Leader of the Year

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  Karen Campbell

  VP, Austin Metro+ Lead

  AECOM

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  Stephanie Messerli

  Stephanie Messerli, P.E., AICP is the Texas/Louisiana Transportation Business Line Lead for WSP USA. Stephanie has over 30 years of experience in planning, development, design and program management of transportation projects. She graduated from The University of Nebraska with a B.S. in Civil Engineer and holds a Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning from the University of Oklahoma. Throughout her career, she has held key leadership positions in serving as the Program Manager for the Mobility35 GEC Program, a multi-billion-dollar program for 79 miles of I-35, served as a Manager of Engineering where she managed numerous engineering contracts and was responsible for the effective staffing of the all projects, project performance and staff technical development. Stephanie serves as a local leader in the American Council of Engineers (ACEC) Central Texas Chapter and was previous chair of the ACEC Transportation Committee. Stephanie is also a board member of Transit Forward, an organization focused on advancing transit-supportive programs and policies. She lives in Austin with her husband, Paul, and two children, Will and Ella. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys running and training with friends.

  WSP USA

  SVP, Texas/Louisiana Transportation Business Lead

  Stephanie Messerli

  SVP, Texas/Louisiana Transportation Business Lead

  WSP USA

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  Sandy Tipton

  Principal

  S. Tipton Studio

Innovator of the Year

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  Maija Kreishman

  Maija Kreishman, AIA, IIDA, is Senior Principal at Michael Hsu Office of Architecture (MHOA), where she has been a critical member of the firm since 2007. In addition to managing a broad range of architecture and interior projects, Maija oversees strategic visioning, studio culture, operations, marketing, and business development. Maija’s passion for food and travel has shaped her design perspective and developed in her a penchant for hospitality design. Prioritizing experience, her design approach seeks to engage and connect the user to a space by prompting a response to interiors, materials and furnishings. Currently, Maija is drawing design inspiration from her recent travels to South Africa, Latvia, Amsterdam, and Iceland.

  Michael Hsu Office of Architecture

  Senior Principal

  Maija Kreishman

  Senior Principal

  Michael Hsu Office of Architecture

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  Lalitha Krishnamoorthy, Ph.D.

  As Stantec’s artificial intelligence and digital lead, Dr. Lalitha Krishnamoorthy shapes and leads our AI and digital maturity. She partners with our teams to lead AI strategy, infuse AI into our technology, and standardize our digital platform and operating model across our entire business. Lalitha focuses on business transformation, global market expansion, and artificial intelligence neural networks. Her leadership has catalyzed the integration of AI into Stantec’s core operations, from project delivery and infrastructure design to environmental monitoring and community planning. By developing a responsible AI policy and framework aligned with evolving global standards, she is actively contributing to the organization’s – and the industry's – digital maturity. Prior to joining Stantec, Lalitha co-founded and served as CEO of OpenTeams Global, an organization that helps clients and business partners integrate open-source data and AI methodologies to improve their business results. Prior to that, she served as the director of IBM Digital Commerce, SaaS, and Data Platforms. Lalitha holds a doctorate in neuro-symbolic artificial intelligence, holds several invention patents, is a regular speaker at industry conferences, is on the board of directors for many startups, and is a strong advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion in technology. When she isn’t fostering collaboration within the global tech community or facilitating sustainable funding, recognition, and inclusivity, Lalitha puts her energy towards motivating and supporting women and girls, through organizations like the Texas Girls Collaborative Project, to pursue and thrive in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Through her advocacy and visibility, she models what inclusive leadership looks like—one that values collaboration over competition and champions the power of different perspectives. Lalitha has actively supported the creation of inclusive pathways for underrepresented groups to rise into leadership roles and has worked closely with recruitment and HR teams to challenge biases in hiring practices, advocating for equitable career progression models that recognize diverse forms of contribution.

  Stantec

  Vice President, AI & Digital

  Lalitha Krishnamoorthy, Ph.D.

  Vice President, AI & Digital

  Stantec

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  Jennifer Tart Thompson

  Even more than aesthetics, Jennifer is drawn to creating efficient and effective spaces to help people in their everyday lives. She observes how spaces affect people and analyze what frustrates individuals in a space, or what brings them happiness. As the leader of the Interiors studio in Austin, Jennifer foster’s client relationships and leads her team in project deliverables. Her responsibilities include developing designs, production management, and collaborating closely with a growing team to deliver a cohesive and well-designed solution. She works with a wide range of clients including Auctane, Fat Quarter, and JPMorgan Chase to not only get their teams back in the office, but to increase their efficiency and effectively utilize their real estate.

