Empowering women in building envelope consulting: Leading the way in engineering

By Copeland Buliding Envelope Consulting.

Building an inclusive future by honoring and celebrating the achievements of women engineers worldwide

June 23 marks International Women in Engineering Day, a time to honor and celebrate the achievements of women engineers worldwide. At CopelandBEC, we proudly highlight the invaluable contributions in architecture, project management and material science, driving innovation in building envelope consulting.

Insights from pioneers in building science

Historically male-dominated, the engineering and construction sectors are evolving with increasing female representation and leadership. Jennifer Keegan, senior director of building and roofing science at GAF, exemplifies this progress. Her story inspires women in our industry and beyond.

“My graduating class had 12 female civil engineers. My career started working predominantly with men, yet, I've seen consistent growth of women in the companies I've worked at, on projects I've been involved with and within our industry. I've had the pleasure of working on several projects where the Project Manager, Architect, Enclosure Consultant and Structural Engineer were all women. Most recently, I've had the honor of expanding the GAF | Siplast Building and Roofing Science Team and the best man for the job consistently turned out to be a woman! This technical team is now 75% women! How did we all get here? Yes, we had to work harder to be taken seriously earlier in our careers. and yes, we had many who encouraged us along the way. Today, we hope to be the inspiration. There are more and more women in leadership positions within our industry. It is truly empowering for younger women to have female leaders to look up to. When they see people that look like them in leadership positions, they believe that they too could one day be a leader and hopefully these empowered women come charging into our industry!”

- Jennifer Keegan

Women at CopelandBEC: Leading the way 

At CopelandBEC, we are fortunate to have a team of talented women who bring diverse perspectives, expertise and leadership to our projects. Their roles span conducting thermal analyses, designing building envelope repairs, performing field tests, mentoring team members, managing client relationships and overseeing invoicing for large-scale construction projects. Their contributions are invaluable, driving innovation and excellence across engineering and construction disciplines.

Spotlight on Bianca Arruda

Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in the building industry? / What were some of the pivotal moments in your educational or professional journey that led you to where you are today?

Entering the building industry wasn’t something I initially pursued; it began as a temporary position that eventually evolved into a fulfilling career. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside engineers who are dedicated to making buildings better. It’s incredibly rewarding to contribute to this process in various ways. Whether I’m preparing agreements and tracking their execution, registering the firm in new locations to explore fresh opportunities or issuing Certificates of Insurance to team members for site access and payment, every aspect of my role feels significant. Assisting in any part of a project and contributing to the firm’s success brings a great sense of accomplishment.

Can you describe a professional accomplishment that you are particularly proud of?  

• Registering the firm with the Secretary of State and Engineering Board in every state where Matt holds a PE license.
• Coordinating company events, including Habitat for Humanity 2022, end-of-year celebrations and our 5-year anniversary.
• Setting up the Hudson office from scratch, including decorating, arranging internet services, furnishing, assembling furniture and stocking supplies.
• Leading multiple transitions of the project database.

What advice would you give to young women who are interested in pursuing a STEM career?

When the opportunity arose to join another engineering team in 2021, I seized it without hesitation. I recognized that my past experience and knowledge could bring significant value to Copeland Building Envelope Consulting, which was still relatively new at the time. For younger professionals, my advice is to embrace new opportunities with confidence. Trust in the skills and experiences you've gained, and don't hesitate to contribute your unique insights to growing organizations. Your willingness to take on new challenges can make a meaningful impact and advance your career.

Spotlight on Chelsey Line

Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in the building industry? / What were some of the pivotal moments in your educational or professional journey that led you to where you are today?

Growing up, my father owned a residential roofing company. His dedication and work ethic were a constant source of inspiration for me. Watching him navigate the challenges and triumphs of the roofing industry, I developed a deep appreciation for the craft and the sense of friendly competition that comes with it. My industry career began at Carlisle Construction Materials, where I took on the role of strategic accounts coordinator. This opportunity provided me with invaluable insights into the industry and set the foundation for my future endeavors. Following my time at Carlisle, I joined CMK Roofing Solutions. Over six years, I advanced from executive assistant to marketing & inside sales manager, honing my skills and deepening my understanding of the roofing sector. It was during this period that I became a member of National Women in Roofing, an organization that has been instrumental in supporting and empowering women in the industry. In a male-dominated industry, I felt inspired to become a female leader, driving change and fostering inclusivity.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in the engineering field, and how have you overcome them?

