March 3, 2025
By Aly Lande, Capital Project Marketing Specialist
Not all superheroes wear capes… some wear safety vests and hard hats and aren’t called superheroes at all ─ rather superheroines.
To celebrate Women in Construction Week (March 2-8, 2025), organized by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), the Port of Seattle is shining a spotlight on some remarkable women under our own roof. These women represent different backgrounds, different paths, and different views, but all recognize the value and importance of female representation in a male-dominated industry.
A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman. But the search to find that voice can be remarkably difficult. -Melinda French Gates
For many women, the road to a career in construction hasn’t always been a straight path. Women in the workforce have fought an uphill battle for a voice and a seat at the table. According to the National Association of Home Builders, women employed in construction reached about 10.8% in 2023, up from 2017 when it was at about 9.1%. While that number continues to rise, the need for advocacy and mentorship remains.
The Port is committed to creating equitable opportunities for women through its programs and policies. Through the work of the Diversity in Contracting department, as well as Women and Minority Business Enterprise (WMBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goals set by the projects, the Port is helping more women enter and thrive in the construction industry. There are plentiful opportunities, whether it’s down on the waterfront, or out at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
Read the stories of five incredible women working day in and day out to level the playing field across the maritime and aviation divisions at the Port. They represent what it looks like to be a woman in the construction industry; smart, organized, multi-talented, and relentless. While taking challenges head on and solving problems, these women are also mothers, wives, travel planners, chefs, explorers, volunteers, sneakerheads, community members, readers, growth-seekers, and true superheroines!
Job Title: Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program Manager, Diversity in Contracting
Projects: Checkpoint 1 Relocation, Roadway Improvements, Restroom Renovation, S Concourse Evolution, Part 150 Noise Study, Sound Insulation, CMP Decarbonization Study, Terminal 5, and many more!
Lisa Phair has lived in Seattle her entire life and is incredibly passionate about the community and assisting small and disadvantaged businesses. Lisa has over 15 years of service with the Port of Seattle and is dedicated to increasing equitable access to port-related jobs and careers, primarily focusing on supporting Women, Minority, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (WMDBE). In her current role as a DBE Program Manager with the Diversity in Contracting department, she helps to manage the USDOT Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) contract compliance on Port projects and contracts.
Empowering women in construction
One of the things Lisa loves about her job is supporting women in construction and their small businesses. She’s working to help change the perception that construction isn’t a viable career for women, or that women don’t make good leaders in this field and can only be successful in administrative positions. She’s practicing what she preaches every day by helping people who are fighting that myth and making it their reality.
Lisa believes it’s critical to not only have female representation in construction, but also in leadership roles to create a more inclusive and equitable workplace. She says, “women who choose to enter the construction field often encounter discrimination and harassment and are often paid lower wages than men in similar roles.”
There isn’t just one path that works for everyone; rather, there are many different routes for women to break into the industry. For those looking for future careers in the construction trade, Lisa suggests the following: 
- pursue apprenticeships or trade school training
- seek mentorship from experienced workers
- be open to exploring new fields
- find a career that interests you
At the Port of Seattle, women hold key leadership roles overseeing major construction projects. Having representation in those leadership roles gives women a seat at the table and ensures that different perspectives shape the future of construction. The Port is committed to increasing WMDBE participation on contracts to increase inclusion across all projects. Lisa continues to do her part towards balancing those scales to get more accurate representation and equal opportunity for all.
Above and beyond
On top of her work at the Port, Lisa is also currently a member of Tabor 100, American Contract Compliance Association (ACCA), Port of Seattle’s chapter of Blacks in Government (BIG), and also serves as the Secretary for the Washington State chapter for the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO). She partners on behalf of the Port of Seattle with other agencies on technical assistance and outreach events to provide awareness of opportunities to the Historically Underutilized Small and Disadvantaged businesses.
Lisa was born and raised in West Seattle and has been lucky enough have two inspiring and powerful women in her life — her grandmothers Ginger Phair and Ethelyne Monroe. She also finds inspiration in other female figures such as Kamala Harris and Michelle Obama. In Lisa’s spare time, she maintains a good work/life balance by taking on her own DIY projects at home. She also enjoys camping, hiking, cooking, and traveling.
