PANEL: Digital Revolution: Why Digital Transformation Needs to be Accelerated

March 19, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. ET

As a Project Manager in AECOM’s Digital Transformation Advisory group, Naré currently leads process redesign and requirements development for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s Engineering Department Project Management Information System Implementation, a multi-year initiative to modernize project delivery through digital transformation. In this role, she combines process, data, and technology expertise to help the agency streamline workflows, standardize project controls, and establish a data environment that supports predictive analytics and informed decision-making. Before joining the Digital Transformation team, Naré supported a range of infrastructure projects and programs spanning housing, transportation, and aviation, including providing cost management, reporting, and operational support for the JFK New Terminal One Redevelopment, PATH Substation Resiliency (post-Hurricane Sandy), and NYCHA Elevator Replacements. She currently serves as an Associate Adjunct for the AECOM-Columbia University Industry Field Studies course mentoring the next generation of engineers. An active member of several professional organizations, including Professional Women in Construction (PWC), Naré was honored by the Women Builders Council (WBC) as a Next Generation of Women Builders in 2023. She holds a B.E. in Civil Engineering from the American University of Beirut and is currently pursuing her MBA at NYU Stern School of Business.

PANEL: Powering the Digital Age with New York Data Centers

March 18, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. ET

Kelly is a Market Sector Leader in the Data Center Practice in the Buildings + Places group at AECOM. Her degrees in business, sociology, and predictive analytics enable her to provide a societal context for the changing landscape of our built environments. As a Market Sector Leader, Kelly operates at the intersection of all the many components – both technical and financial – of the fastest growing building typology of today. With more than 20 years of experience across building typologies and sectors, Kelly offers a unique perspective into the complexities of this fast-growing sector.

PANEL: People, Planet, Places: Collaborative Approaches for Sustainability

March 18, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET

As Sustainability Director and Innovation Laboratory (iLab) lead at AECOM, Nadine drives the development of scalable decarbonization solutions that elevate building performance and promote environmental and social value. In addition to leading innovation, she advises clients on sustainability strategies and implementation of actionable roadmaps. Her work focuses on integrating forward-thinking design approaches and digital innovation to deliver energy-smart, resource-efficient outcomes, enabling clients to unlock long-term value and future-proof their assets. Nadine also heads AECOM’s Buildings + Places Global Technical Academy, where she is shaping the future of sustainable design by developing dynamic training programs at the intersection of environmental stewardship and digital transformation. Serving as Co-chair of the AIANY Social Science and Architecture Committee, and a member of AIANY Committee on the Environment (COTE), Nadine helps push the boundaries as an advocate for a circular economy, adaptive reuse, and ethical decarbonization. Nadine is a frequent guest critic at colleges and universities and regularly speaks on innovation and sustainability. She holds a Master of Architecture from Bauhaus University in Germany.

PANEL: Mastering Data Management: Driving Collaboration and Project Success

March 18, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. ET

As a Design Technology Lead in AECOM’s Digital Solutions group, Heidy specializes in the strategy and delivery of advanced BIM processes. In this role, she manages multidisciplinary teams that produce coordinated, data-rich, digital models that support efficient design, construction, and operations. Heidy is responsible for BIM standards, project setup, model integration, and clash detection, ensuring streamlined collaboration and consistent quality across complex projects. She previously served as BIM Manager for major infrastructure and institutional work, including the Tunnel Mont Royal in Canada, where she co-authored a published paper on BIM innovation; the Middlesex College Multipurpose Community Venue and Student Center in New Jersey; and the Mineta San Jose International Airport Air Traffic Control Tower and Base Building. Heidy holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico and a Master of Science in Architecture from Pratt Institute with a focus on digital fabrication and computational design.

PANEL: The State of the Office Market in New York

March 19, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. ET

Francis is a Design Principal in the Buildings + Places group at AECOM where he leads design for the New York Metro, overseeing a team of 90 architects. With broad, international experience in architecture and urban design, Francis brings a global perspective to his work, which has been recognized with 27 national and international design awards. A native of rural Oklahoma who has lived in China, Francis has a keen sensitivity to what makes the built environment unique and compelling for its users and is inspired by both the practical and poetic aspects of everyday life. To address the unique needs of the 21st century, Francis seeks to integrate issues as diverse as embodied carbon, integrated delivery, social equity, and neuroscience in order to produce built works that address the immediate needs of the future and create lasting value.

