2024 Notable Women in Construction Winners
Kirsten Deenik
Vice President & Construct Executive, Turner Construction Company
When I first encountered Kirsten and heard about her blend of professional and personal accomplishments, I half-jokingly suggested she needed a big Superwoman logo in her office. At that moment, I barely grasped the depth and the breadth of her leadership. The initial impression barely skimmed the surface of the exceptional leader she truly is. A quality I deeply admire about our company is its tangible progress. We don't only talk about advancements; we live them. Kirsten's ascent into her role is a prime illustration of this ethos. What sets Kirsten apart, in my view, is her proactive and authentic engagement in listening to our needs. She doesn't just hear us out; she actively incorporates our feedback, striving to meet our collective needs and aspirations to the fullest extent of her abilities. In the span of merely three years under her guidance, our Business Unit has witnessed remarkable growth, expanding from 75 to nearly 110 staff members, a testament to her impactful leadership. Kirsten's dedication to enhancing visibility and her concerted efforts to foster an inclusive and diverse workplace culture are truly commendable. Professionally, Kirsten shines in the healthcare construction sector, and has lead numerous significant healthcare projects in our region, and now, she is pioneering efforts for the new Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. Her leadership not only drives progress but also embodies the very essence of transformative leadership, setting a benchmark for excellence in our industry. While I'm cautious about highlighting personal achievements related to family—especially for women, as male counterparts are rarely asked to share such details in a professional context—it's crucial to acknowledge the impressive balance Kirsten maintains alongside her responsibilities. Navigating a demanding career while having a family of four children, Kirsten does so with grace and efficiency. With her youngest child being two years old and her oldest embarking on a college journey, the diverse family dynamics she juggles are nothing short of inspiring. This aspect of Kirsten's life not only showcases her exceptional ability to manage complex challenges but also serves as a testament to her remarkable resilience and dedication, both professionally and personally.
Kirsten's leadership extends beyond project success; she advocates for the well-being of her teams, setting an example of responsible and ethical management. Her achievements in leading significant healthcare projects have not only contributed to the industry's growth but also to the well-being of communities, further amplifying her impact. Through her actions and dedication, Kirsten inspires a sense of possibility and ambition among her peers and subordinates alike, demonstrating that effective leadership coupled with a genuine concern for people can lead to remarkable outcomes in the construction industry.
Although there may be more accolades than I'm aware of, two notable certifications she has include: LEED AP: This certification underscores Kirsten's expertise in green building practices and her dedication to promoting sustainable construction. CHC (Certified Healthcare Constructor): This certification is particularly significant, reflecting Kirsten's specialized knowledge and skills in healthcare construction management. The CHC certification is awarded to professionals who have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the critical areas in healthcare construction. This accreditation shows Kirsten's ability to lead and execute healthcare construction projects that meet the highest standards of safety, compliance, and efficiency.
Pequandra Manley
Shop Foreman - Building Department, Lee Industrial Contracting
Pequandra has solid skills, a knack for getting things done and a real drive for bringing everyone into the fold. Since starting at Lee Industrial Contracting as a Building Apprentice in 2017, and working her way up to Shop Foreman, she’s broken new ground as the first woman to do so at our company. Her approach to leadership is straightforward but effective: work hard, stay positive and lead by doing. She’s not just talking the talk; she's in the trenches showing how it's done. Her role has opened doors and shown that the construction field isn’t just a man’s world—proving to her team and to girls in her hometown of Pontiac that there’s a place for them here too.
Pequandra’s influence goes way beyond her job title. She’s living proof that barriers are meant to be broken. Her story isn’t just about being the first woman in her role at Lee Contracting; it’s about showing everyone, especially women and girls from her area, that they’ve got a shot at this too. She’s become a real-life example that with determination and a can-do attitude, you can carve out your space in any industry. Pequandra has shown that it’s possible to rise up, challenge the status quo, and inspire others to aim high, making her a perfect fit for NAWIC Detroit 183's Notable Women contest. Her journey shows that leadership isn’t about where you start; it’s about where you’re willing to go and who you inspire along the way.
