The Moss Department of Construction Management is a proud sponsor of She Builds, a summer camp where 13 to 18-year-old girls in South Florida are introduced to the diverse and exciting career of construction management. Their experience is enhanced through hands-on activities, industry guest speakers, and the use of innovative technology.
The 2021 She Builds camp will include an alumni panel.
2021 Alumni Panelists:
Aretha Fung-A-Wing
Project Manager
Bio:
I was born in Paramaribo, Suriname and raised in South Florida. I received my bachelor’s degree in Construction Management from Florida International University. I am very much interested in the business management of construction. There is a misconception by those not in the industry that all there is to construction is hammers, nails, and cement; for this very reason, I believe women stray from this field; but there are so many more facets that occur before a construction project even begins to break the ground. It’s a business, and if you can partake in business, construction isn’t very much different from a career in communications or any other field for that matter.
My dream is to construct universities, hospitals, hotels, airports etc. What better way to serve the community than by being able to offer them opportunities for employment? With the construction of these structures, people will need to be in a place to operate these many dwellings that will inhabit thousands daily. I am also striving to break the mold and become a role model for young girls. Women can compete in any field and be as successful or more than their male counterparts. If a male dominated field is what scares you away from pursuing your dreams, then you weren’t cut out for the job from the beginning. I feel that every field is basically dominated by men, but James Brown said it best, “It’s a man’s world, but it would be nothing without a woman or a girl.”
Carina Cortes
Assistant Project Manager, Link Construction Group
Bio:
My passion began in middle school when I saw a well-dressed gentleman crossing the street with a hard hat and a rolled set of plans in his hands. I told my mom, “That’s what I want to do!” Her response was, “That is an architect.” Once I graduated from high school, I enrolled in college for school of Architecture and 3 years in I noticed that although I love design and had a passion for this industry, it wasn’t exactly what I thought it would be. I took some time off from school to figure it out and ended up enrolling at the Art Institutes for Interior Design, thinking maybe this was the missing link. After completing one year of school, I felt something was still missing. I wanted to be more hands on, I wanted to bring the designs to life. I wanted to see them evolve into a 3-Dimensional structure. After asking around and discussing with fellow classmates and past Architecture students I was told about Construction Management and that FIU had a program. After that, it was game over.
I love what I do; I still can work with architects and read plans, but I get to be more involved on the construction side. Whether it is controlling the budget or the timeline for construction or visiting the job-site every day, I get the best of both worlds – a field with project management. I believe women play a crucial role in construction and it is becoming the norm every day. We provide an eye for detail, compassion when needed and monitor the site alongside the superintendent.
As of today, I have attained my General Contractor’s Certification, my Pool Contractor Certification and I am currently working on my PMP (Project Management Professional). I am currently using my Pool License to qualify a local pool construction company, but someday I want to open my own residential construction company and build dream homes, while providing my knowledge, licenses, and expertise.
Jazlyn Fulford
Project Engineer, The Weitz Company
Bio:
I grew up in West Palm Beach, FL. I am currently a Project Engineer for the MEP (Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing) Squad with The Weitz Company. In March of 2020, I was relocated to Des Moines, IA to work on a Data Center for Microsoft. In July of 2021, I will be relocating again to Leesburg, VA to further expand my career opportunities in the Data Center Industry. The Data Center World is a fast-paced environment that brings daily challenges but is very rewarding.
Karina Almonte
Safety Manager
Bio:
I was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and raised in South Florida. I graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor of Science degree in construction management. I started my track in construction as a safety intern with Balfour Beatty for two and half years. During the pandemic I switched career paths and began as an assistant project manager building a school. My career goals are to grow in safety management. In my spare time I enjoy playing the drums, gaming, exercising, spending time with friends and family, photography and traveling.
Kissyann Jones
Project Manager, Advanced Stucco
Outside of the office and classes, I am committed living a healthy lifestyle, traveling and reading in my spare time.
Melissa Arcila
Construction Estimator, ANF Group, Inc.
Bio:
I was born in Cali, Colombia. I graduated from FIU with a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management in 2017. I started my career in Construction during my teen years in my family business, then as assistant estimator with Plaza Construction while still attending school. While in school I had the opportunity to participate in student competitions, student organizations and networking events. I worked in the Miami-Dade, Doral, and Brickell area on mixed-use buildings consisting of parking garages, residential, retail, high-rises and medical facilities. My career goals are to grow in estimating & project management. In my spare time I enjoy reading, working out, going to the beach, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.