Michelle Lynch
�鶹TV��վ Engineer

Q: What does the WIC Week theme “Level Up. Build Strong.” mean to you as a woman working in construction sector?

To me, “Level Up. Build Strong.” means continually raising the bar on myself, the quality of our work and how we support one another in this industry. From the beginning of my career supporting complex projects like the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge, I learned that success requires constant growth, including refining how I document contract records, improving communication and mastering the details that drive infrastructure forward.

Attention to detail means anticipating potential issues, making informed decisions and adapting quickly to evolving project needs. It is this commitment — to both communication and detail — that elevates the professionalism of the construction industry, allows teams to learn from past projects and helps each project contribute to lasting progress.

Q: How has your career given you opportunities to build stronger communities?

Much of my work directly impacts community safety and mobility. For example, on the Los Angeles Metro (LA Metro) inspection project where our team is evaluating 235 structures, including tunnels, aerial stations, bridges and underground platforms, I coordinate inspection schedules, organize operational documents and manage communications across multiple agencies and departments. This work requires a high degree of collaboration and meticulous planning due to the complexity and scale of the transit system. My role involves not only making sure that inspections are conducted efficiently and thoroughly but also that each assessment meets stringent safety and quality standards. By coordinating with engineers, project managers and local authorities, I help identify and address potential issues before they can affect service or rider safety. This proactive approach is essential in a system as heavily used as LA Metro, where even minor disruptions can have significant ripple effects on the community.

Ultimately, all these efforts contribute to building public trust in the transportation network, supporting the mobility needs of Los Angeles residents and enhancing the overall quality of life in the region. Every inspection is an opportunity to not only maintain but also improve the infrastructure, making sure the transit system is safe for the millions who depend on it every day.

Q: In what ways have you had to level up throughout your career?

Early on, working on federal and state projects required me to quickly develop a deep understanding of quality assurance, federal specifications, progress payment systems and contract closeout procedures. My roles supporting the Federal Highway Administration required me to review construction contract records, perform detailed Quality Assurance (QA) reviews, reconcile project documentation and communicate findings clearly to the construction support team. I had to level up my performance by taking on several tasks simultaneously, learning complex systems and consistently meeting deadlines across multiple active contracts. Those experiences built both my confidence and capabilities.

Q: Do you have a special mentor that has influenced your career? How do you hope to make a lasting impact on the construction industry?

I’ve been fortunate to work with leaders who modeled professionalism and helped me grow, from reviewing detailed contract claims to drafting final payment packages and organizing project systems to meet federal compliance standards.

��I want to help build a future where our work continues to strengthen the communities around us and provide meaningful careers.

I believe that this year’s theme, “Level Up. Build Strong.” serves as a reminder that every project, every inspection and every contract review is an opportunity to strengthen something bigger than ourselves. When women lead in construction and support the bigger initiative, we strengthen:

• Communities, by improving the safety and reliability of transportation networks.
• Careers, by opening doors for others and raising the standards of practice.
• Futures, by ensuring the next generation inherits infrastructure and an industry that is better than what we found.

We are building more than bridges and tunnels. We are building possibility, and that might be the ultimate level up.

Jacqueline (Jacque) Hinman
Chief Executive Officer

Q: Jacque, you’ve spent more than 35 years working in the engineering and construction industry, including leading a Fortune 500 company. How has that shaped the way you think about leadership — especially for women?

My career has taught me that leadership starts with foundational values, basic things like communicate simply, be trustworthy, do what you say you are going to do and strive to understand the viewpoints of others. These are things we learned in kindergarten that evolve through the people who influence us along the way. Trust, human connection and clarity have guided me throughout my journey. ��

For women in construction, an industry where women have historically been underrepresented, these values can provide a strong foundation for success. Leadership becomes not just about delivering projects, but about connecting with others, modeling resilience and shaping environments where women and men can thrive.

Q: You’ve talked about culture as a journey, not a destination. What does that mean in the context of women in construction?

Culture doesn’t change because we write a new mission statement. It changes by people acting consistently and making intentional choices. The construction industry has opened its doors wider to women, but meaningful cultural change occurs when leaders, especially those in senior roles, intentionally foster an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

I believe culture is built in moments, habits and everyday interactions. When leaders embrace that, they create workplaces where all people are heard, supported and empowered. ��

At �鶹TV��վ, we strive to live by our core values of Life, Heart, Mastery and Trust. When I think of cultivating culture at �鶹TV��վ, I think of a quote I read once, “Happiness is not a state to arrive at, but a method of traveling.” To me, culture is how you feel along the ride, not just the stops you make along the way. As the CEO, it is my job to see that everyone feels empowered to contribute at their highest capacity and that we each have the tools and resources needed to be successful at our job.

Q: Mentorship is critical to helping women and men advance in the construction industry. What role has mentorship played in your own advancement, and why is it so important in this field?

The relationships I built early in my career no doubt helped shape my career path. My mentors were people I could turn to for advice. Mentors can help you develop both technical and softer skills. Personally, I learned by asking questions: How did you think about that? How did you have that conversation? Why did you design it that way? For me, mentorship is more about people, emotion and judgment.