As a woman and working mother in a male-dominated industry, I have felt the weight of having to work harder to earn the respect of my peers and advance in my career. I am a firm believer in a solid work ethic and always had a genuine passion for leadership. Keeping my core values at the forefront of my day-to-day professional life allowed me to lean into the hardships that I have faced and use them as fuel to move forward. I have learned how important it is to learn from other women in the industry who I admire, and continuously surround myself with uplifting individuals that have helped me to find my voice. I am passionate about using all of the lessons that I have learned to help mentor others.

Can you describe a professional accomplishment that you are particularly proud of?

I am thrilled to share one of my most significant professional accomplishments — graduating from the prestigious Leadership Cumberland program. This opportunity was made possible through a scholarship nomination by the Carlisle Young Professionals. Participating in Leadership Cumberland was a transformative experience that allowed me to network with a diverse array of local organizations, sit on a nonprofit Board of Directors and learn from esteemed professionals in our community. This journey has profoundly shaped my love for community service and underscored the immense value of participating in professional organizations. The insights and connections I gained continue to inspire and guide me in my career.

How do you view your role as a mentor or role model for younger women entering the field? Are there any resources or networks you’ve found helpful in your own career path?

Mentorship is always one of my most favorite topics to discuss, as I contribute much of my own success to the mentors who have generously taken the time to teach me. I have been so fortunate to meet women both in and outside of the industry that I view as outstanding professionals, and it is important to me to help continue to pave the way for women in our industry. One thing I find beneficial to younger women entering the field is to simply let them know that I am here for them as a support outlet. I make it a priority to share professional development opportunities, and am very open about my own learning experiences. Two organizations that have helped me immensely in my career path are National Women in Roofing and The Women’s Leadership Network. I am ever grateful for the connections and friendships that I have cultivated through these organizations!

What advice would you give to young women who are interested in pursuing a STEM career?

Just keep going. There is something beautiful about pursuing a career in a male-dominated field as a woman. You have the unique opportunity to influence others in a positive way and make an impact as a teacher to those coming up in the industry behind you. The strength you will acquire from learning how to persevere and work hard is invaluable. I encourage you to network with other women in the industry and share your story. The connections you make and the mentors you meet will help to shape who you are. This industry is full of wonderful people and opportunities, and has become a large part of who I am!

Spotlight on Juana Parodi

Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in the building industry? / What were some of the pivotal moments in your educational or professional journey that led you to where you are today?

I’ve started studying product design but it has led me to frustration in the long run, so the best I did was listen to myself and understand which were my strengths and that was changing my career to communication studies. Listening to new people, reading books about science made me realize that I was more connected to science and the building industry than before. What I really loved was learning and reading and communicating about it to other people who were not from the field! Changing career was not an easy decision but I think that you must listen to what you really have passion for. There are different paths to the same outcome. 

What challenges have you faced as a woman in the engineering field, and how have you overcome them?

I know it’s difficult, and sometimes your effort is not seen. I believe that you must focus on creating your best possible professional profile, despite the challenges women and other communities may have. Connect with people that you find interesting, learn and you will succeed. 

Can you describe a professional accomplishment that you are particularly proud of?

I’m very proud about the profile I’m making for myself, because I’m still growing up and getting to know my interests. An example of this is giving that information to other people, by writing and sharing from what I know: it’s communication, social media and the world connected nowadays. So being able to connect people with data is for me the best achievement.

How do you view your role as a mentor or role model for younger women entering the field? Are there any resources or networks you’ve found helpful in your own career path?

Always getting to know your team, what apps do they use, what they read, their interests... You never know, eventually you may follow them. I would love to be more involved in communities that would make me and others grow at the same time. LinkedIn was and still is my best resource to find people and communities of interest. 

What advice would you give to young women who are interested in pursuing a STEM career?

Investigate, and don’t worry about what people may think about your different interests (some may think you can’t mix foods with marketing and science) and how you can mix them together, because you can, believe it! 

Spotlight on Carmen Prantil

Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in engineering? / What were some of the pivotal moments in your educational or professional journey that led you to where you are today?

I actually started my education in architecture, drawn by the creative aspects of designing spaces. However, I quickly realized that, in many cases, architecture valued form over function, which conflicted with my interest in how things were built, not just how they looked. This led me to pivot towards engineering where I could dive deeper into the materials and methods that make buildings work and last. I was fortunate in that the college I was attending, the University of Minnesota, has a unique Sustainable Systems Management - Building Science and Technology major where I found the technical challenges I craved. My educational transition wasn't just about shifting disciplines; it was about moving towards a career that matched my core values and drive to innovate and improve the world around me.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in the engineering field, and how have you overcome them?

