Heather Wills

senior vice president at WSP

When reflecting on who inspires her, Heather Wills says her father, a Vietnam veteran, helped lay the groundwork for her success.

“My dad broke the cycle of poverty and addiction with our family to allow my sister and me to have a better life,” she said. “We are both successful women leaders because my dad made conscious decisions to provide us more opportunity.”

In the industry for 24 years, Wills works for WSP, a professional services firm. She provides high-profile leadership opportunities for more than 15 staff members leading toll projects. She also has supported more than 10 promotions of young female staff and has supported the development of the Equity Center of Excellence. She leads the largest project in the National Advisory Services sector of the company, helping to manage an interdisciplinary consultant team of 50 people.

Mandy Putney, strategic initiatives director with the Oregon Department of Transportation, said that Wills leads with heart.

“She cares about her team as people and professionals, just as much as she cares about project successes,” said Putney. “She excels at matching skills and interests with team members to ensure successful and high-quality products. She is very successful with empowering and guiding her team to leverage individual strengths. She exhibits flexibility and foresight in her ability to advise on organizational change within teams and for client organizations.”

Wills also has a particularly strong voice for gender equity in the field of transportation. As a long-time, active WTS member and current Portland chapter fundraising chair, she encourages female professionals to participate in events, mentorship and job growth opportunities.

When looking at the future generation of female leaders, Wills shares this advice: “Be courageous and own your power. Be authentic. Always support other women and find your group of women who will always have your back in the rooms you are not in.”

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Andrea Wallace

owner of Ink Built Architecture

From a very young age, Andrea Wallace saw what hard work looked like. Her mom, a single parent who successfully managed a veterinary hospital for more than four decades, taught her what it meant to build people up, balance family life, and be a leader that people respected and trusted. That example helped propel her into her professional life.

“I believe a Woman of Vision is someone who’s using their voice to speak up for what they believe in … someone who is a catalyst for change and working towards creating a more equitable future,” Wallace said. “A Woman of Vision is a leader but leads through empowering others and inspires others to blaze the trail alongside her.”

Wallace, who founded Ink Built Architecture in 2017 with two other business partners, has helped guide the firm to unprecedent growth in the past six years, creating more than 500 units of housing across the Pacific Northwest, designing six Net-Zero ready projects, and helping make over $89,000 in donations to nonprofit organizations focused on environmental and social justice. She is an active mentor to others in the industry, has volunteered for several years for Architects in Schools Residency with the Architecture Foundation of Oregon, and has organized a team of volunteers for Build Days with Habitat for Humanity.

“We say that Andrea is a designer extraordinaire, hell bent on bringing the best potentials of design to bear in the quest to house our community through beautiful, sustainable architecture,” said Melynda Retallack, Ink Built owner, in her letter nominating Wallace for a Women of Vision award. “She has led the firm to focus on the things that matter most to us, designing for people, the planet and justice. Andrea embodies going above and beyond! Her boundless enthusiasm for design for people and a genuine ambition to seek social and environmental justice has brought Ink Built to where we are today.”

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Saretta Tillmaand

project architect at Otak Inc.

Saretta Tillmaand is a voracious learner that isn’t afraid to dig deep and ask questions. As a teenager, she knew she wanted to pursue her architecture license and she didn’t give up on that dream.

During her time at Otak, Tillmaand has been involved in a variety of technically complex and large-scale projects. She has emerged as a technical leader with Building Information Systems and takes great care in mentoring junior staff, having helped establish a Project Architects group that focuses on project-specific issues and solutions.

Tillmaand said that to build a successful career, it’s critical to surround yourself with people from all fields.

“There are so many people who paved the way for where I and all other women in our industry are now,” she said. “My advice is to pester everyone around you who seems remotely interesting and interested in helping you until you find mentors. For me it has never been just one person – it has always been different people with different roles, who are willing to put up with my questions, take the time to provide thoughtful answers, and bolster me when I’m feeling overwhelmed.”

When she’s not working, Tillmaand volunteers with Habitat for Humanity. She also served as the U.S. Green Building Council’s Emerging Professional Chair in Tucson, Arizona, and Cincinnati, Ohio.

“Saretta challenges and encourages her peers to work with a high-level of professionalism. She guides teams on a daily basis and balances the challenges of raising a family and working professionally. Her leadership within our firm supports and reinforces our culture of balancing design, technical proficiency, mentorship, and client service. Our firm depends on her professionalism. Junior architectural staff, and specifically women, look to her as a role model,” said Josh Guerra, Otak senior project architect, when nominating Tillmaand for a Women of Vision award.

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Karen Tatman

principal engineer at Consor

With three engineer role models in her family (father, a stepfather and father-in-law), some would say that Karen Tatman had engineering in her blood. Today, that rings true, showcased by her accomplished engineering career that boasts nearly four decades of industry expertise.

