2025-2026
Board of Directors
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Dawn Lowers-Davis is the President and CEO of Lowers Welding & Fabrication, Inc., a second-generation, family-owned structural steel and welding company proudly serving clients in all 50 states for more than 50 years. Under her leadership, LW&F has grown into a certified 100% DBE, woman-owned business contributing to major infrastructure projects nationwide.
From a young age, Dawn immersed herself in the family business, learning operations from the ground up. In 2010, following the passing of her father, she stepped into a leadership role, guiding the company into a new era of recognition within the heavy civil construction industry. Her accomplishments include receiving the 2022 Micro Tunneling Achievement Award and overseeing major projects such as Los Angeles Metro, WSCC LAX Crenshaw Corridor, PurpleLine 2 & 3 and many tunneling operations across the nation. Today, she manages all contracts, bidding, estimating, and business development for the firm.
Beyond her company, Dawn is an active leader in the industry. She serves as a 2025-2026 President for the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Los Angeles Chapter, and is a proud member of The Beavers Organization, National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC), and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).
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Stephani Valdez is a Key Account Manager at United Rentals, bringing 14 years of progressive sales experience and a proven track record of cultivating strong client relationships across Southern California. She launched her career in sales at a heavy construction equipment auction, where she developed deep expertise in equipment functionality and market dynamics.
Leveraging this foundational knowledge, Stephani excels at thinking creatively to deliver tailored solutions for clients in the construction and mining sectors. Her naturally inquisitive approach drives her to thoroughly understand each client’s operations, enabling her to anticipate needs and provide proactive support.
Beyond her professional achievements, Stephani is passionately committed to community service and empowering women in her organization and the broader construction industry.
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With over 20 years in public accounting, Melissa delivers assurance and strategic accounting solutions to public and private companies in industries including construction, real estate, manufacturing, consumer products, and entertainment. At Aprio, she leads audit readiness and technical accounting engagements, advising on revenue recognition, business combinations, equity, lease accounting, and fair value, as well as implementing new standards, strengthening internal controls, and enhancing financial reporting.
Melissa has resolved material misstatements from $50,000 to $2.5 million and partners with business leaders on long-term financial strategies that drive sustainable growth, transparency, and operational efficiency. She serves on the board of the Aprio Foundation, is Treasurer for her local NAWIC chapter, contributes to the finance committee of Food on Foot, and volunteers with CalCPA’s Accounting Principles & Assurance Services Committee and Commission on Belonging.
She holds both a B.S. and M.S. in Accounting from Kean University and is an active member of AICPA, CalCPA, and NJCPA. Through CalCPA, she also speaks to local high school students exploring careers in accounting.
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Diana Silva is the Vice President of Operations at FreightTrain, a company transforming construction quality management with its innovative software. With over 20 years in construction management and software implementation, Diana’s career evolved from office manager to VP of Operations. She has played a crucial role in establishing FreightTrain, managing team development, and ensuring successful product use. As a director at NAWIC, Diana leads the Block Kids program, inspiring future builders.
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With over 20 years’ construction experience, Shayla is a seasoned professional who has worked on many large, complex projects for both government and private companies. Her strong work ethic and attention to detail have helped her to become a rising star in her company.
Most recently she served as the lead accountant on the $1.5 billion LAX Midfield project, and currently heads the special projects division in her role at PCL. Shayla also was a former member of Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). Outside of work, she is an avid reader who enjoys legal thrillers, especially by favorite author, John Grisham.
Erica Robinett
Professional Development and Education Committee Chair
Lowers Welding & Fabrication, Inc.
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Erica Behrens Robinett is a strong entrepreneurial professional who served as an executive at several large general contractors and as a private attorney in the heavy construction industry for almost 30 years. Skilled in strategic planning and leadership, she also excels at connecting with individuals and leads teams to drive successful results. In her executive role she supports all aspects of business operations, corporate issues, governance and risk mitigation, negotiations, and complex construction project claims. She is a conscientious member of her community and is married with 4 young adult children. She is an attorney with a JD from UC San Francisco College of the Law (formerly Hastings), an undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley and a Panelist for the AAA, Construction Panel.
