Hard Hat Chick Chat

On this episode, Kate & Amanda welcome Lynn Everhart, speaker, host of the LeadHerShift podcast, and member of PWC Philadelphia’s Growing Committee. Lynn brings a perspective on leadership shaped by her work with women navigating demanding roles, career transitions, and burnout.

For women in construction, engineering, and the trades, this episode is an invitation to think about how you make decisions under pressure, recognize when your pace is costing you, and define what success looks like at this stage of your career.

In this episode of Hard Hat Chick Chat we sit down with Francesca Wallace, a dynamic marketing and business development leader who brings creativity, strategy, and a passion for growth to the AEC and real estate industries.

A creative at heart and an analytical thinker, Francesca has built her career around turning big ideas into measurable results. She shares how strategic marketing, technology, and operational improvements can help companies differentiate themselves, strengthen their brands, and create meaningful opportunities for growth in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Beyond her professional work, Francesca is passionate about supporting and advancing women in our industry. As a fellow Board Member of Professional Women in Construction Philadelphia, she is committed to building connections, creating opportunities, and helping women find their voices and their place at the table.Join us as we talk with Francesca about her career journey, the evolving role of marketing in AEC, the intersection of creativity and business strategy, and the importance of women supporting women as we continue to shape the future of our industry.

Today's guest is Sammi Aufiero, PE, Development Manager at Aegis Property Group. Sammi brings experience across healthcare, residential and industrial construction, back by a civil engineering degree and professional engineer license. We talk all about her educational and career journey, her approach to managing complex projects and what she is learning along the way. Sammi, welcome to Hard Hat Chick Chat!

In this episode, Kate and Amanda sit down with Kimberlee Zamora, Department Chair of Construction Management at Widener University, to discuss her 30-year journey through the construction industry — from being one of the first female co-ops on commercial job sites to leading the next generation of construction professionals in higher education.

Kim shares candid stories about starting out as a young field inspector in Philadelphia, navigating a traditionally male-dominated industry, and building a career through multiple companies and pivots. The conversation dives into leadership, mentorship, resilience, career pivots, and the importance of creating opportunities for women in construction and engineering.

A thoughtful and inspiring episode for anyone interested in construction management, career growth, leadership, and the evolving future of the industry.

In this episode of Hard Hat Chick Chat, we sit down with architectural designer Illyana Bass to talk about her personal journey from student to designer. It is clear that Illyana designs with her entire life with purpose. From shaping spaces that support mental and community health to navigating the industry as a young woman in construction and design, Illyana shares a thoughtful perspective where our industry is headed. This conversation goes beyond daily tasks and is about creating spaces that truly make an impact!

Meet Enya Hughes! Enya is a Project Engineer at Jaros, Baum & Bolles. She is a passionate, well-rounded Chemical Engineer and HVAC Design Engineer with a variety of scientific and industry experience. In this episode we share Enya's story and information on her current role. Enya is driven and hardworking, she brings great energy to all that she does. Enjoy the show!

In today's episode we talk to Debra Breslow. Deb is a Principal and Corporate Practice Leader at Meyer Design. She is a design-driven leader with an out-of-the box mindset, a creative problem solver who partners with businesses to shape environments that connect people, purpose and place. Debra is passionate about utilizing her experience in translating culture, brand and business strategy into spaces that inspire.

Today we chat with Natalie Hagerty! Natalie is a healthcare executive at one of the top-ranked and fastest-growing children's hospital's in the United States. As a strategic and innovative leader, she navigates change with vision and integrity, leading complex real estate and development plans from strategy to implementation. She is currently a leader of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's 10-year, +2 million square feet, $3 billion capitol program to create state-of-the-art hospital, outpatient, academic and research facilities. She is mission-driven, collaborative and uses design thinking to inspire breakthrough ideas that promotes the patient, family and staff experience. As the co-founder of the Pediatric Environments Network (PEN), Natalie is an international trailblazer for the development of pediatric-specific spaces geared to improve outcomes, efficiencies and experiences. Enjoy the show!

Welcome back to Hard Hat Chick Chat! Today we chat with Vanessa Brennan, a Project Engineer and Project Manager with Michael A. Beach and Associates. Today we hear about Vanessa's professional journey, we learn exactly what is involved in her current role, and touch on her involvement in PWC Philly. Vanessa's energy is contagious- enjoy the show!

Today we talk with Sena Savaskan, PE! Sena is a structural engineer at Keast & Hood. She began working with the firm in January 2024 and holds a degree in Architectural Engineerind with a construction management minor from Drexel. Sena is incredibly focused and driven, we dive in to her journey to the US and hear all about her professional path.

Enjoy the show!