On March 17, members of ÍøÆØÃÅ’s Southeast team attended the  Women’s Leadership Conference.

This year’s event, titled Amplify Your Influence, featured panel discussions, interactive breakout sessions and a keynote address, all focused on providing women with the knowledge and skills to expand their impact within their organizations. Throughout the event, the ÍøÆØÃÅ team also had the opportunity to connect with attendees from organizations across the Triangle region.

ÍøÆØÃÅ Regional Director of Community Engagement and Inclusion Denise Barnes recently attended a college and career fair at ’ The school is a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) magnet program for students in grades 9 – 12.

During the event, Denise connected with the students, sharing information about careers in the construction industry, and about ÍøÆØÃÅ.

At a ceremony on March 19, the Avery Residence Hall Renovation and Addition project received a 2025 Excellence in Construction Pyramid Award from the The project was honored in the Renovation: $20M – $100M category.

Serving as construction manager, ÍøÆØÃÅ worked with and construction management partner to upgrade and expand the residence hall. Work included replacing Avery’s heating and cooling system, adding a 4,570-SF addition with a new elevator and making additional improvements throughout the existing building to enhance comfort and accessibility.

The Avery Hall project was previously recognized with a 2025 Excellence in Construction Eagle Award from the 

ÍøÆØÃÅ Regional Operations Manager Kathryn Payne attended the event to accept the award.

On February 26, ÍøÆØÃÅ sponsored and attended the  (UMCNC) annual Industry Day. The event brings together local contractors, industry leaders and public officials from across the state to discuss key trends shaping the industry.

ÍøÆØÃÅ Regional Director of Community Engagement and Inclusion Denise Barnes currently serves on the UNCNC Board.

On March 5, Southeast team members Seth London, Kathryn Payne, Stuart Short and Denise Barnes attended the annual State Construction Conference hosted by the . The conference brings together industry professionals from across the state to discuss projects throughout North Carolina.

Following the conference, the team hosted a table at the HUB Contractors Connections & Partnership Expo. At the ÍøÆØÃÅ table, Seth and Denise connected with local minority business owners and shared information about potential partnership opportunities. ÍøÆØÃÅ was also a sponsor of the events.

ÍøÆØÃÅ Regional Director of Community Engagement and Inclusion Denise Barnes was recently recognized as a 2026 Black History Achievement Honoree. These awards, started by the organization in 2020, recognize Black individuals in the Durham area who have made valuable contributions to their respective industries.

Congratulations to Denise on this well-deserved recognition!

To celebrate Women in Construction Week, several ÍøÆØÃÅ regions participated in events with their local National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) chapters.

In Buffalo, ÍøÆØÃÅ partnered with to host site tours for local students and other attendees at two projects – Buffalo Urban Development Corporation Northland Corridor and Buffalo State Moore Hall. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with project teams, ask questions and get a behind-the-scenes look at the progress on both projects.

In Rochester, team members attended the 2026 Pat Hynes Memorial Scholarship fundraiser. ÍøÆØÃÅ was also a sponsor of the event.

In the Southeast, ÍøÆØÃÅ participated in several events with the .  Team members joined in a 5K run/walk to kick off the week, along with several networking events throughout the week.

On Tuesday, March 3, ÍøÆØÃÅ Project Engineer Tesa Debroux spoke with students as part of the ’s Future Builders’ Day.

The event, part of NAWIC’s Women in Construction (WIC) Week activities, aimed to support and inspire the next generation of construction professionals. Debroux shared information about careers in construction and her role at ÍøÆØÃÅ with the students.

On February 19, ÍøÆØÃÅ hosted the (NOMA) general body meeting at its Southeast office.

ÍøÆØÃÅ Senior Project Manager Vincent Spencer currently serves on the chapter’s board. ÍøÆØÃÅ is also a 2026 sponsor of the chapter.

On February 19, ÍøÆØÃÅ Regional Operations Manager Kathryn Payne participated in a panel discussion hosted by the . The panel, titled Defining Alignment, explored how working in alignment with the right company culture can support career growth and development.

ÍøÆØÃÅ Project Engineer Tesa Debroux, who currently serves on the NAWIC Triangle Chapter board, also attended the event.