  Corgan

  Associate Principal

  Jennifer Tart Thompson

  Associate Principal

  Corgan

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  Kristin Thompson

  Kristin brings over 15 years of construction management expertise with a very diverse project background. Having started her career working as a laborer in the field, she understands the construction process from start to finish, and draws on that knowledge to plan and execute projects in the most cost effective manner. She is focused on building and managing strong teams and providing the oversight and direction that ensures that the project exceeds expectations. As Vice President of Construction Operations, Kristin is involved with and responsible for every phase of a project from preconstruction through completion and turnover. This includes coordination of cost estimating, budget preparation, design development, preconstruction and construction activities as well as subcontractor negotiation. An efficient and thoughtful leader, Kristin is well respected for her keen ability to bring the right people together to solve problems. She has a proven track record of successfully delivering complex projects on time, developing strong relationships with customers along the way.

  Ryan Companies

  VP, Construction

  Kristin Thompson

  VP, Construction

  Ryan Companies

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  Angie Weyant

  Angie Weyant is a highly energetic builder who is known for her strong work ethic and team-building skills. She has developed deep relationships with people in the field and now acts as the leader of DPR’s Craft People Practices efforts. Angie focuses on hiring, inspiring, developing, and growing Craft employees through providing the best tools, benefits, mentorship, and growth opportunities. Angie is not only committed to DPR, but to her community, as well. As part DPR’s Community Initiatives Leadership Group, the Girlstart National Board and the Girl Advocacy League, which benefits the Girls Empowerment Network, she embodies DPR’s values of being integral and indispensable to the communities in which we live, work and serve.

  DPR Construction

  National Craft People Practices Leader

  Angie Weyant

  National Craft People Practices Leader

  DPR Construction

Influencer of the Year

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  Jen Bussinger

  With nearly three decades of experience in workplace design, Jen Bussinger is passionate about shaping environments that positively impact people’s lives. Her portfolio includes corporate headquarters, life sciences workplaces, and a wide range of commercial interior environments. Jen is recognized for her ability to blend strong information management skills with client insight and an accomplished design sensibility. She partners closely with her clients to deliver workplace strategies and designs that embody organizational culture, foster employee wellness, and enhance functionality. Her work reflects a belief that the workplace can be a vital tool for connection, performance, and wellbeing.

  Page

  Principal, Design Director

  Jen Bussinger

  Principal, Design Director

  Page

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  Anissa Sabawala

  Anissa is a construction industry veteran with over 35 years of experience spanning site due diligence, design, construction, FF&E, and occupancy. As Senior Director leading Cushman & Wakefield’s Project Development Services (PDS) teams in Austin and San Antonio, she provides leadership for all aspects of our project management service line, including client relations, project execution, business operations and financial management. As a regional lead, Anissa is a strong thought leader focused on developing and maintaining long-term client relationships through best-in-class program oversight and project delivery. Anissa is a registered architect (AIA) and LEED AP BD+C professional who practiced architecture in Houston, Austin, and New York City. In addition, she spent over 10 years as a general construction Project Executive and CMAR, overseeing nation account rollouts of both ground up and interior fit-outs, for Fortune 500 companies across the United States. She has completed projects as a designer, an architect, and construction manager in over 20 U.S. states, Mexico, and Canada. Her portfolio spans low to mid-rise ground up and interior fit-outs and her expertise in design, construction and project management combine to give her a strategic advantage in serving our clients. A passionate mentor and dedicated leader, Anissa consistently provides clarity and delivers excellence to her clients, colleagues, and project teams.

  Cushman & Wakefield

  Senior Director, AIA LEED AP BD+C

  Anissa Sabawala

  Senior Director, AIA LEED AP BD+C

  Cushman & Wakefield

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  Crystal Smith

  President & CEO

  ABC Central Texas

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  May Vlaming

  SVP, PDS Austin Markets Lead

  JLL

Rising Star

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  Gabriella Bermea

  Gabriella Bermea, AIA, is a fifth-generation Tejana and nationally recognized architect whose work sits at the intersection of education, advocacy, and community impact. She is a Senior Associate and project manager in Perkins Eastman’s K–12 practice with nearly a decade in practice, partnering with school districts through strategic planning, community engagement, and the design of student-centered learning environments. With over $1.3B in built work, Gabriella has led the design of schools and civic spaces across the U.S., championing equity, sustainability, and student success. A national thought leader in educational planning and public architecture, she brings people together to shape spaces that reflect their values and aspirations. Beyond her design work, Gabriella serves in national leadership roles with NCARB, AIA, and NOMA—advancing access to licensure, mentorship, and inclusive pathways to practice. She is also the co-founder of a scholarship supporting underrepresented students in architecture, engineering, and construction, pairing financial support with long-term mentorship. At the heart of her work is a simple belief: when communities help shape the spaces they use, those places become powerful.

