2026-2027
Board of Directors
Stephani Valdez
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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.
Vice President
Director, WIC Week Committee Chair & Community Outreach Chair
Harris & Associates
Linda Valencia
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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.
Treasurer
Aprio
Melissa Werner
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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.
Secretary
Brown Strauss Steel
Yusnay Mirabal
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Yusnay Mirabal immigrated to the United States from Cuba in 1980 in effort to flee the oppressive communist government led by Fidel Castro. As a young girl she may not have fully understood the gravity of the political environment, but she did understand what she witnessed from her father. A man who left everything and went to a country, where he couldn't speak the language, for a hope of being able to provide a better life for his wife and two young children. This marked the beginning of a young girl's journey defined by resilience, ambition, and steady growth. Her work ethic led her to excel in school, ultimately ending up at California State University, Long Beach. In 1994, she entered the steel industry as a receptionist, where she quickly showcased her work ethic and tenacity. Through years of dedication and hands-on experience, she worked her way up the ranks and developed strong expertise in sales and client relationships. Today, she serves in outside sales at Brown Strauss Steel, where she is recognized for her professionalism and leadership. In addition, she now serves on the NAWIC LA board as Secretary. The combination of her strong work ethic and a passion for mentoring have helped her thrive in guiding colleagues, fostering teamwork, and helping those around her grow. From the young immigrant girl to the self-made professional, Yusnay draws reflections from her career and personal successes in order to drive a lasting impact on others.
Director, PD&E Committee Chair
The Herrick Corporation
Shanteria Bond
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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.
Candi Deel
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Candi Deel has spent more than 35 years in construction proving that experience, grit, and heart still matter.
As a Senior Project Manager at Snyder Langston, Candi has led healthcare facility and hospitality projects across the USA, including hotels, restaurants, resorts, and complex environments where details and deadlines do not wait. Her career was built the honest way—from the ground up—with field experience, a few college degrees, and enough “we need it yesterday” moments to keep life interesting.
Candi’s leadership style is practical, people-focused, and rooted in courage, integrity, and faith. She believes the best project teams are built on trust, accountability, safety, quality, and shared pride in craftsmanship. She is the kind of leader who will push for the right answer, protect her team, and still find a reason to laugh when the wheels start wobbling.
When pressure rises and others are losing their heads, Candi usually knows exactly which drawer hers is in.
As a woman in construction, Candi is committed to mentoring others and helping create space for women to be seen, supported, and successful in the industry. In her role as Safety Director with the National Association of Women in Construction, she advocates for safer jobsites, stronger teams, and more opportunities for women to lead.
Off the jobsite, Candi rides a Harley through Southern California traffic—which may be the clearest evidence that her tolerance for chaos is not just professional, it’s personal.
Guided by Mark Twain’s reminder, “Always do right; this will gratify some people and astonish the rest,” and inspired by Barbara Jackson’s belief that women leading in construction are key to transforming the industry, Candi works every day to be the change she wants to see.
Director, Marketing Committee Chair
Energy Systems Group
Luz Enriquez
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Luz Enriquez is a respected leader in the energy and construction industry, known for her ability to build strong relationships, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful results. As a Senior Project Manager, she partners with school districts, design professionals, contractors, and stakeholders to successfully implement energy and facility improvement projects that benefit the communities they serve. Her experience includes HVAC, building controls, lighting, energy infrastructure, and facility modernization projects. Colleagues value her collaborative leadership style, commitment to excellence, and ability to bring diverse teams together to achieve common goals. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Luz is a dedicated wife and mother, an advocate for women in construction, and an active community volunteer. She is passionate about mentoring others, fostering meaningful connections, and creating opportunities that help individuals and organizations grow and succeed.
Director, Hospitality Committee Chair
Metropolitan Water District
Alondra Torres
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Alondra Torres has been working in the construction industry for the past four years. She began her career in construction accounting, supporting accounts payable for a general contractor, where she quickly developed an interest in the project side of the industry. That experience inspired her to earn a Google Project Management Certificate through Coursera and intentionally transition her career toward project coordination, project controls, and construction operations.
Today, Alondra serves as a Project Controls Specialist at a water agency, where she supports the construction department through budget tracking, project scheduling, and project controls. She is proud to contribute to projects that help provide clean, reliable water to more than 19,000 people and values the opportunity to be part of work that positively impacts the community.
In addition to her professional responsibilities, Alondra is pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Construction Management at Rio Hondo College and is preparing to sit for the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) exam. These efforts support her long-term goal of becoming a project manager.
Alondra joined NAWIC to connect with and learn from women across the construction industry while continuing to develop her leadership skills within a supportive and empowering professional community. She is honored to serve on the Hospitality Committee and enjoys helping create a welcoming and engaging experience for members while building meaningful connections and expanding her involvement within the organization.
Outside of work, Alondra enjoys golfing, exploring new cuisines, discovering local coffee shops, and watching horror films. She is always seeking new experiences and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Most importantly, she is a devoted wife and proud dog mom to a corgi and a Jack Russell–Chihuahua mix.
Dawn Davis
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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, Purple Line 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).
When she isn’t shaping the future of infrastructure, Dawn enjoys traveling with her husband, running, and spending time with her three children.