I recall my first job out of college; I worked as a construction manager. While I don’t believe this would happen today, the team did not initially trust me because I was a young woman and lacked the construction experience they expected in the independent construction manager. I knew to be successful, I had to earn their trust, so to gain their respect, I asked the site foreman for help. Although it required vulnerability, I was not afraid to admit what I did not know and was willing to put in the extra time to learn and earn the team’s trust.

For several weeks, I stayed late after work at the construction site, and the foreman taught me how to operate a grader machine. One day, I had to challenge grading that did not conform to the plans. The lead equipment operator told me that it was sufficient, and if I was so sure about the error, I could show them how to re-grade it. So, I got into the machine and spent about 20 minutes modifying the drainage ditch in question. Thankfully, I was able to make the necessary change. You can imagine their surprise when I finished — I got along well with the team after that!�� ��

I would encourage everyone, no matter what level you are at in your career, to find good mentors or be willing to ask questions when you don’t know all the answers. Remember that mentors don’t always come in the package you are expecting, either. It does not matter how much education you have or what position you hold, you may be able to teach another a valuable skill that helps them be successful.

Q: The industry is undergoing rapid change, from technology to workforce expectations. How can women contribute to leading through this transformation?

One thing I have learned is that people can adapt to change better than they think. Sometimes it is the thought of change that is the hardest part. Today, we are in a period of accelerated change driven by innovation and shifting societal needs. Leadership requires clarity of purpose, adaptability and human-centered decision making. Women often bring these strengths naturally because many have spent their careers navigating complexity and proving themselves, with a lot of change along the way.

Q: You have embraced a purpose-driven leadership model. How does your leadership style translate into advice for women advancing in the field?

Purpose-driven leadership means remembering that our work should contribute to something larger than ourselves. In construction, we literally build communities, but we also build future leaders and shape the experiences of those around us.

For both women and men, my advice is this: Lead with authenticity, stand firm in your values and communicate simply and transparently. Your path may not resemble anyone else’s, and that’s okay. Be your own unique version of you. What matters is the impact you leave behind.

Q: If you could leave women in construction with a final thought, what would it be?

Leadership is stewardship. Every project, every person you mentor, every solution you imagine contributes to a legacy far greater than the work itself. The construction industry needs your perspective, your ideas, your leadership. When you lead with purpose, you help shape a culture where the next generation does not just join the industry, they help transform it.

Jacqueline Hinman is the Chief Executive Officer at �鶹TV��վ.

How does construction impact the environment?

From the air we breathe to the water we drink, the construction industry’s impact on the natural world is far-reaching. While new technologies and better ways to build smarter and more sustainably are transforming the industry, it is important for organizations to understand how our building materials and choices impact our world. ��

Working in unison with Caltrans, �鶹TV��վ designed an environmental reporting tool that bridges engineering data and public policy. The newly designed tool monitors the environmental impact of construction materials, specifically for their Global Warming Potential (GWP), as mandated by the Buy Clean California Act. ��

Initially, �鶹TV��վ assisted Caltrans’ Materials Engineering and Testing Services (METS) division in implementing a method for contractors to submit Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) information as required under the law. While this enabled compliance, Caltrans turned to �鶹TV��վ for a better way to gather information from contractors and streamline data collection, validation and reporting for statewide compliance.

Answering Caltrans call, �鶹TV��վ designed an award-winning EPD web application with modern data visualization tools that converts complex datasets into interactive dashboards, making information easier to understand and translate into actionable decisions. This complex project was delivered on time and on budget and provides Caltrans with better automation, dynamic dashboards and user experience enhancements that position our client as a national leader in automated environmental compliance reporting. With real-time data validation and trend analysis, Caltrans was able to eliminate manual processes—saving both valuable time and resources.

“In today’s fast paced world, �鶹TV��վ is helping our clients build modern tools required to make data-driven decisions,” said Baron Colbert, �鶹TV��վ Senior Engineer. “This technology reinforces �鶹TV��վ and Caltrans’ dedication to sustainable infrastructure by transparently tracking carbon footprint data and analyzing the environmental impact of construction materials on our environment.”

Recognized for demonstrating California’s leadership in sustainable infrastructure, this project earned an Engineering Excellence Merit Award in the 2026 Engineering Excellence Award competition. ��

Chicago Transit Authority Red and Purple Line Modernization Project

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is investing in a more resilient and efficient transportation system with its $2.1 billion (RPM)—one of the largest transit investments in the agency’s history. The project includes replacing four century-old stations along Chicago’s busiest transit corridor with larger facilities that are ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant. The new stations feature wider platforms, better lighting, improved security, real-time information boards, more reliable train service, less crowded trains and platforms and a more aesthetically pleasing environment for pedestrians.

As part of the Walsh-Fluor Design-Build team, �鶹TV��վ provided civil engineering services, including roadway design, traffic maintenance, signal design, utility coordination, drainage design, site layouts, and grading, as well as electrical and lighting design.

