compliance, DEI strategy, and stakeholder alignment. Her background includes serving as Director of Compliance and Community Relations at Skender Construction, where she oversaw approximately $55 million in annual project portfolios and led the implementation of EEO and Affirmative Action initiatives across the Chicagoland area. Tang is widely recognized for her ability to balance organizational mission with operational discipline, ensuring accountability, transparency, and measurable community impact. Her leadership style is grounded in relationship-building, strategic communication, and long-term value creation.
She currently serves as Board Chair of One On One and is a founding Board member of the Chicago chapter of Professional Women in Construction. Additionally, she is a Board member and Government Relations Committee member of the Illinois Housing Council. She previously served as a youth mentor and advisory board member for SOS Children’s Villages. Tang holds a dual undergraduate degree in Organizational Leadership and Business Administration from Lewis University.
Board Member
Tandem Ventures