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Yasmine Branden has a passion for building, and a passion for women becoming more involved in construction.

Branden has been in the remodeling business for 25 years, with eight of those years spent with Neil Kelly Company.  As vice president and production manager, she supervises 60 managers and tradespeople in Portland and at branch offices in Bend, Eugene and Seattle. Her methods for estimating and cost control have resulted in high client survey scores for on-time and on-budget completion of projects. She has produced an exemplary safety record, and her dedication to employee and company growth led to the creation of in-house training and an environment that encourages employees to pursue continuing education beyond the workplace.

Branden has been involved in the National Association of Women in Construction for 15 years, and quickly moved into a leadership position. She became a chapter director in 1999. She now serves as the president of NAWIC at the national level, and has helped the organization save time and expand membership by reaching out through webinars and video-based conferencing.

Locally, Branden has worked with Habitat for Humanity for 22 years, and headed Women’s Build projects, which allow women to further their experience in the construction trades.

She volunteers at REACH Community Development, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring quality, affordable housing in Portland. She has coordinated volunteer projects performing maintenance for poor, disabled and elderly homeowners. She also is on the advisory board for New Avenues for Youth, a nonprofit dedicated to helping homeless and at-risk youth attain job readiness skills and employment.