Linda Montgomery
Field Operations Manager, City of Detroit
Linda is a dedicated professional with keen attention to detail. Skillfully managing a diverse team, she orchestrates and coordinates daily demolitions across the city of Detroit. Working tirelessly, Linda commits her nights and even weekends without a hint of complaint. Her passion for her job is evident, and she expresses a deeper commitment to enhancing the community she proudly calls home. Moreover, she exhibits a keen eye for detail, ensuring not only that her team can execute flawlessly but also that the company conducting demolitions across the city meets high standards. Each day, she disseminates a meticulously coordinated schedule and timeline of events. Compiling and presenting information to the team in an organized manner, she is the driving force that keeps the entire operation running smoothly.
Linda serves as an inspiration to all she encounters, consistently offering words of encouragement to both team members and community members alike. She takes pride in her extensive knowledge and in fostering connections with team members and contractors. Particularly passionate about engaging with fellow professionals, especially women in the field, Linda understands the significance of representation and we believe she is a trailblazer in her own right.
Linda has earned acknowledgment from our team as an exceptional member, although she has never sought recognition. Her sole focus is on, as she puts it, "getting the job done." Uninterested in receiving credit, she values teamwork and takes pride in being a reliable presence for others, no matter the circumstances.
Martha Rosales
CEO/Owner/Designer, Nuvo Studio+Renovation
Martha Rosales ventured into the realm of real estate investment from 2007 until 2019. In 2020 she faced the loss of her husband. Left with nothing, she and her three children relied on the charity of friends. Unable to secure loans and burdened by mounting bills, she found herself on the brink of having her gas & electricity cut off and not being able to provide for their family. In that moment of adversity, she tapped into her wealth of experience, and inspiration struck, leading to the creation of Nuvo!
She started her company with a negative balance of $99. She knew that nothing was going to be easy, but she possesses resilience like no other and exceptional leadership skills. She believes that as women, we have a special power, and nothing can limit us from reaching our goals.
Being in a field dominated by men, she has had to learn how to advocate for herself to earn the respect of her workers and therefore be able to lead. Her mission is to provide the highest quality of work possible. Her motto for her workers is "if you are going to do it, do it right the first time," reflecting a strong focus on quality and efficiency. This statement emphasizes the importance of doing things right the first time, maintaining integrity and honesty, and setting a high standard for the team, which promotes a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
By being a woman at the forefront of construction in the Metro-Detroit area, Rosales has inspired other women to do the same. Her success has prompted inquiries from women experienced in house flipping, a field in which Rosales has prior experience. As they witness her business's growth and expansion, these women look up to her to achieve similar success.
Rosales recognizes the importance of empowering women, especially in a challenging field like construction, where she has firsthand knowledge of the obstacles they face. Looking ahead, Rosales is developing a project to actively recruit, train, and empower women in trade jobs. Her commitment to empowering women and sharing her expertise underscores her leadership and dedication to advancing gender diversity in the construction industry.
Martha Rosales has received a five-thousand-dollar grant from the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, a printed article acknowledging her work in the Downriver Profile Magazine in their Women in Biz edition, and three online articles acknowledging her work by the magazines: CanvasRebel Magazine, Voyage Michigan Magazine, and Bold Journey Magazine.
Buthayna Taha
Project Manager, Rayhaven Group
Buthayna makes everyone on a team feel included and important. She is able to encourage teamwork and participation ensuring everything is done well. She is a strong woman with a can't quit attitude; her work ethic alone is inspiring. She has shown me personally that despite adversity it is possible to be successful working in construction. This is in conjunction with her incredible leadership skills.
Buthayna is thoughtful and kind. She manages some of our largest projects with a smile on her face. She is dedicated to her work, and always looking to expand knowledge. Like many of us, she started from an administrative role and made her way up, earning the respect of many. I cannot speak for everyone, but as a fellow immigrant and woman in the construction industry, she has inspired me to take the leap. Buthayna started out doing administrative work and has since gained certifications in the Division 8 industry. She leads some of our largest projects, and when I told her that I wanted to get into Division 8 myself she was such a positive influence. I know she will be here to help if I ever need it.