“By combining her robust technical knowledge, problem-solving prowess, and collaborative teamworking approach to expertly deliver projects, Karen shows how she’s not only shaping our infrastructure but also the people who will deliver that work for years to come,” said Erin Reed, West marketing director, in Consor’s nomination of Tatman for a Women of Vision award. “There is never an assignment where Karen doesn’t do more than is asked of her. Karen is a powerhouse who deserves recognition for her significant contributions to our firm, our clients, and communities across the Pacific Northwest.”

In the past 37 years, Tatman has been responsible for more than $500 million in highway improvement projects and has served as a mentor to hundreds of people – especially young people. She also has been involved with the American Council of Engineering Companies for the past 19 years, was the second woman president of ACEC Oregon’s board and currently serves as ACEC Oregon’s national director.

Tatman shared that success not only comes from hard work and a willingness to support others, but from being introspective and determining what’s right for your unique situation.

“Despite what you might hear from voices all around you, don’t assume you can ‘have it all’ and that someone is going to hand it to you. Don’t assume that others around you have it all figured out,” she said. “‘Having it all’ is a notion for each person to figure out for themselves. Own your decisions and fully appreciate what you can achieve. Build a support network around you in the office and outside the office. Help them when they need it and let them help you.”

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Diana Strassmaier

partner at Aldrich

“It may be a bit cliché, but Diana Prince, aka Wonder Woman, had a pretty incredible impact on me growing up,” she said. “While she was just a character, as a young girl seeing a woman who had no limits to what she could do, I was inspired. Bionic Woman, and other strong women characters in books and TV that I read about and watched growing up, allowed me to feel that I had no limits to what I could accomplish.”

For the past 26 years, Strassmaier has established herself as a leader, mentor and advisor to her commercial construction, governmental construction, architecture and engineering clients. When she arrived from Baltimore five years ago and launched her role at Aldrich, she helped bolster the company’s architecture and engineering focus. She was named an Aldrich partner in December 2021, where she has used her inherent leadership skills to build a passionate, specialized team that has elevated the firm’s reach to serve clients across the country.

“Diana has a great passion for the A+E industry,” shared Linda Spongberg, senior manager at Aldrich. “She advocates for her clients and has an impact on both the local and national levels in advising on various tax and overhead rate audit issues that are of importance to the industry. Diana is a role model for the professionals within Aldrich in providing excellent client service and maintaining high technical standards. She is always willing to answer questions and provide career guidance and technical training.”

Outside of work, Strassmaier is the director for the Portland chapter of the Construction Management Financial Association. She also is a certified instructor for the National Highway Institute.

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Lillian Stevenson

CEO of Berrien Concrete

Lillian Stevenson says that to her, being a Woman of Vision signifies the ability to identify opportunities for improvement and growth and then take proactive steps to bring those visions to life.

“It involves constant learning and a commitment to sharing knowledge with others to help them reach greater heights,” she said. “Being recognized with this award is a validation that I’m moving in the right direction, but it’s also a reminder that there’s still much work to be done. Specifically, my goal is to continue to pursue opportunities to improve the experiences of Black and Brown people in the construction field, addressing the unique challenges they face and working towards greater inclusivity and equity in our industry.”

Stevenson reflects on her father’s influence over the course of her life and names him as her greatest role model. He exemplified unwavering dedication through hard work and never complained.

“Our company was founded to honor his memory and fulfill his dream of a Berrien family,” Stevenson said. “His legacy instilled in me a belief in God, the value of hard work, and the importance of resilience.”

Faye Burch, president of F M Burch and Associates and Professional Business Development Group (PBDG) Board of Advisors member, said that Stevenson has rare leadership qualities that she has taken time to develop and use.

“She speaks up for opportunities that support small businesses when others are experiencing similar problems but are intimidated to ask about,” she said. “Lillian is a big business leader of the future.”

Stevenson’s advice to others is simple: first, remain humble and don’t hesitate to seek assistance when needed.

“I’ve found immense support from individuals like Leanna (Petrone) at PBDG and their team, but I had to acknowledge my need for help first. Second, explore your local resources; they can offer valuable support and guidance. Lastly, have the courage to put yourself out there, as visibility often leads to opportunities for growth and impact,” she said.

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Margaret Steinhilber

senior project architect at Otak Inc.

Margaret Steinhilber can be described as a creative and passionate architect with a calm head and solid communication skills. Some of her most notable projects include leading Otak’s design team through design and construction of the Cascade Administration Building, phase one of the community transit master plan. Because of the strength of its work on the first phase, Otak was selected for phase two design, the Merrill Creek Administration Building, which will be completed later this year.

“Margaret has made herself invaluable with Community Transit. She has been requested to provide additional support for multiple projects due to the value that she brings,” said Matt Neish, business unit leader of architecture.

“Margaret is one who constantly goes above and beyond her job; it just comes naturally to her,” said Anna Sutton, Otak marketing coordinator.

Steinhilber also co-founded an informal group to help support and build community with other women in Otak architecture, planning and landscape architecture. The group meets periodically to share experiences, brainstorm solutions, and increase equity and inclusion in the Otak workplace and within the industry.