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Shanteria is a Sales Manager at The Herrick Corporation, where for the past two years she has driven growth and strengthened client relationships in the structural steel industry. With a sharp focus on collaboration and customer service, she empowers project teams to deliver high-quality steel solutions for commercial and industrial clients. Shanteria brings a fresh perspective, exceptional communication skills, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, reliability, and innovation.
With 20 years of experience in facilities and construction, Shanteria earned a Master of Science in Project Management from the University of Southern California (USC). Her two decades at Pasadena City College laid a strong foundation for her construction career, where her dynamic learning mindset has enabled her to contribute to outstanding teams.
As an active member and board director of NAWIC Chapter #42, Shanteria champions mentorship and community outreach. She is passionate about supporting young women entering the construction field and paving the way for future leaders. “We all need people in our corner who believe in us,” she says. “This support is a blessing, and I give back by lifting others up.”
Though construction wasn’t always her dream, it has become her passion. From small renovations to large-scale builds, Shanteria’s diverse project experience has deepened her love for the industry. As a woman in construction, she is dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion for all women in the field.
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I have 20 years of experience in facilities and construction. I graduated from the University of Southern California (USC) with a Master of Science in Project Management — something that helps me every day at work.
Having worked for Pasadena City College for 20 years has been a great foundation for my career in construction. I have worked in the education sector my entire career, with an emphasis on maintenance and operations, renovation, and construction projects. Being a dynamic learner has allowed me to be part of amazing teams that I’ve had the privilege to support.
I have now joined Harris & Associates, a firm that aligns with who I am and who I want to become. Harris & Associates supports my career while encouraging my drive to help and mentor future leaders in the community.
As an active member of the NAWIC Chapter #42, I’ve learned that we all need people in our corner who believe in us. Having this support is such a blessing, and in return, I give back by serving on the board and supporting community outreach. As a NAWIC director, reaching out to young women starting their careers in construction — and continuing to pave the way for them — is a top priority.
Construction wasn’t always my dream job, but today it’s my passion. Over the years, I’ve been part of various projects ranging from small renovations to large-scale builds. These experiences have strengthened my love for the field. As a woman, I remain committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the construction industry for all women.
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Ileana Holguin is an Executive at The PENTA Building Group, leading major higher education and healthcare projects across Southern California. With more than 25 years of construction experience, she has progressed from Project Engineer to executive leadership through her deep expertise in project delivery, preconstruction strategy, and operational excellence. Ileana is deeply committed to advancing community-serving projects such as hospitals and schools that leave a lasting impact. She oversees multiple project teams, driving collaboration, quality, and performance, while also playing a strategic role in business development and client partnerships that strengthen PENTA’s regional leadership.
A committed advocate for women and minorities in construction, Ileana is a current board member of NAWIC Los Angeles, an active member of CMAA, and a founder of the Women Working Together (WWT) network. She has also led impactful programs introducing high school girls to construction careers, inspiring many to join the field. Her mentorship, advocacy, and leadership continue to elevate the next generation of women and minorities in construction.
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Anacani Torres is the President of Final Cleaning Solutions, Inc. For the past 13 years, she has been building a reputation within the construction industry by providing quality construction clean-up, janitorial, and COVID-19 disinfecting services throughout Southern California.
With the goal of providing a reliable service to the demands of the construction industry as well as job opportunities to impacted communities, Anacani opened Torres Cleaning Company in 2010. By 2011, she incorporated and created Final Cleaning Solutions, Inc., a company that would emphasized on developing relationships with its clients. FCS provides the support needed to deliver projects on a safety and timely manner.
Anacani holds a MA in Education from California State University Dominguez Hills and a BA in Business Administration from Mount Saint Mary’s University.