While I’m relatively new to the professional side of the industry, some of the largest hurdles I feel I have had to face pertain to establishing credibility while navigating a predominantly male-dominated field. One of the key lessons I've learned is the importance of visible involvement. Taking initiative for more leadership on projects and being confident in my communication — even when that communication is, “I don’t know the answer yet, let me get back to you” — has helped me to display my competence and willingness to seek solutions in the face of ambiguity, which is a common occurrence in the engineering field.

Can you describe a project or accomplishment that you are particularly proud of?

One project I am particularly proud of was actually one of my very first! The project started out as a relatively straightforward waterproofing design for a plaza courtyard at a well-known Cambridge university, but quickly grew in scope to involve a much larger design team, including structural engineers, MEP consultants, landscape architects and historical commission members. My ability to adapt to the rapid scope changes and work hands-on with so many different trades while brand new to the company and industry was a notable accomplishment for me. My experience really highlighted that collaboration is the cornerstone of success in designing the built environment, and our success at navigating that ultimately resulted in a happy Client.

How do you view your role as a mentor or role model for younger women entering the field? Are there any resources or networks you’ve found helpful in your own career path?

As someone relatively new to the industry myself, I see my role primarily as a peer supporter for other young women entering the field. While I may not have decades of experience (yet), I believe that building a supportive community where we can openly discuss our experiences, challenges and successes to grow together is incredibly valuable.

Listening to other pioneering women in the industry has been a resource that continues to fuel my own passion in the field. Whether it be through women-led building science courses such as Building Science Fight Club or networking with guest speakers at New England IIBEC’s annual Women in Engineering event, there are so many inspiring women who I can learn from both technically and personally!

What advice would you give to young women who are interested in pursuing a STEM career?

Embrace being a sponge! STEM is an ever-evolving field so being a lifelong learner is key to success. Also remember that opportunities to learn come in all forms, so engage with whatever you can — whether it’s a big chance to attend a professional conference or something as simple as getting lunch with a coworker to talk about their experience and career path.

Spotlight on Phoebe McCartan

Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in engineering? / What were some of the pivotal moments in your educational or professional journey that led you to where you are today?

My passion for sustainability has been a driving force throughout my life. This passion led me to the University of Minnesota, where I majored in sustainable systems management with an emphasis in building science & technology and minored in construction management. During my final year of college, I had the opportunity to co-lead a team in the Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon Design Competition. This competition challenged us to design a net zero energy building, and it was through this competition that I was introduced to CopelandBEC, one of our industry partners. Our team’s hard work paid off as we won the grand prize in the residential division.This achievement was a pivotal moment in my journey, reinforcing my desire to pursue a career in building envelope consulting and connecting me with the wonderful team at CopelandBEC.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in the engineering field, and how have you overcome them?

In a field that is still predominantly male, earning the same level of respect and recognition as my male counterparts has often felt like an uphill battle. To combat this, I have made an effort to build my credibility through continuous learning, delivering consistently high-quality work and asserting myself more confidently in meetings. Imposter syndrome has also been a significant hurdle and overcoming it has been a gradual process. Surrounding myself with people who respect and believe in me and connecting with other women in the industry has been incredibly empowering. 

Can you describe a project or accomplishment that you are particularly proud of?

One of the projects I am particularly proud of involved a design assist project with a notably aggressive deadline. This project presented several unique challenges: it was my first time working on a project of this nature, and I had to navigate a new drafting software that I had only used a handful of times before. Despite these challenges, we were able to meet the deadline successfully. This boosted my confidence and has encouraged me to actively share my thoughts and insights on the projects I am currently working on.

How do you view your role as a mentor or role model for younger women entering the field? Are there any resources or networks you’ve found helpful in your own career path?

My career has just begun, so I view myself more as a mentee than a mentor. The New England chapter of IIBEC has been an incredible way to connect with and learn from those with more experience. Every IIBEC event leaves me inspired and more confident in my career path. As I continue to grow in my career, I look forward to filling the role as a mentor to young women in this field. 

What advice would you give to young women who are interested in pursuing a STEM career?

Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your potential. Building a strong network of mentors, peers and industry professionals can provide invaluable guidance, support and encouragement. This also creates a space where you can freely ask questions and nurture your curiosity.

Looking forward: Building a more inclusive future

As we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day, let’s renew our commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within the building envelope consulting field and beyond. Encouraging a diverse range of voices not only leads to more creative solutions but also reflects the communities these industries serve. Together, we can tackle the barriers that have historically excluded women and work towards a truly inclusive future.