SEAA Names 2026 Legacy Builders and Recognizes 25 Women in Steel Strong Women in Construction Campaign

Last week, the Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) recognized 25 women as part of its Steel Strong Women in Construction campaign. Nominations came from across the industry, with this year’s honorees representing the full spectrum of roles in which women are making an impact in steel construction, from ironworkers in the field to business owners leading their companies.

“Now in its second year, our Steel Strong Women in Construction campaign saw nearly a 50% increase in nominations, reflecting growing engagement and impact,” said Pete Gum, Executive Director. “The initiative was created to elevate the perspectives of women in our niche of construction and to support the annual Women in Construction Week hosted by the National Association of Women in Construction.”

Meet the 2026 Legacy Builders
The 2026 Legacy Builders represent decades of impact across the steel construction landscape—from the jobsite to the executive office.  They were selected for their outstanding professional achievements, leadership or mentorship, community involvement, and personal character. These seven women were highlighted on SEAA’s social media channels during the first week of March.

Carol Hensley, a 43-year industry veteran, helped guide Cooper Steel’s evolution into Design-Build delivery. Beverly Dolin’s 37-year rise from secretary to regional sales manager reflects a career defined by grit and determination.

Patti Davis co-founded Ropac in 1985 and led it to become the first AISC-certified steel erector in Alabama. Julia Kunlo built a safety firm grounded in steady leadership and deep field experience.

On the iron, Gladys Alfaro Mendez advanced from general laborer to a highly skilled ironworker over 21 years, earning a reputation for safety, reliability, and mentoring the next generation.

Representing the next generation of excellence, Aly Hardy managed more than 150 projects last year while driving innovation within her company, and Drew Crone became the first woman in her company’s history to earn SAW/TH D1.5 bridge certification for fracture-critical welds.

“Together, these women embody the skill, resilience, and forward-thinking leadership shaping the future of steel construction,” said Jack Nix, President of SEAA and COO of Shelby Erectors.

All nominees will be recognized during SEAA’s 2026 Convention & Trade Show, May 5-8, in Kansas City, Missouri. Videos of the 2026 Legacy Builders can be viewed on SEAA’s YouTube Channel. See below for the full list of 2026 Steel Strong Women in Construction.

2026 Steel Strong Women in Construction
*Legacy Builders
 
The Trades

• Harlie Crist, Hoisting Engineer, Barton Malow
• Mary Young, Journeyman Ironworker, Derr & Gruenewald Construction Company
• Drew Crone, QC Inspector, Lexicon, Inc.*
• Gladys Alfaro Mendez, Ironworker, L.R. Willson & Sons*
• Desiree Keirstead, Structural Fabricator & Welder, Master Steel

 
The Managers

• Meagan Herrington, Office Administrator, Black Cat, LLC
• Aly Hardy, Project Manager, Gardner-Watson Decking, Inc.*
• Kate Ouellette, Sales & Marketing Manager, GWY
• Shanteria Bond, Sales Manager, The Herrick Steel Company
• Beverly Dolin, Regional Manager, West Coast, Nelson Stud Welding*
• Courtney Powderly, Office Administrator Manager, Shaw Welding
• Bailey Lacky, Quality Assurance and Safety Manager, TRC Fabrication LLC & Intermountain Erectors, Inc.
• Jenna Attanasio, Project Engineer, Walsh Group

 
The Executives

• Carol Hensley, VP Business Development, Cooper Steel*
• Angie Dobbins, Controller, Group Steel Erectors
• Emily Keith, Director of Analytics, Lexicon, Inc.
• Janell Schmidt, Chief Human Resources Officer, Lexicon, Inc.
• Natalia Osorio, Vice President, Skyline Decking Corp.
• Leslie Everson, Senior Construction Tech Manager, Walsh Group
• Katy Williams, Vice President, Williams Enterprises of Georgia

 
The Owners

• Julia Kunlo, President, Evolution Safety Resources*
• Michelle Smith, CEO, IDS
• Dawn Davis, President & Owner, Lowers Welding & Fabrications, Inc.
• Patti Davis, Owner, Ropac*
• Tara Garner, Owner & Photographer, Under Construction Photography
  

View the Flickr album here.