PANEL: Designing Offices Today for Tomorrow’s Workforce

March 18, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. ET

With nearly 20 years of experience in interior design and workplace strategy, Lauren leads the People + Places Advisory practice at AECOM. Working with a multidisciplinary team, she enables clients to understand and capitalize on the relationship between people and physical space. Through research, data gathering, and spatial concepts, Lauren delivers measurable business benefits for clients to make informed decisions on their real estate portfolios. Her work includes global portfolio planning tools for one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, strategic planning and standards development for one of the world’s largest luxury consumer goods companies, and multiple strategic programming and workplace planning efforts for several Federal agencies. Lauren holds a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Endicott College and a Master of Professional Studies in Design Management from Pratt Institute.

PANEL: Data-Driven Construction & AI Integration

March 19, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. ET

PANEL: “PlaNYC: Getting Sustainability Done” How is it Going?

March 19, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. ET

Deborah brings more than 30 years of experience in community-based land use and transportation planning, public engagement, climate resilience, and agency coordination to her role as Director of Community Planning for the New York Metro at AECOM. Adept at synthesizing complex technical documents to make them accessible to audiences with a wide range of expertise, she has worked extensively with both local communities and elected officials at the local, state, and federal level. Deborah has also developed and managed innovative environmental justice outreach programs, effectively widening the participation of often neglected communities in the planning process. Throughout her career, Deborah has been responsible for the development and implementation of several innovative public engagement strategies, including for the Battery Park City Resiliency Program, New York City Department of Environmental Protection’s Kissena Cloudburst Hub, LaGuardia Airport’s Central Terminal Building Redevelopment Program, New York State Department of Transportation’s Hunts Point Interstate Access Improvement and Sheridan Improvement Projects, and Third Track on the Main Line for LIRR. She also supported the New York City Department of Design and Construction and Economic Development Corporation with storm recovery projects in Manhattan and Queens and managed the Borough Based Jails program through its Citywide approvals. Prior to joining the AEC industry, she worked in the fields of strategic planning and organizational development, community development, and media and public relations, including hosting television and radio shows.

WORKSHOP: It Starts With You! Why Mentorship is Essential

March 19, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. ET

A Mechanical Engineer with more than 25 years of experience in the construction industry, Amna oversees the New York City School Construction Authority (NYCSCA) Construction Management Mentor Program, which is designed to help small contractors develop the skills necessary to take on larger projects. She is the first female program manager to lead a CM firm in the NYCSCA Mentor Program since its inception almost 25 years ago. Amna’s 30-person team mentors 100 general contractors and their sub-contractors and manages 350 projects in all different phases (scope, design, construction, and closeout) with a value of more than $150 million. Projects range from auditorium renovations, gym upgrades, room conversions, playgrounds, ADA compliance, electrical upgrades, and fire alarms. The CM that she leads also mentors the emerging MWLBE contractors to make sure they improve their technical, administrative, and business development skills and acquire the “know how” to be able to pursue, capture, and execute larger, more complex projects. Prior to managing the NYCSCA Mentor Program, Amna served as program manager for high-rise buildings, bridges, and school construction in New Jersey valued at $72 million. She was honored by the Women Builders Council in 2018 as an Outstanding Woman in Construction and named as a Construction Idol at New York Build 2023.

PANEL: The Road to Net Zero: From Pledges to Proven Results

March 18, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. ET

Mehrsa is a Transportation Decarbonization Consultant with 5+ years of experience in automotive, sustainability, and renewable energy. She supports public- and private-sector clients on fleet electrification and community EV readiness efforts with a focus on fleet data analysis, infrastructure benchmarking, and evaluation of incentives and grant opportunities. As a subject matter expert in transportation electrification, Mehrsa brings together technical analysis, policy considerations, and stakeholder coordination to support resilience planning and collaboration among utilities, service providers, policymakers, and local agencies. Her work translates complex data and regulatory requirements into practical, actionable strategies that align with client budgets, operational constraints, and long-term goals. Mehrsa holds a PhD in Industrial & Systems Engineering from the University of Rhode Island, where her research focused on public EV charging infrastructure deployment and optimization. Her combined academic and hands-on consulting experience enables her to deliver data-driven solutions that advance decarbonization at scale.

