At Flaherty & Collins, we know that a solid foundation is built on more than just concrete and steel. It’s built on the expertise, dedication, and leadership skills of our people.
This week, in recognition of National Women in Construction Week, we want to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding women on our Construction team. These professionals are driving our projects forward, managing complex logistics, and shaping the skyline of our communities.
Honoring Our Leaders
We are proud to highlight the women who make our Construction department one of the best in the industry:
- Sarah Al-Droubi – Design Manager
- Lauren Baker – Design Manager
- Billie Butts – Construction Executive Support Manager
- Angela Collings – Assistant Superintendent
- Kristin Crenshaw – Construction Accounting Specialist
- Kaila Fletcher – Construction Administrator
- Kristi Gallagher – Assistant Superintendent
- Mary Jeffrey – Assistant Project Manager
- Jen Martin – Construction Administrator
- Erin Schwedler – Construction Accounting Supervisor
- Milaina Thompson – Senior Director of Financial Operations
- Leah Torrison – Construction Training & Personnel Specialist
Construction demands resilience, accountability, precision, leadership, collaboration, and grit. The women in our organization demonstrate these qualities every single day. Your expertise, professionalism, and commitment to excellence strengthen our projects, our culture, and our reputation. The impact each of you make is visible not only in the work you deliver, but in the standards you set and the teams you elevate.
Perspectives from the Team
To truly understand the impact women have at F&C, we spoke with two of our leaders about their journeys and what drives their success in the industry.
Milaina Thompson, Sr. Director of Construction Financial Operations
“While in high school, I took a physics class from an incredible teacher, Mrs. Lucy Minichello, and while I was always good at math and science, she made me love the physical side of both,” Milaina says. “Ultimately, construction is what brought all that together, and it has been a great fit for me.”
During her tenure in the construction industry, Milaina worked on several high-profile projects in Indiana.
“I’ve been privileged to have great mentors along the way and be involved in some incredible projects, including the construction of the Marie C. DeBartolo Center for the Performing Arts at Notre Dame and the Saxony Hospital in Fishers, and the renovation of historic Hinkle Fieldhouse at Butler University. I am very thankful to have joined the F&C Team almost seven years ago. It has been a privilege to lead the Construction Finance Team as the next stage in my career. All in all, construction has provided me with a very challenging yet rewarding career, and I look forward to many more years to come!”
Billie Butts, Construction Executive Support Manager
Billie emphasizes that success in construction results from the strength of the entire team working in harmony.
“As a Construction Executive Support Manager, my role may be behind the scenes, but it plays an important part in keeping our team organized, connected, and focused,” Billie says. “I was drawn to construction by the strong leadership, the family-like culture, and the opportunity to take on new challenges and keep learning. One of my proudest accomplishments has been being a trusted support for the leaders and our entire construction team who bring these projects to life every day. Construction is truly a team effort, and I’m proud to play a part in supporting the people who make it happen.”
Erin Schwedler, Construction Accounting Supervisor
Erin’s path shows how diverse experiences in real estate can lead to a fulfilling career in construction management and mentorship.
“My path to construction covered many aspects of real estate. I worked in Real Estate Title Underwriting, Real Estate Sales and Real Estate Management which introduced me to working with subcontractors and eventually landed me in a subcontractor billing roll. I love seeing the progression of our construction projects and knowing that I work on a team that helps that project get to successful completion.”
For Erin, the reward isn’t just in the buildings themselves, but in the people she helps grow.
“My favorite accomplishment in my career at F&C is being given the Mentorship Award. Feeling valued for helping others is amazing! I have a tattoo of Proverbs 31:25, which has been the mantra in my life: ‘She is clothed with strength and dignity; she laughs without fear of her future.’“
Building the Future Together
To all the women on our team: thank you for the leadership you provide, the challenges you tackle, the problems you solve, and the example you set for F&C and the next generation entering this industry.
We are better as a company because of your contributions. We appreciate you, the value you bring to our team, and the incredible work you do to build a better future.
Happy National Women in Construction Week!