Breaking Ground: A Women in AEC Leadership Podcast

In this episode of Breaking Ground: Women in AEC Leadership, hosts Reanna Dempsey and Sarah Brown talk with Katy Klaproth, Vice President of Marketing & Communications at Robins & Morton. Katy reflects on her 24-year career journey with the company and shares how mentorship, continuous learning, and a willingness to say yes to new opportunities helped shape both her professional growth and...

In this episode of the Breaking Ground podcast, Mariah Meyer, President & CEO of BRR Architecture, shares perspective on leadership, perseverance, collaboration, and the importance of staying curious throughout your career. Mariah discusses how consistent growth, teamwork, and curiosity helped shape her career journey and leadership approach, while offering thoughtful insights for professional...

In this episode of Breaking Ground , Stephanie Omdoll shares her journey navigating a unique path in the AEC industry and the lessons learned along the way. With 25 years of experience in marketing and communications within construction, Stephanie offers insight into how meaningful progress for women in AEC is being accelerated through active allyship and shared responsibility. This conversation e...

Women in Construction Week may have wrapped, but this year’s theme—Level Up. Build Strong.—continues to resonate across the AEC industry.  In this episode of  Breaking Ground , Julia M. Harrod, P.E., F.NSPE—President and CEO of MWM DesignGroup—shares how investing in yourself and committing to continuous improvement can elevate your leadership at every stage of your career.  Drawing on her experie...

AI is changing the AEC industry—but it can’t replace the human touch.  In this episode of  Breaking Ground: Women in AEC Leadership , we’re joined by Aya Shlachter, Founder of MGS Global Group and a recognized AI thought leader in architecture. Aya shares her personal journey from feeling overwhelmed by AI to becoming a trusted voice helping firms navigate change with clarity and confidence.  She...

In Season 2 Episode 2 of  Breaking Ground: Women in AEC Leadership , hosts Reanna Dempsey and Sarah Brown welcome Gayla Nunn, Special Projects Manager at ABNA Engineering.  Gayla shares her professional journey and offers practical advice for women looking to grow their leadership impact in the AEC industry. From embracing opportunities to staying tenacious through challenges, her story highlights...

Every podcast has a beginning—and this one started with anearly morning phone call. In this special episode of Breaking Ground: Women in AEC Leadership , host Reanna Dempsey sits down with Akshay Mahajan, EVP of AEC at Unanet, to share the origin story behind the podcast and community. Together, they unpack the personal and professional moments that sparked the idea—from real conversations with wo...

In this episode of Breaking Ground: Women in AEC Leadership, Reanna Dempsey interviews Susan Osterberg, CEO and President of Smith Seckman Reid Inc. (SSR). Susan shares her path from hospitality to leading a 100% employee-owned engineering firm and explains how SSR’s ownership model drives collaboration, long-term thinking, and shared success. She reflects on embracing discomfort, building credibi...

In this episode of Breaking Ground: Women in AEC Leadership , host Reanna Dempsey sits down with Michele Zorzi, Senior Director of Marketing and Principal at Colliers Engineering & Design. Michele shares her powerful journey of resilience and inclusion—opening up about her experience as a cancer survivor and how vulnerability, empathy, and balance have shaped her leadership approach. Through a...

In this episode of Breaking Ground: Women in AEC Leadership , host Reanna Dempsey sits down with Joyce Watson, CPSM, Principal of Marketing at Cleary Zimmermann Engineers. Joyce shares her unconventional path from teaching special education to becoming the firm’s first female principal. She reflects on the importance of seizing opportunities, building expertise, and developing confidence as a lead...

"I’m not going to compromise my morals, my ethics, or who I am at my core." In this episode of  Breaking Ground: Women in AEC Leadership , Jenifer Navard, CFO of EskewDumezRipple, shares her journey of embracing authenticity and fostering trust in leadership. From championing pay transparency to redefining workplace culture, Jenifer’s story highlights the power of staying true to your va...

"Be confident in your ideas, whether they’re right or wrong. Use your voice and ask questions." In this episode of  Breaking Ground: Women in AEC Leadership , Ellen Bensky, CEO, Principal, and CFO of Turner Fleischer, shares her inspiring journey from a non-architect to a transformative leader in the AEC industry. Ellen discusses the importance of trust, authenticity, and operational exc...

Ellen shares her path from helping to build a company she loved to becoming a CEO and champion for change in the AEC industry. She reflects on the challenges of balancing career, motherhood, and a male-dominated workplace, and how she learned to lead with both confidence and empathy. As she gained clarity and experience, she saw the need for a better model of leadership focused on people and busin...