Job Title: Capital Program Leader, Aviation Project Management Group
Projects: C Concourse Expansion project, International Arrivals Facility (completed)
Leading complex construction projects
For the past 24 years at the Port, Janet Sheerer has built an impressive career leading complex construction projects that shape the future of aviation. She started her career as a project manager working for a small general contractor in her hometown, managing bids and contracts. She decided to apply for one of six open Project Manager 1 positions at the airport because the projects looked interesting, and she claims that the projects have been interesting ever since!
She is currently working on the C Concourse Expansion project as part of Upgrade SEA, but before that, Janet worked on the International Arrivals Facility (IAF) which was one of the most complex capital projects in the history of the airport. Opening that facility and seeing the surprise and smiles on people’s faces as they experienced the new building was one of the most rewarding moments for her in her career at the Port thus far.
Now as a Capital Program Leader, she manages large-scale airport improvement projects from design to completion, leading a team of project managers to bring these ambitious plans to life. She loves the problem-solving aspect of the job and the idea that you can solve just about any design or construction problem once you get the right group of talented people together to work through it.
She says “It’s very exciting to see a set of design documents turn into an actual physical structure that passengers will use and enjoy for decades. Construction projects are a mix of brain power, technology, and good old fashioned physical labor.”
Increasing diverse perspectives
Janet believes that it’s critical to have women represented in construction because jobs in the construction field typically pay well and women should have the opportunity to be in those types of jobs. And because having a diverse project team with diverse experiences and points of view, including those of women, results in a better project and work environment for everyone. She believes that women have had to fight extra hard for every goal they’ve ever achieved which makes women a “mentally tough bunch!” She was surprised when she entered the industry at how many jobs are available in a construction office; bidding, managing, contracts, safety, scheduling, estimating, and executive roles.
One of the ways Janet hopes to break down some of the barriers women face in the industry is to continue to occupy a seat at the table and make sure women’s voices are heard. She says, “I’m still in way too many meetings where I’m the only woman there.” She believes there is still that misconception that people think working in construction means “strapping on a work belt and putting up drywall or digging ditches.” She goes on to say “Those are incredibly important jobs that women can definitely do, but I think there’d be more women in the construction industry if they knew more about all the incredible, interesting jobs that go into construction work.”
She stresses how important it is to make sure young women and girls learn about these early in life when they’re making school and career decisions so they can see themselves in these jobs. Getting a degree in something like engineering or construction management is not the only path there is; Janet actually got her degrees in Interior Design and Public Administration. Some advice she wants to pass on is to “be willing to work on and learn from smaller jobs and then advocate to be given more responsibility.”
Finding inspiration
Inspiration for Janet comes in many ways, primarily from how her parents raised her and how her dad encouraged her and her sister to take lessons from everywhere and everything in life, not just to default to the “girly” things. They were taught to change oil in cars, help their dad balance tires, race pinewood derby cars, and design and build marble mazes. He not only sent Janet off to college with basic tools, but literal tools as well. “I was the only girl in my dorm with my own Makita drill.” Other inspirations include her sister Diane, who’s a second-grade teacher and busy changing the lives of little ones for the better, and her friend Mary, who moved halfway around the globe to work with refugees in some of the most underserved areas of the world. Just another example of women doing amazing things!
When Janet is not out on the job site for the C Concourse Expansion project or ruling the conference room, she can be found learning to knit or with her nose in a fiction book. She and her husband also love to play with their two rescue corgis, Stanley and Maddox, and are planning to take them and hit the open road later this year on a well-deserved break. But don’t worry — she’ll be back in time to help open the new C Concourse open before the World Cup hits Seattle in the summer of 2026.