“Every day, millions of Chicagoans rely on the city’s transit system to get where they need to go. Supporting our long-time client, �鶹TV��վ was proud to collaborate with CTA on delivering a safer, more reliable transit system,” said Tom Price, �鶹TV��վ Infrastructure President. “Sustainability, preservation, and innovation were woven into every decision made, resulting in a project that truly honors Chicago’s past, while building a resilient, efficient transit future.”

Building a modern transit system

Construction on Phase One began in 2019 and included updates on two major areas—the and the (LBMM) section. With millions of passengers relying on the Red Line every year, updating these lines was critical to making CTA’s transit system more reliable and efficient.

In 2021, CTA celebrated the completion of the Red Purple Bypass. This milestone allowed northbound Brown Line trains to pass over Red and Purple Line tracks—eliminating a critical bottleneck and allowing for more frequent service.

CTA hit another major milestone in 2025 with the completion of the LBMM portion of the project, which involved reconstructing four stations and replacing all elevated track and support structures along 1.3 miles of the Red Line.

Working within one of the nation’s most spatially constrained urban corridors presents unique challenges. �鶹TV��վ helped CTA employ highly adaptive planning strategies to overcome numerous complexities throughout this project. To keep trains running on time, our team utilized creative solutions to sequence construction and implement temporary systems, including two fully functional temporary stations that served the public for years before the final stations were finished. �鶹TV��վ’ team even helped relocate a century-old building to allow critical track realignment—a decision that demonstrated thoughtful engineering and respect for the city’s architectural heritage.

“Together with CTA and our industry partners, �鶹TV��վ designed every element of construction planning to reduce inconvenience and minimize disruption to people’s daily routines,” added Price. “�鶹TV��վ is proud to have contributed to this landmark project that will be utilized by millions of passengers in the years to come.”

Working collaboratively with CTA, our team contributed to this massive transit line upgrade through:

• Roadway and alley rehabilitation: �鶹TV��վ designed plans for all impacted streets and alleys within the project limits and reconstructed all impacted sidewalks to meet Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) standards with ADA compliant ramps at all temporary and permanent locations.
• Collaborative planning and permitting: �鶹TV��վ was responsible for all utility coordination on the project, including identifying potential conflicts early in the design-build process. By maintaining regular contact with utilities throughout the project, �鶹TV��վ made proactive communication and coordination a top priority. Our team worked extensively with Walsh-Flour to facilitate communication with the Department of Buildings, CDOT, and the Office of Underground Coordination to keep the project running smoothly.
• Digital and technical knowledge: �鶹TV��վ’ modeling experts created and maintained a dynamic digital terrain model for all surface drainage, roadway vertical geometry and ADA design grades. Our design included extensive OpenRoads work—driving efficiencies and schedule. �鶹TV��վ was an early adopter of OpenRoads software to create dynamic 3-D models.
• Enhanced safety and lighting: With a deep understanding of CTA’s and CDOT’s requirements, �鶹TV��վ designed all exterior lighting for the RPB and LBMM sections, as well as power feeds for relay houses, aesthetic lighting, and temporary and permanent lighting for station facades.
• Creative drainage solutions: �鶹TV��վ designed the Stormwater Management Plan, incorporating CTA’s requirements for collecting and storing runoff. Infiltration trenches and storage tanks were utilized, which eliminated surface runoff contributing to the city sewer system.
• Collaborative construction delivery: �鶹TV��վ coordinated with Walsh-Fluor, Stantec, and associated subconsultants to coordinate timing on the overall sequence of design packages.

At a glance

CTA’s Phase One investment, one of the largest design-build projects undertaken by CTA

When this corridor was first built, making it one of the oldest in the CTA system

Built with modern architecture and ADA accessibility features

Historically significant Vautravers building moved for track realignment

From guiding organizational growth to mentoring future leaders, Jacque offers a candid look at how she leads with clarity and purpose and why trust, simplicity and human connection still matter most. It’s a timely reflection on how leadership takes shape and how we can contribute to something greater than ourselves.����

• Groundbreaking Women in Construction 2025
• �鶹TV��վ Careers��

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Some know their calling as early as childhood. Others discovered it through unexpected opportunities. Every path is unique and begins with a spark, whether a moment of curiosity, a mentor’s encouragement or a challenge that pushes them forward.  ��

March is Women’s History Month and March 2-8 marks Women in Construction Week, a time to recognize the impact of women in architecture, engineering and construction (AEC). It’s also a chance to celebrate those who not only shape the industry but also mentor and inspire the next generation.����

Today’s feature highlights four engineers whose careers were defined by determination, opportunity and the support of mentors who helped them along the way. Their stories demonstrate the power of mentorship, the value of perseverance and the endless possibilities available in AEC for those willing to learn, grow and lead.��

Empowering the Next Generation��

The AEC industry thrives on curiosity, problem-solving and the drive to create lasting impact. These stories prove that success ������’t defined by a single path, but by a willingness to learn, adapt and seize opportunities. Whether ��dz�’r�� just starting out or looking to grow, there is a place for you in AEC.��

Visit our career page to learn more about opportunities and connect with professionals who can help guide you in your next steps.��

Source Our Great Bear Sea | Marine refuge in the Northern Shelf Bioregion.