PWC CT Awards Four Women for Outstanding Contributions to A/E/C Industry
New Haven, CT
On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, the Professional Women in Construction Connecticut Chapter (PWC CT) awarded four women with professional achievement awards for their outstanding contributions to the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (A/E/C) Industry. The program “Building the Future: Attracting the Next Generation of AEC Rising Stars” program attracted a crowd of attendees showing their support for the award winners, and to hear from the stellar presentation panel of AEC women.
Marissa Dionne Mead, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP, Principal at Svigals + Partners, an FCA Company, was honored with the prestigious Woman of Achievement Award. Driven by dual passions in architecture and art-making, Marissa weaves sculpture, architecture and environment to tell stories, promote inclusivity, and raise consciousness. Her work exudes meaning and compassion in the noble service of uniting communities while elevating the profession with creativity, compassion, and collaboration. Over her 20 years in the AEC industry, Marissa has contributed to more than 100 projects nationwide, directed dozens of public artwork installations, and completed design and management for architectural projects in a range of project sectors. 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.
Gina D’Amico, Communications Specialist, Tilcon Connecticut, proudly accepted this year’s Rising Star Award. Gina's positivity and passion for our industry coupled with her ambition for growth and innovative thinking make her a rising star. She effectively connects with employees, drives industry forward, and consistently seeks self-development. Her dedication to promoting our industry is further exemplified by her creation of video content for National Work Zone Safety Awareness and her partnership with CCIA and the DOT to promote their safety campaign. 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 presented to Laura Pirie, AIA, Principal for Pirie Associates Architects for her outstanding contributions to mentoring emerging young professionals. Laura’s work is driven by her passion to empower people to live a full and meaningful life. Her belief that the built environment has the ability to support aspirations and enhance quality of life can be discovered in the remains of ancient civilizations. In addition to leading and designing for Pirie Associates, Laura is on the faculty of Yale University School of Architecture where she teaches at the graduate level.
Caroline Murphy, Supervisor, CBIZ, was honored as Volunteer of the Year for her volunteerism and support of the Chapter. Caroline has focused her efforts on the PWC CT Membership Committee where she was instrumental in setting up the new membership database in the new system. She attended all training for the new platform and answered any new inquiries for Chapter membership. Carolne is also a very active member of the PWC CT NexGen Committee where she has been involved since it was founded. She has helped plan and set up events and seeks input and attendance from the emerging professionals to make this committee a success. The Chapter is pleased with her support and enthusiasm for the PWC.
Following the awards ceremony, an all-women panel enlightened the audience about how the AEC industry will continue to face hiring and retention challenges for the foreseeable future. The panel discussed strategies that are working to attract and retain the next generations’ brightest candidates, how to get future generations excited about careers in this sector and what AEC industry professionals can do to help build a healthy pipeline of talented individuals for years to come.