“Since PWC launched its Salute to Women of Achievement in 2000, we have been proud to honor 79 remarkable women,” said Barbara Armand, president of Professional Women in Construction (PWC) and of Armand Corp., as she introduced the honorees at the organization’s 15th annual Salute to Women of Achievement luncheon at The Yale Club in New York City.
“I congratulate you all on your entry to the prestigious ranks of PWC’s Women of Achievement,” said Armand.
Honoree Denise Berger, assistant chief engineer/operations, The Port Authority of NY & NJ (PANYNJ), thanked her mentors for helping her “navigate” and awards presenter James Starace, P.E., deputy chief engineer/director, PANYNJ, for advice that continues to give her the “confidence and credibility” to forge ahead. Starace noted the immense scope of her responsibilities and said that Berger is a stellar mentor dedicated to “guiding the next generation of leaders.”
Honoree Ellen Chasanoff, project business manager, HNTB Corporation, said that she is “privileged to work with a broad team of professionals from a large subconsultant group and a client who respects and values the work that we do.”
She thanked awards presenter Joseph Lawton, senior vice president/national construction management practice leader, HNTB Corporation, and said that she is “honored to represent women everywhere in a leadership role.”
Lawton cheered her “incredible contribution on the CM and PM side,” and praised Chasanoff for being “proactive, listening well, and having passion in what she does.”
Honoree Martine Duphrezin, LEED AP, principal, RCGA Architects, thanked PWC; awards presenter Robert Gaskin, RA, principal and CEO, RCGA Architects; and her family for their faith in her.
She dedicated the award to her “parents who made everything possible.” Gaskin called Duphrezin an “excellent architect” and applauded the great humanitarian initiatives she has devoted herself to.
Honoree Eva Hatzaki, director of marketing, Skyline Restoration Inc., thanked awards presenter John Kalafatis, CEO, Skyline Restoration, and Skyline for giving her “the license to try, to dare, and to be bold”; her “amazing team”; and PWC, saying that because of its efforts “women today are greeted with far less skepticism and far more respect.”
Kalafatis said that Hatzaki’s “determination, hard work, and creativity” have not only “helped our company grow, but helped our city to grow as well.” He added that she has bolstered “the industry and the women in the industry.”
Honoree Catherine Rinaldi, executive vice president, Metro-North, thanked awards presenter Joseph Giulietti, president, Metro-North, for recognizing that “in a world class city it is necessary to invest in the vitality of our transportation system.”
Giulietti pointed out his good fortune to have “someone of Cathy’s caliber to ensure that what needs to get done is accomplished.”
PWC board members who introduced the presenters were: Nancy Czesak, RA, PWC VP and first VP Tishman, an AECOM company; Nicole Hunter, PWC secretary and project manager, HNTB Corporation; Maria I. Wilpon, AIA Intl. Assoc., PWC director and managing principal, Stantec; and William Fife, P.E., PWC board Emeritus, principal, The Fife Group, and sr. adviser, Weidlinger Associates. Members of the Event Committee were: Armand, Czesak, Hunter, and Fife; Heather Fraser, AIA LEED AP, Martinez + Johnson Architects; Mary Rasure, Tutor Perini; Maureen Warnicke, Legrand Northeast; Marjorie Caruso, AEC Repro; Ining Hsu, AECOM; Olga Vinogradova, Esq., and Trish Giaquinto, PWC.
Celebrating its 35TH year in 2015, PWC is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1980. For information or to register for upcoming programs, contact pwc@pwcusa.org, visit www.pwcusa.org/ny or call 212-486-7745.
