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ASCE OC Construction Institute: A Sold-Out Hard Hats & Heels 2026
- Natalie Luna, PE
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
On Friday, March 6, 2026, the ASCE Orange County Construction Institute proudly hosted its sold-out 3rd Annual Hard Hats & Heels: Celebrating Southern California Women in Construction at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Irvine-Spectrum.
Set against a beautiful sunny backdrop, the evening welcomed over 100 attendees, including industry professionals, leaders, students, and advocates, to celebrate women in construction.
Guests arrived in spring-inspired business casual attire and enjoyed a lively pre-event atmosphere featuring a photo booth and Networking Bingo.
ASCE OC CI was honored to welcome the Guests of Honor:
• Iris Lee, Director of Public Works/Interim Assistant City Manager for the City of Seal Beach
• Grecia Garcia, Project Engineer, for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange
• Marsha Anderson Bomar, National President of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
ASCE OC CI also extended appreciation to the many ASCE Distinguished Leaders in attendance,
Los Angeles Section
Jeff Meiter, President
Remi Candaele, Treasurer
Orange County Branch
Nestor Godinez, Past President
Jenny Robinet, President-Elect
Orange County Younger Member Forum
Marionne Lapitan, Past President
Jacob Perea, President-Elect
Elisa de la Peña, Government Relations Liaison
Brisa Bernal, Community Service Co-Chair
Los Angeles Younger Member Forum
Isabella Salgado, Internal Vice President
Lluvia Lopez, Government Relations
The evening featured an inspiring Keynote address by Judith Ibarra-Bianchetta, Vice President of U.S. Growth and Strategy at Tetra Tech, with 25+ years of experience in business development, operations, project management, government affairs, and community relations.
The panel discussion was moderated by Priscilla Chavez, a Business Development Manager for PCL Construction’s California Buildings group, where she leads strategic growth initiatives across Southern California in civic, higher education, cultural, and private-sector markets.
Panelists included,
Stephanie M. Carter, Project Manager at Hensel Phelps, has over 14 years of experience in the construction industry.
Alona A. Bowman, Chief Operating Officer at Best Contracting Services, brings nearly two decades of experience in the construction industry.
Khristina Stone, Preconstruction Manager at Hensel Phelps, has over 23 years of experience in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industry.
Stephanie Pham, Project Superintendent, has 12 years of experience in the construction industry and a background in electrical trade school training.
Discussion topics touched on career development, mentorship, career advancement, work-life balance, and overcoming challenges within the construction industry. The Keynote speaker and panelists shared valuable insights and personal experiences that resonated with attendees at all stages of their careers.
ASCE OC CI also presented a Legacy Tribute that recognized a few pioneering women who paved the way in engineering and construction, including Emily Warren Roebling, Nora Stanton Blatch Barney, and Patricia Galloway. This served as a reminder of how far women have come in the industry and the importance of supporting future leaders.
One of the values of the ASCE OC CI is to promote the development of the next generation of construction professionals. That is why ASCE OC CI welcomed Platinum Sponsor, Jacobs, and Best Contracting Services, Inc., to introduce two scholarship recipients.
The Undergraduate/Graduate Scholarship was awarded to Brisa Bernal, a Civil Engineering Associate at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Brisa is currently pursuing a master’s degree at California State University, Fullerton. Beyond her professional and academic commitments, she serves as this year’s Community Service Chair for the ASCE OC Younger Member Forum, where she organizes volunteer initiatives and outreach events that support local communities and inspire future engineers.
The Community College Student Scholarship was awarded to Vanessa Raygoza, a Sophomore at Long Beach City College pursuing a degree in Mathematics. Vanessa has a passion for civil engineering and is actively involved with the Society of Women Engineers through mentorship. She aims to leverage this opportunity to strengthen her path in the world of construction/civil engineering and is deeply grateful for the Hard Hats and Heels trade/vocational support.
The institute recognized that the memorable event was made possible with the generous support of the following event sponsors,
Platinum Sponsors: Jacobs and Best Contracting Services, Inc.
Gold Sponsor: Outsource Utility Contractor
Silver Sponsors: Whiting-Turner Contracting Company and Willdan Engineering
Bronze Sponsors: City of Anaheim, ASCE LA Section, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange, and Syrusa Engineering Inc.
The institute also extended gratitude to the Raffle Sponsors, including the Original Lace Safety Vest Designed By Floyd Ruby for providing two Class 3 ANSI Certified handmade Lace Safety Vests, and the City of Anaheim’s District 1 Council Member Ryan Balius for two suite tickets at the Honda Center, where the Anaheim Ducks will take on the Nashville Predators.
Lastly, a special recognition to the Co-Chairs of the ASCE OC Construction Institute, Natalie Luna (Preconstruction Manager at Jacobs) and Samantha Bahena (Construction Contracts Specialist at City of Anaheim), for organizing and co-hosting this successful event that celebrated the legacy, empowered the present leaders, and inspired the next generation of women in construction. Appreciation is also extended to Construction Institute members, Marionne Lapitan (Traffic /ITS Engineer at Jacobs) and past Construction Institute Chair, Esmeralda Briseño (Project Manager at Jacobs), for their continued support. ASCE OC CI looks forward to hosting this amazing event again in March 2027, and you may contact ci@asceoc.org for any questions or suggestions.
Author: Natalie Luna is the ASCE OC Construction Institute Co-Chair and a Preconstruction Manager at Jacobs. She is passionate about empowering students and supporting industry professionals, and is actively involved in infrastructure advocacy. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, working out, snowboarding, and beach days with family and friends. Natalie can be reached at natalie.luna@jacobs.com or via LinkedIn.
About the Author:
Natalie Luna is the ASCE OC Construction Institute Co-Chair and a Preconstruction Manager at Jacobs. She is passionate about empowering students and supporting industry professionals, and is actively involved in infrastructure advocacy. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, working out, snowboarding, and beach days with family and friends. Natalie can be reached at natalie.luna@jacobs.com or via LinkedIn.
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