  Perkins Eastman

  Senior Associate

  Gabriella Bermea

  Senior Associate

  Perkins Eastman

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  Kelly Best

  Kelly Best, is an Associate at Kimley-Horn, a full-service consulting firm specializing in planning, engineering, and design services. She is a licensed civil engineer with over 10 years of experience in land development with a diverse project background. Kelly has a passion for providing inclusive, equitable housing and other commercial services to better serve those in her local community and provide an increased quality of life. Her knowledge spans a variety of development types – including residential (multi-family and single-family), commercial retail, and mixed use. Kelly is passionate about working with people and developing lasting relationships with clients. Consistently demonstrating her ability to collaborate with design teams, partner with jurisdictional staff, and align with her clients’ vision, she has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor in the industry.

  Kimley-Horn

  Associate

  Kelly Best

  Associate

  Kimley-Horn

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  Marissa Garza-Christensen

  Business Development Associate

  GarzaEMC

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  Krysta Stauch

  Krysta Stauch’s background in theatre arts laid the foundation for her successful career as Director of Client Solutions at White Construction. Her training instilled enthusiasm, exceptional communication skills, and tenacity, which she now applies to building strong relationships with clients and industry partners. Focused on aligning clients’ construction needs with White Construction’s expertise, honed over the past 50 years, Krysta is dedicated to delivering exceptional results. She embodies the company’s core values of safety, leadership, teamwork, trust, and relationships, always working toward the mission of “Building Success Together.” Krysta has developed a robust network within the Austin-area construction industry, where she maintains a high profile and is recognized for her commitment to quality and client satisfaction. Balancing her professional achievements with her personal life, Krysta is a proud mother of two young children and comes from a family with deep roots in construction management, making the industry a true family affair. Her passion for relationship building and dedication to excellence make her a valuable asset to White Construction.

  White Construction

  Director of Client Solutions

  Krysta Stauch

  Director of Client Solutions

  White Construction

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  Elizabeth Walton

  Elizabeth Walton is a Development Associate at Kairoi Residential with nearly 10 years of experience and a passion for creating a positive impact on both the skyline and ground plane. Her current project focus is on downtown Austin towers, 600 Guadalupe and Waterline. Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of San Francisco and a Master of Business Administration from Rice University.

  Kairoi Residential

  Development Associate

  Elizabeth Walton

  Development Associate

  Kairoi Residential

Lessons In Leadership, Mentorship And Innovation

Designing Austin’s Future Through Architecture, Engineering And Construction

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  Kirsten Cessna

  A registered interior designer, Kirsten Cessna is Principal and Managing Director of Gensler Austin. Her expertise in retail and aviation practice areas, operations and client management encompasses projects across the United States. Kirsten's project experience includes working with clients such as American Airlines, Fletcher Jones, Sewell Automotive, and Toyota. As a client relationship champion, Kirsten thrives on the collaboration it takes to bring a client's vision to fruition. She served as the 2018 CREW Future Leaders (CFL) co-chair and was a member of CREW Fort Worth for several years. Kirsten mentored as part of ACE Mentor Program (DFW Chapter) guiding the next generation of builders, engineers and designers and empowering them to achieve their dreams in architecture, construction and engineer fields. Kirsten holds a Master's in Business Administration from University of Texas at Arlington and Bachelors in Architectural Studies from University of Missouri.

  Gensler

  Principal, Managing Director

  Innovator of the Year Honoree

  Kirsten Cessna

  Principal, Managing Director

  Gensler

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  Pam Donaldson

  Pam Donaldson is Vice President of Community Development at Gordon Highlander, bringing nearly three decades of experience in commercial construction, including project management, estimating, and client and trade partner engagement. A passionate advocate for women in the commercial real estate and construction industries, Pam is a founding board director, Past President, and current Executive Governance Committee member of the Association of Professional Women in Construction (APWC) Texas, where she is actively supporting the organization’s expansion into Austin and Houston. Pam is also deeply engaged in CREW Network, having served as a Board Director and committee leader for CREW Dallas. She currently serves CREW Austin as Membership Chair, Chapter Champion, UCREW Mentor, and incoming Secretary of the 2026 Board of Directors. Her commitment to mentorship, servant leadership, and building inclusive industry communities is at the heart of her professional mission.