Job Title: Capital Project Manager IV, Waterfront Project Management
Projects: Fishermen’s Terminal Maritime Innovation Center (MInC), the Maritime Industrial Center Electrical Infrastructure Replacement, and T91/P66 Cruise Shore Power Extensions
Kelly Purnell has only just started making waves at the Port, joining just under three years ago as a capital project manager. She helps to lead complex infrastructure projects focused on sustainability, infrastructure repairs or replacements, and economic development that helps keep the maritime side of the Port thriving. Before joining the Port, she worked in electric infrastructure most of her career, but the allure of the diversity of projects and the Port’s portfolio intrigued her. She loves that no day is ever the same and that all the projects are different and complex in their own way. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to work with amazing people that she says “makes coming to work fun and worthwhile.”
Transforming Seattle’s maritime future
The Fishermen Terminal’s Maritime Innovation Center (MInC) project has been one of her highlights and biggest achievements since joining the Waterfront Project Management team. She says “It’s kind of a once in a lifetime project. Taking the oldest building in the Port’s real estate profile and transforming it into a Living Building Challenge (LBC) certified, state-of-the-art center for maritime industry research and development. And that is unlikely to ever come my way again.”
Advocating for women in construction
Kelly believes women’s representation in construction and every industry is crucial. Women represent half the population, and she believes those perspectives and experiences should be reflected in that work. “Women are just as capable of digging a trench, pouring concrete, operating heavy machinery, or engineering a system” she says. Kelly advocates for sharing experiences and wisdom to other women interested in the industry and using mentorship opportunities to help take steps toward a culture shift and get more women interested and involved on both the labor side, as well as the design and engineering side.
Kelly has found inspiration in many ways, especially from some of her own mentors over the years who helped her get started in her career and still offer advice years later. But since joining the Port, she finds inspiration every day within her own team. Not only is her current supervisor a woman, but all three of her biggest projects are sponsored by female directors that are “absolutely crushing it in their respective lines of business.” She is thankful for all the people she gets to work with each and every single day and says “We are stronger as an organization because the Port is such a supportive place for all people.”
Finding balance
Kelly finds balance as a project manager by spending time outdoors: skiing, hiking, backpacking, and occasionally cycling. Anytime she can plan trips to include outdoor activities is a great way to keep that balance. She also dreams of someday finding her musical talents and learning to play an instrument. We can’t wait to see what Kelly does next!
Job Title: Project Manager (contracted through Jacobs), Aviation Project Management Group
Projects: SEA Gateway Project, N Concourse Modernization (completed)
Bringing big projects to life
Megan Keno began working on projects as a contractor at the Port when she heard there was a need for a young and hungry project manager to work on major capital projects at SEA Airport. This started her tenure at SEA in 2016 as a Project Manager with the Aviation Project Management Group, contracted through Jacobs. Her first project at the airport was as part of the N Concourse Modernization team, helping to completely renovate the N Concourse.
Today, Megan helps lead the SEA Gateway Project which is working in partnership with Alaska Airlines. This project is reimagining and redesigning SEA’s literal front door(s). The project is making improvements on the north end of the Main Terminal on all levels, including updating Alaska’s Ticketing Lobby, restructuring the northernmost security checkpoint, and helping to add a bevvy of public art into the design of this major project.
Megan coordinates construction impacts on passenger and airport operations, working closely with Port stakeholders and contractors to minimize disruptions. She says “It’s a multi-faceted operation to ensure we achieve our goals of a successful build, while keeping SEA running as smoothly as possible.” For her, the job goes beyond construction — it's about enhancing the overall SEA experience. She thrives on the variety, with each day bringing unique challenges.
Increasing representation
Megan believes that increased female representation within the industry can only lead to a better end product. People view things in a different way that can lead to big changes, and she thinks everyone can apply their own unique management experiences to the field and see things outside the box. She hopes it can inspire others to try something new and pursue a career in a field they never imagined, which is what happened to her!
Some of her advice based on her journey from admin to project manager for a younger generation is:
- Be open to the possibilities that are presented to you
- Be ready to pivot and take on new challenges
- Never give up being curious; it will never lead you down the wrong path
Much of the credit for her career goes to her parents who have been hugely influential in her life, providing incredible support and some of the best advice. Megan’s motto is, “don’t be driftwood” which is a great reminder to her to “not let the tide just carry you along, you have to do the work and fight the currents to get what you want.” She also credits her colleagues at the Port and the other women working on the Port’s capital project portfolio. She thinks they all provide incredible insight and knowledge to the projects they’re a part of and she says she is determined to learn something from each one of them.