PANEL: Putting People First: Community-Driven Design in Practice

March 18, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. ET

Heather is a Senior Design Strategist in AECOM’s People + Place Advisory practice. She has a wealth of experience in design and strategy across both the public and private sectors. Her diverse portfolio includes corporate interiors, government, retail, transportation, and hospitality projects. Heather thrives in collaborative environments, working seamlessly with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative, human-centered solutions. With meaningful data, she is a champion for user experience, emphasizing the critical relationship between people and their environment. Backed by extensive training in interior design, business strategy, and design thinking, she bridges the gap between what users need and what businesses value, delivering measurable impact. Heather earned a Master of Arts in Design Leadership from the Maryland Institute College of Art and a Master of Business Administration from the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School.

PANEL: Rebalancing the Market: Tackling NYC’s Housing Challenges

March 18, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. ET

Allison is a Senior Associate and Housing Studio Lead at AECOM. Her 16+ years of experience spans award-winning architecture, interior design, and real estate development projects for 7+ million square feet of property, totaling more than $6 billion in construction costs across multiple sectors. As the lead for AECOM USA’s first formalized multi-family studio, Allison manages projects across markets for both private developers and public agencies, including the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA). Recent roles on NYCHA projects include as Design Program Manager for the comprehensive modernization updates at multiple locations and as Program Manager for the 2023-2027 physical needs assessment of its $78 billion portfolio-wide capital needs. Allison was President of the New York Coalition of Black Architects and the New York Chapter of the National Association of Minority Architects (NYCOBA NOMA) from 2023 to 2024. She is an active member of the American institute of Architects, New York Building Congress’ Young Professionals Committee, and Professional Women in Construction. Honors include the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation Emerging Leaders Fellowship (2021), Women Builders Council Next Generation Award (2022), Professional Women in Construction New York 20 Under 40 Award (2023), and the Urban Design Forum Big Swings Global Exchange Housing Fellowship (2024). Allison is currently a 2025-2026 American Institute of Architects Next to Lead Fellow. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Architecture from Pratt Institute.

PANEL: Design Across Disciplines: The Importance of Collaboration

March 19, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. ET

New York Build Ambassador Program, Women in Construction

Chanel is an accomplished Project Manager in the Transportation group in the New York Metro at AECOM. With more than 20 years of experience, she leads teams that deliver transformational infrastructure projects, including the New York City Department of Design and Construction’s Borden Avenue Pump Station, a $4M project with an aggressive deadline to meet a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation consent order; the New York City Department of Transportation’s Brooklyn-Queens Expressway Triple Cantilever Interim Repairs design; and SUNY Old Westbury’s Alternate Care Facilities Design-Build program as part of New York City’s rapid response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, Chanel serves as the Client Account Manager for the New York City Department of Transportation, managing the day-to-day relationship with the agency. In 2023, she was honored by Women Builders Council (WBC) in the Outstanding Women category. Chanel is an active member of the New York Building Congress, and previously served as Co-Chair of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. She earned her Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology, where she served on the board of the Black Student Union and as President of Stevens’ chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers. After graduation, Chanel spearheaded the Stevens Senior Design Program, a partnership between URS (now AECOM) and Stevens that she managed from 2007 through 2017.

WORKSHOP: It Starts With You! Why Mentorship is Essential

March 19, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. ET

A civil engineer with more than a decade of experience, Islam supports the New York City School Construction Authority (NYCSCA) Construction Management Mentor Program as a Construction Manager and General Superintendent. Partnering with emerging MWLBE contractors, he focuses on building confidence, strengthening technical and operational capabilities, and expanding capacity to build the skills necessary for these firms to pursue larger, public-sector projects. Islam also oversees program-wide operations, contractor development, and project delivery. He believes that investing in others not only strengthens project outcomes, but also builds more resilient teams, more successful businesses, and a stronger future for the construction industry, and consequently, his passion for mentorship extends beyond his professional responsibilities. As a volunteer with the ACE Mentor Program of Greater New York, Islam works with high school students to introduce them to the AEC industry, and was honored with an ACE Mentor Leadership Award.