  Gordon Highlander

  VP, Community Development

  Influencer of the Year Honoree

  Pam Donaldson

  VP, Community Development

  Gordon Highlander

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  Jacqueline Dudley

  As the Architecture Practice Leader in Austin, Jacqueline provides strategic leadership and oversight for the studio’s operations and project delivery, ensuring exceptional client results. Jacqueline’s family background in design and construction inspired her to pursue the industry early. She values integrating architecture and construction, believing that while architects create inspiring designs, successful projects require the coordinated efforts of the entire team. Throughout her tenure at Beck, Jacqueline has demonstrated strong leadership and project management. Her portfolio boasts projects such as Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa, Texas Bankers Association Headquarters, and Duke University’s Wallace Wade Stadium. Jacqueline is involved in the Austin community. She serves as Chair-Elect of the Real Estate Council of Austin (RECA), mentors through RECA’s Leadership Development Council, advises the City of Austin Technical Advisory Review Panel, and participates in Austin AIA, Women in Architecture. She passionately serves on the Elizabeth Ann Seton Board, benefiting the NICU at Ascension Seton Hospital, and is engaged with the McDonald Observatory Board. Jacqueline, a proud University of Texas at Austin graduate, enjoys supporting the Longhorns with her husband and two children.

  The Beck Group

  Practice Leader

  Leader of the Year Honoree

  Jacqueline Dudley

  Practice Leader

  The Beck Group

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  Nina Murrell

  Nina Murrell, AIA, LEED AP is an architect and cultural strategist working at the intersection of design, research, and innovation. As Founding Principal of MODA | Murrell Office for Development and Architecture, she leads projects that cross boundaries — cultural, commercial, and educational — with a focus on creating environments that elevate communities and expand opportunity. Beyond her practice, Nina is a recognized leader in shaping the future of Austin’s built environment. As a Board Member of CREW Austin and Chair of 2025 Research Initiatives, she launched CREW Network’s first-of-its-kind research program on regional growth and development, convening leaders from across sectors and translating community insights into action. Her leadership is characterized by vision, collaboration, and the ability to inspire others to see — and reach for — what is possible. Nina’s path has been shaped by a Fulbright in Vienna, a Rice University education, and more than two decades guiding transformative projects. She is also deeply committed to mentorship, believing that leadership shines brightest when it lights the path for others. Away from the podium and drafting table, Nina finds renewal at Barton Springs. Most mornings, you’ll find her paddling peacefully at sunrise, watching dragonflies skim the water, and greeting her regular friends in a scene that feels part nature sanctuary, part Richard Scarry’s Busy Busy Town — a reminder that joy and community are always at the heart of her work.

  MODA

  Founding Principal Architect

  Leader of the Year Honoree

  Nina Murrell

  Founding Principal Architect

  MODA

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  Kristy Attaway

  Kristy Attaway is an Executive Vice President with Hill and Wilkinson General Contractors and leads the Austin office, supporting all Preconstruction and Field Operations teams. Kristy graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Business Foundations certificate. She has been with Hill & Wilkinson for more than 27 years. Kristy lives in Southwest Austin with her husband of 24 years, Shane, 20-year-old daughter, Avery, who is a junior at Texas A&M, 17-year-old daughter, Happy, who is a senior at Bowie High School, and last but not least, Big Tex, who is a 3-year-old Saint Bernard. She is also a certified Cherokee Indian and loves learning as much as she can about her heritage and researching genealogy. Kristy also loves to travel and is an avid Texas Longhorn fan, rarely missing a home game. Hill and Wilkinson, a Texas-based general contractor founded in 1968 has steadily grown from a small family business to a respected industry leader. They have over 450 employees operating out of offices in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, & Temple. Hill & Wilkinson is experienced in a wide variety of commercial construction including religious, K-12, higher education, municipal, recreational, manufacturing, office, automotive, and healthcare. Many things have changed as the company has grown, but its philosophy and core values have remained the same - respect, quality, safety, training, fun, and commitment to the communities that we serve. Hill and Wilkinson is well known for its unique, award-winning culture. With the deeply-held belief that happy employees are productive employees, the company culture is a primary influence on hiring decisions and doing business with clients. Hill & Wilkinson is proud of its reputation for fun, flexibility and a family-like atmosphere. Over a quarter-century in the construction industry and many different positions within the company have given Kristy a depth of experience that is a rare find. Kristy is passionate about mentoring younger people in the industry and helping them grow to realize their greatest potential.