From construction sites to kitchens
Megan is not only skilled in the art of project management, but a seasoned expert in culinary creations. “Cooking is my go-to hobby, it’s also led to some of the most thrilling opportunities of my life! I wrote a cookbook on cast iron in 2017 and have just republished it as a self-published edition. And I can now proudly say I’m a cast member of Fox’s Next Level Chef with Gordon Ramsay! It’s still not real!” We know what Megan and her family will be watching on Thursday nights!
While we won’t pick favorites or promote checking out her cookbook, we have a feeling her cookbook (“Cast Iron Gourmet”) might be flying off the shelves fast [hint, hint]. And we will definitely not say [wink, wink] that we’re rooting for Home Chef Megan Keno on Next Level Chef Thursday nights on Fox!
Job Title: Construction Manager III, Construction Services
Projects: Checkpoint 1 Relocation, Passenger Loading Bridge WiFi, various tenant projects
Finding solutions
Tanisha Delgardo joined the Port of Seattle after working for a general contractor on the South Terminal Expansion Project where she met some amazing people that encouraged her to apply for a job directly with the Port. Fast forward many projects and 20 years later, and she’s filling the role of Construction Manager III, formerly called Resident Engineer, and finding joy in being part of the solution.
One thing Tanisha loves about her role is finding the solutions in a puzzle of construction complications. She says “Construction comes with many daily challenges, some more stressful than others, so it feels great to assist.” She really enjoys the team collaboration and supporting each other. Her current role on the Checkpoint 1 Relocation project is a perfect example of that teamwork, from the project management, to the construction management side where everyone works as one team. “It’s a great feeling to be a part of a team that puts so much care into their work. We work hard to support the project and one another.”
Breaking down stereotypes
Tanisha believes that increasing women in construction brings diversity in the workforce, fills labor gap shortages, and creates opportunities and inspiration for the next generation and all generations. The work to break down stereotypes and biases, lack of representation, and limited resources for women in the industry can be combatted by increasing opportunities for women, creating programs for networking and mentorship, and continuing to fight for equal pay and career progression.
The Port plays a pivotal role in helping to champion diversity and equity in all levels. Finding ways to build upon that is be a goal of Tanisha’s: providing space for mentorship opportunities and using platforms that allow the recognition for women to be seen within the organization. This work and support does not end with this one week in March, but rather the hard work happens year round. Tanisha’s advice to the younger generation is “don’t box yourself in, look deeper into your future, and dream bigger!”
Reaching higher
Tanisha herself has been inspired to reach higher by some of her Port colleagues and wants to give a shout out to Heather Munden, Sara Mitchell, and Janice Zahn. She’s also been inspired by so many incredible women in her life — too many to count. Tanisha’s family has helped shape her into the person she is today, and she holds a special place for her grandmother, who has passed; her aunt, Laura Witherspoon; and her three kids Da’Lorian, Ryshun, and Ryshel.
In her spare time, you can find Tanisha cooking for her family, volunteering at her church, working to solve the homeless crisis in the community, and participating on the King County Participatory Budget. You can also count on Tanisha to be on the lookout for the latest kicks, with her eyes on the Nike Air Max Dn8s. She doesn’t sleep on her sneaker game!
The most effective way to do it, is to do it. –Amelia Earhart
I want to thank all these women for giving us their time and energy to be able to spotlight them properly, and for all the work they do across the Port of Seattle, and beyond. They are a great model of amazing people who are shining in their respective roles, and we are proud to have them represent the Port as phenomenal women in construction. We look forward to seeing all the work they do, the tasks they accomplish, the barriers they break, and the young women they inspire! They are the definition of superheroines!
Find out more information about the Port's maritime and economic development capital portfolio and SEA Airport's capital program, Upgrade SEA.
Editor’s Note: This content also happened to be produced by a team of talented women in External Relations, Communications — Abbey Lampert, Aly Lande, and Claire Alexander
