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Bonique Hollinrake got her start in the landscaping industry as a receptionist and quickly found that, as she learned more about it, she wanted to work in landscape and commercial construction.

鈥淚 really enjoy beautifying communities and cities and taking care of the environment. As landscapers, we鈥檙e right there and we have a responsibility to the earth and to our cities,鈥� she said.

Among her favorite projects are the Oregon State Police headquarters in Salem, where she had an opportunity to work with the landscape architect and owner to adjust the plans so they came in under budget.

鈥淲orking on that site was really interesting. It took a lot of extra planning and that was really exciting,鈥� she said.

While it is sometimes challenging to be a young woman working in a male-dominated industry that consists of many older professionals, Hollinrake said she feels more accepted now than when she started.

鈥淚 wouldn鈥檛 say it is a hindrance that makes me want to stop, but it鈥檚 not easy sometimes,鈥� she said.

鈥淭here is so much that I admire about Bonique,鈥� said Keenan Emery with Salem鈥檚 VanNatta Public Relations. 鈥淪he is an excellent communicator, a hard worker and just an incredible person. Her positive attitude and outgoing personality make her a joy to be around and work with.鈥�

Hollinrake currently serves as president of the Salem Contractors Exchange board and is the first woman to fill that role. She is a board member for the Salem Fire Foundation and works with other board members and the Salem Fire Department to raise funds to train students and citizens in CPR and AED use.

In addition, Hollinrake serves on the Oregon State Fair Foundation board of directors and led the foundation鈥檚 Pairings! event, which provides a showcase for Oregon鈥檚 best food and wines in the days before the Oregon State Fair.

Hollinrake led the SMART Girls mentor program for its first year at the Boys & Girls Club. In this role, she helped girls ages 8-18 to develop skills, understand health and fitness better, and improve their self-esteem.