Steinhilber is active within the community, having volunteered with Architects in Schools for the past five years and as a food delivery volunteer through Lift Urban Portland. Having taken time off to be a mom at a time when maternity leave and laws to support women having children rarely existed, she works hard to help change that trajectory, doing what she can to inspire others and ensure a career path in architecture is accessible for women with young families.

When asked about her biggest role model in life, she says that her mother stands out.

“Divorced and single parent to eight kids, my mom had an ability to rise above difficult circumstances with extraordinary grace, strength, and good humor,” she said. “She taught me that women are capable and resilient and equal to just about any task thrown their way, and that success does not have to come at the expense of others.”

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Brittany Shreiner

principal with Holst Architecture

Celebrating 10 years with Holst Architecture, Brittany Shreiner has become a stand-out designer and invaluable member of the company’s team. During her time there, she has led some of the firm’s most notable projects, including The Fowler, located in Boise, Idaho, and Glisan Landing – a partnership between Related Northwest, Catholic Charities, and Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) to provide 137 units of affordable housing across two buildings in Portland’s Montavilla neighborhood. She currently is project designer on the largest project in Multnomah County Library’s $387 million bond – the new East County Flagship library in Gresham.

“Brittany has been a force for good since she began working at Holst. Her unique combination of tenacity and generosity has given her the tools to become an extremely effective designer and leader in our office,” said Dave Otte, Holst principal and owner.

Her involvement in the community is also inspiring. Shreiner pursues equity by getting involved in AIA Oregon’s Committee on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, where she was a presenter and then the host of in-house equity workshops. She also has taken a proactive approach to mentorship, acting as a supportive bridge to newer staff that are navigating new careers within the firm. Further, she has volunteered with the ACE Mentorship program, an after-school program that teaches high schoolers about architecture, construction and engineering through the creation of a team project.

Shreiner has many heroes and role models in her life – her mother, father, sister, aunt, husband, and her son. She also has an array of mentors at Holst who have guided her through the past 10 years and consistently offered opportunities to lead.

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude when I think about how I’ve been surrounded by capable, inspiring women and supportive men my entire life, and when I think of all these people together, it’s not so dissimilar to Barbie’s World,” she said.

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Heather Randol

facilities director at Portland State University

Heather Randol believes that staying true to her core values and projecting those through her work has helped make her career a success so far.

“This award helps bring awareness of the many paths available to women. I’m honored to be recognized, and to help others envision their own futures, especially if their vision for themselves goes beyond others’ expectations or limited views of what they can achieve,” she said.

Randol credits her colleagues who have given her opportunities to use her skills in new ways and have helped bolster her confidence in both sharing a vision and leading others.

“Time and time again, others encouraged me to go beyond what I thought were my limits,” she explained. “With mentorship and opportunities provided by many people with vision of their own, I was able to grow into leadership roles where I could in turn help others thrive. Their support has been invaluable and essential.”

Today, as only the third female to hold the role of facilities director for the college, Randol manages 70 people. She is regularly called upon to lead search committees and challenging negotiations and also has provided safety training classes that benefited more than 2,000 graduate students. Outside of work, she serves on the Friends of Cleveland High School Bands board and regularly presents at professional organizational conferences.

Amy Winterowd, vice president of client solutions with JE Dunn Construction, noted that Randol has brought her background in environmental, health and safety to Portland State University, helping instill a focus of not just physical safety, but sustainable practices that have become second nature to the staff.

“Heather is the kind of individual who will put her full heart into anything. Her thoughtful approach to everything provides for an overall improved process and better outcomes,” Winterowd said.

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Nita Posada

director of interiors, principal at Skylab Architecture

Nita Posada is a natural leader that puts her heart into each project she’s a part of. With almost two decades in the architectural, engineering and construction industry, two years ago she was made principal at Skylab. Up until that time, there had never been another principal there beyond the two owners.

Her promotion reflects her leadership, dedication and talent. Some of her duties in this role include managing the many moving parts of the firm, overseeing multiple large hospitality projects, and weekly staffing. Posada is also the force behind the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion group and has organized and led all DEI meetings and student outreach. Because of her efforts, the company has been able to hire more BIPOC individuals.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Posada sits on the board of directors for the International Interior Design Association chapter of Oregon and the Strategic Advisory Committee. She also volunteers for Vote Forward, Portland Rescue Mission, Friends of Trees, and was a peer support volunteer for Legacy Cancer Institute. She also is leading Skylab’s mentoring program. Posada also has served as a volunteer teacher with the Architecture Foundation of Oregon.

“As a woman of color, Nita hasn’t always been met with support and opportunity,” said Shaun Selberg, project design architect, in his nomination of Posada for a Women of Vision award. “She knows first-hand the challenges of the AEC industry and has therefore made it her personal responsibility to help change the paradigm within Skylab and the broader community. She is the heart and soul of our community in the studio. Nita has changed the way we do business with our clients. Her clear, thoughtful communication has won us many projects and returning work. Nita’s communication style is thoughtful, thorough, and friendly.”

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