PANEL: A Resilient New York: Building to Address Climate Change

March 18, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. ET

As a High Performance Building Specialist in the Building + Places group in the New York Metro at AECOM, Nick provides sustainability and decarbonization strategy, analysis, and workflow innovation for projects across stages, scales, and sectors. With iLAB, AECOM’s innovation accelerator, he develops digitally enabled processes and tools to expedite climate-responsive designs, project delivery, and strategy. Certified by the Institute for Asset Management, Nick also works with the Asset Advisory team to craft sustainability regulations and operational strategy. Prior to joining AECOM, Nick led product development for next-generation dynamic envelope technologies at HeliOptix, a joint venture between SHoP Architects and Arzon Solar. He also served as Director of Research Engineering at Yale’s Center for Ecosystems in Architecture, leading projects. including MEP and monitoring systems for the “Ecological Living Module,” an award-winning prototype housing unit designed for and demonstrating near self-sufficiency in energy and water with low-carbon, biogenic materials. Nick has authored several works on building-integrated energy systems, monitoring platforms for indoor air quality and environmental controls, and life cycle analysis in journals such as Renewable Energy, Sustainability, and Journal of Industrial Ecology. He earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University and a PhD in Architectural Sciences from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

PANEL: The Art of Aesthetic Interior Design

March 18, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. ET

Dawn is a Senior Associate and Project Manager in AECOM’s People + Place Advisory practice, recognized for her expertise in design and project management. With a background in interior design, she has managed complex, multi-disciplinary workplace interior projects across various sectors, including pharmaceutical, financial, and federal. Dawn’s deep interest in the interaction between people and the built environment led her to specialize in Workplace Strategy, empowering clients to make informed, data-driven decisions about their real estate portfolios. She is committed to creating functional and user-centric spaces that enhance employee well-being through all aspects of design.

NETWORKING: Construction Industry Welcome – Panel discussion and networking
March 18, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. ET

With more than three decades of experience, Beverly is recognized as a national leader in public design-build delivery and public facility design, both as the owner’s advisor and with design build teams. Since 2019, she has served as Senior Program Manager for New York City’s Borough Based Jails Program, working in partnership with the NYC Department of Design and Construction to deliver the $16-billion, justice reform program through design-build contracting. The program, which included five early works design-build projects, will culminate in four, new, high-rise, jail facilities, one each in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. Beverly is a frequent speaker at national conferences, including on The NYC Experience: Design-Build Excellence Fits All panel at the 2025 Design-Build Conference & Expo. She also writes extensively for national publications with “New York City’s Design-Build Delivery Journey” (September 2024) and “New York City’s Borough-Based Jails Program and the Complexities of High-Rise Jail Design” (May 2025) both published in Correctional News.

PANEL: NYC Transportation Projects Leading Change

March 19, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. ET

Adam is a Project Manager in the New York Metro at AECOM where he focuses on bringing transformational change to urban infrastructure, with a particular emphasis on creating more equitable and sustainable outcomes for existing and future transportation projects. In this capacity, he has worked to leverage local and international best practices to reduce the potential environmental impacts of transportation projects on surrounding communities, including the Sheridan Expressway-to-Sheridan Boulevard conversion and the ongoing study to mitigate the divisions caused by the Cross Bronx Expressway. Adam has written for The New York Times, The Guardian, and Streetsblog advocating for an updated approach to transportation policy and pedestrian safety, and his work has been featured in publications and exhibitions around the country. He earned his Master of Architecture from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation and is currently pursuing a PhD in architecture and the built environment at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, focused on developing solutions to reconnect communities divided by highway infrastructure.

PANEL: The Biggest Challenges & Solutions in Embodied Carbon in Construction

March 19, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET

As an Embodied Carbon Technical Lead in the New York Metro at AECOM, Rushita is dedicated to delivering practical, scalable pathways to low-carbon and net-zero design. In this capacity, she advises multinational clients on comprehensive sustainability strategies and implements actionable plans to decarbonize assets by focusing on the reduction of embodied carbon. Her work involves developing effective client strategies and roadmaps to meet ambitious carbon targets; understanding the market to identify, evaluate, and integrate innovative, low-embodied-carbon products; and integrating a life-cycle approach into both material selection and overall decarbonization efforts. Rushita has also developed embodied carbon modeling training that has been implemented companywide. She is also an active member of the ASCE Infra 2050 initiative, where she contributed to developing an embodied carbon guidance document specifically for bridges. Rushita holds a Master of Building Science degree from the University of Southern California.