  Hill & Wilkinson

  SVP

  Leader of the Year Honoree

  Kristy Attaway

  SVP

  Hill & Wilkinson

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  Jennifer Seay

  Jennifer is the Founder and CEO of Art + Artisans. She has helped clients create meaningful, impactful spaces for the past 22 years. Jennifer is passionate about helping her clients succeed and showing them how art can be part of the strategy to achieve their vision and attract their ideal market. She believes that art creates spaces with unique identities that people love and want to visit again and again, bringing countless positive experiences that inspire and build community. Jennifer views her primary role today as Chief Relationship Builder both with clients and within her team. Jennifer has built a culture at A+A deeply rooted in delivering excellence in both client service and quality of work delivered. Developing and nurturing trust with clients, team members, artists and vendors is what has enabled Art + Artisans’ success for 22 years. Jennifer has led many large commercial projects across the country with clients who understand the importance integrating art to tell a story, convey their brand, build community, and engage people. Jennifer is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and has lived in Austin for over 30 years. She has served on the Executive Board of CREW Austin and as a Guardian Angel for the Center for Child Protection. In 2018, she was a nominee for the Austin Business Journal's Profiles in Power, a finalist for the Austin Business Journal's CEO of the Year in 2019, and a Bisnow honoree for Women Leading Austin Real Estate in 2024.

  Art + Artisans

  Founder & CEO

  2024 Honoree

  Jennifer Seay

  Founder & CEO

  Art + Artisans

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  Sita Lakshminarayan

  Sita Lakshminarayan is an Education Studio Practice Leader and Vice President at HKS in Austin, where she leads the firm’s K–12 practice with a passion for achieving measurable outcomes in progressive school design. An architect with nearly three decades of service to public architecture in Texas, she has directed numerous multi-million-dollar projects, including district-wide performing arts centers, a variety of PK–12 facilities, and children’s advocacy centers. As an Accredited Learning Environment Planner (ALEP), Sita champions community-based and education-focused architecture that transcends single-purpose solutions through ingenuity of design and programming. She believes in designing schools as ecosystems where each student’s joy becomes a compass for deeper learning and personal growth. Known for her tireless advocacy, she nurtures client relationships with genuine thoughtfulness and care. A long-time leader within the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE), Sita has served on both the Central Texas Chapter Board and the Southern Region Board. She currently serves as Texas Governor on the A4LE Southern Region Board and is a member of the AISD UpClose Academy Leadership Cohort (Class of 2026). She has presented nationally as a learning space expert at SXSW EDU, TASA | TASB, Greenbuild, and the A4LE Southern Region Conference. Dedicated to fostering the next generation, Sita co-founded a pilot green building internship for high school students and has partnered with the Austin Chamber of Commerce and Austin ISD to introduce students to careers in architecture. A graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington, Sita has called Texas home for more than 35 years, including 25 years in Austin.

  HKS

  Studio Practice Leader, Education

  Leader of the Year Honoree

  Sita Lakshminarayan

  Studio Practice Leader, Education

  HKS

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  Amy Lopez

  Amy Lopez is an Executive Vice President for McCoy Rockford Commercial Interiors with responsibilities in the Houston and Austin markets. In her 10 years with the company, she has focused on growing the business by leading in several areas including Brand Experience Team, Furniture Design Team, Healthcare/Life Science Market Sector and most recently the founder of the Idea Collider. Amy has 30 years of experience in architecture/design and is a licensed interior designer in the state of Texas. Prior to joining McCoy Rockford, she was a designer and principal at WHR Architects for 17 years and then spent 3 years with SSR (MEP Engineers) as a Studio Leader and principal. She is very active in professional organizations and has held national leadership positions with IIDA, AAHID and Women in Healthcare as well as serving in the local community as a Board Member and Board President for Fort Bent Women’s Center. Amy has a passion for inspiring new ideas and building strategies that provide a strong foundation for growth and inspiration.

  McCoy Rockford Commercial Interiors

  Executive Vice President

  Moderator

  Amy Lopez

  Executive Vice President

  McCoy Rockford Commercial Interiors