Join us for an inspiring luncheon celebrating the future of women in the construction industry. "Women in Construction: Building in the Next Generation" brings together accomplished leaders to discuss challenges, opportunities, and the evolving landscape of the field. Moderated by Kaysie D. Garcia, the panel features industry experts Liv Hanlon, Sarah Shores, Alona A. Bowman, and Shelly Irvine. These trailblazers will share their experiences, insights on career growth, and strategies for fostering diversity and innovation in construction. This engaging discussion is an opportunity for professionals, students, and advocates to connect, learn, and contribute to shaping the next generation of women in construction. Don't miss this chance to be part of the conversation driving progress in the industry!

Kaysie D. Garcia, Esq. (BBG Construction Law)

For more than 14 years, Kaysie has provided legal representation for a diverse range of clients involved in construction and government contract disputes in both federal and state courts in California. This includes handling cases related to industrial and commercial projects, as well as large-scale infrastructure projects. Her extensive experience encompasses both prosecuting and defending disputes involving scope of work, additional time and payment claims, mechanic’s liens, bid protests, differing site conditions, and delays. Kaysie embarked on her legal career as a litigator specializing in construction and surety law at Watt, Tieder, Hoffar & Fitzgerald L.L.P. in 2010. In 2016, she transitioned to focusing exclusively on construction litigation at Rogers Nemeth Germain PC. During her legal career, Kaysie also gained invaluable experience working as Assistant General Counsel at Shimmick Construction, where she managed Shimmick’s ongoing litigation, reviewed and negotiated project contracts, and served on the company’s response team navigating the Covid-19 pandemic.  Recognized for her exceptional legal skills, Kaysie has been nominated and acknowledged as a Southern California Rising Star in Construction Litigation by Super Lawyers® from 2016 to 2024. She is also a distinguished Fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America and an esteemed member of both the Trial Law Institute and Diversity Law Institute.

Panelist No. 1:

Liv Hanlon (Regional Manager, Hilti North America/President of NAWIC-OC)

Liv Hanlon has been in the construction industry 13 years. As a Regional Manager for Hilti North America, and President of NAWIC OC—her ambition is to ensure everyone finds a place in the construction industry. With a passion stemming from her Grandfather and Dad, she leveraged every mentorship opportunity she has had since she graduated college. Liv is in her second year as President of NAWIC Orange County, having previously served in both the OC and Puget Sound chapters. Her passion lies in the mentorship she provides to her team of Account Managers, NAWIC members, and Toastmasters. Mentorship and sponsorship are embedded into her daily life as she strives to help ensure a pipeline of talent in our industry.

Panelist No. 2:

Sarah Shores (Vice President of Administration, Outside the Lines, Inc. (OTL))

With over 18 years in the construction industry, Sarah Shores serves as Vice President of Administration at Outside the Lines, Inc. (OTL). Since joining the company in 2014, Sarah has taken on a multifaceted leadership role overseeing HR, accounting, payroll, project coordination, and administrative operations. Her work ensures seamless support for the teams that bring OTL’s extraordinary water features, rockwork, and themed environments to life. Sarah’s leadership has been integral to OTL’s success, with projects spanning iconic destinations like the Detroit Zoo Penguin Exhibit, Waterfront Park in San Diego, and Epic Central in Grand Prairie, where innovative AI technology was recently introduced. Recognized as a GlobeSt 2023 Woman of Influence, Sarah is dedicated to fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth in the construction industry while supporting initiatives that elevate communities and inspire progress.

Panelist No. 3:

Alona A. Bowman (Vice President of Operations, Best Contracting)

Alona will be celebrating her 44th birthday on July 10th this year. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Architecture in 2003 from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, the oldest Catholic university in Asia. Raised in a close-knit family, she is the fourth of six sisters. Her father, an architect and entrepreneur, and her mother, an accountant, worked hard to provide a strong foundation for their family. Two days before her 25th birthday, Alona arrived in the U.S. for what she thought would be a short break. Instead, she found an opportunity at Best Contracting Services, where the owner recognized her potential and sponsored her on a training visa, later transitioning to a working visa. Over the past 18 years, she has dedicated herself to the company, advancing through key roles—including Project Coordinator, Drafter, Project Engineer, Superintendent, Assistant Project Manager, Project Manager, and Project Executive—before stepping into her current role as Vice President of Operations.  Alona has been married for 17 years to Darryl Bowman and is a proud mother to their soon-to-be 16-year-old daughter, Adrianna. A passionate leader, she strives to make a meaningful impact on everyone she meets and in everything she does—because she believes in living life with purpose and leaving a legacy of excellence. 

Panelist No. 4:

Shelly Irvine, CFO Metro Builders

Shelly Irvine, the Chief Financial Officer of Metro Builders and Engineering Group, Ltd. brings extensive expertise in financial strategy, risk management, and operational efficiency With a strong background in the Construction Industry, Shelly has been instrumental in driving financial growth and sustainability at the Company and is dedicated to mentoring and training the next generation. Shelly has been with the company for 18 years and is an expert in public works and prevailing wage contracts.