The Kleinfelder Blog

This week is The National Association of Women in Construction’s 25^th Annual Women in Construction Week.

This year’s theme, “Many Paths, One Mission,” celebrates the different journeys women have taken toward the same goal (strengthening and amplifying the success of women in the construction industry), and to acknowledge this, we’re highlighting various women from Kleinfelder Construction Services (KCS). Take a look!

Lisa Adams, PE, Project Manager

“Working in Construction Services is very rewarding by contributing to the construction of needed facilities for the improvement of the community. One of the most important aspects of working with contractors is understanding their point of view, because we all have the same goal, and appreciating each other’s efforts.”

Lisa has 35 years of civil engineering experience, with over 24 years in construction management. She has worked on interesting and challenging projects like the Ardath Road/La Jolla Parkway Improvements, Bird Rock Roundabouts, Juan Street Improvements, Hillery Drive Improvements for the transit station at Miramar College, as well as large Subdivision improvement projects throughout San Diego.

Shannon Gonzales, PMP, Office Engineer and Field Inspector

“I am a transportation enthusiast living out my passion within the construction management industry. As an inspector in the field, I get to actively participate and have an impact on construction work that will be around for decades to come.”

Shannon works on the West Mission Bay Drive Bridge Replacement Project in San Diego County.

Jerilyn Larson, Construction Manager and Resident Engineer

“I enjoy doing what I do because I can take pride in building quality facilities for the public benefit that will be enjoyed for years in the future. Kleinfelder offers the resources and support for excellence.”

Jerilyn is currently working on City of Chula Vista’s Elite Athlete Training Center Pedestrian Bridge Repair and Civic San Diego’s Lyceum Theatre Renovation.

Kristy Dalrymple, Assistant Structures Representative/Structures Inspector

“I have loved building things since I was a kid and always knew I would be in some discipline of construction engineering. I love what I do because I get to be part of constructing some of San Diego’s most iconic bridges and infrastructure. I love that I am challenged every day in taking something complex and figuring out how to bring it to life such that the final product represents the vision of the designer/architect.”

Kirsty is currently working on the West Mission Bay Drive Bridge in San Diego County.

Tu Nguyen, Office Engineer

“Having worked as an engineer in construction for almost 10 years, I still enjoy coming in to work every day. My favorite thing about working in construction is whether I am on the jobsite or in the office, there are always new challenges, new things to learn every day. No two projects are the same. I love my job and enjoy being surrounded by smart, talented people passionate about their work. I work with such amazing people, and I couldn’t ask for a better team at this point in my career.”

Tu is currently working on Border to Bayshore Bikeway Project, MTS El Cajon Third Track, and Caltrans Paving Projects in San Diego County.

Nicole Stone, Document Control Manager

“I love working on challenging projects with new team members. I learn so many new things on each project working with a wide range of talented individuals.”

Nicole is currently working on SDCWA’s P-5 Reline Project & SBCTA’s West Valley Connector Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project and recently completed the SBCTA Redlands Passenger Rail Project (Arrow).

Joey Fernandez, Strategic Communications Coordinator

“I love my job because it suits my bold personality and my fearlessness in working in a male-dominated industry. Whether working out on a construction site or speaking in front of a large audience, I take my seat at the table because I’ve earned my place. I especially enjoy having the opportunity to mentor women who are just starting in this profession, reminding them that their voice is powerful and important.

“Some days I am in my PPE on a construction site and other days I am in heels with all of my jewelry, educating the community on why transportation and infrastructure is so important. In the past, this industry was strictly for men. Today women can stand boldly, side-by-side with their peers and male counterparts, knowing that what they provide to the industry is valuable, respected, and necessary.”

Joey works on various projects like Orange County Transportation Authority’s I-405 Improvement Project and Metro’s Vermont Transit Corridor Project.

Jessica Stock, Public Relations Specialist

“While there are a million reasons why I love being a Public Relations Specialist, my favorite part of working in transportation is that every day is different. Each day brings new challenges, new opportunities to connect with people, work on new projects, and to come up with new ways to excel in a traditionally male-dominated industry. I am surrounded by incredible women who have made a tremendous impact and paved the way for other women to pursue careers in this field. They inspire me every day, and I hope that one day I may inspire other young women too.”

Jessica works on multiple mid- to large-scale projects like Orange County Transportation Authority’s I-405 Improvement Project and Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District’s Septic to Sewer Conversion Project.

Aja Stansell, Strategic Communications Coordinator

“I began my career at Kleinfelder as a college student eager to learn more about transportation and how to serve my clients. Fast forward six years, and I’ve had the pleasure of working on infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects across the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego. I love this job because no two days are the same, and I get to work with diverse communities, elected officials, public officials, children, and more. Furthermore, Kleinfelder is dedicated to investing in not only my professional growth, but my personal growth as well. Whether it be supporting my goals to be involved in external organizations that support minorities, such as WTS, or providing resources to support our clients, Kleinfelder has been instrumental in the success of my career.

“Moreover, I would be remiss without mentioning – especially during the month that recognizes women – that one of the main reasons I love my job is because I work on a team that is women-led in a male-dominated industry. I am supported by a woman leader who lifts me up, challenges me, and more importantly, supports my goals for growth. Thank you to all the women at Kleinfelder who continue to fix each other’s crowns while also pushing the envelope in this industry!”

Aja has worked on various projects like Orange County Transportation Authority’s I-405 Improvement Project and City of Encinitas El Portal Pedestrian & Bike Underpass.

Anna Finlay, KCS Director of Public Relations

Anna leads an incredible team of public outreach professionals and creative experts to provide stakeholder outreach services and public education campaigns for infrastructure, transportation, water, and rail construction projects throughout Southern California.

She was recently recognized by WTS Inland Empire as Member of the Year for her dedication in supporting women in the workforce, and inspiring the next generation by teaching them, by example, how to be more inclusive of all perspectives.

“I’m fortunate to be surrounded by people in this industry who love to explore, problem-solve, and take action. I’m especially proud to be part of an industry that is continuing to grow in support, awareness, and inclusion of women, people of color, and the underrepresented.”