How to Succeed in the Male Dominated Built Industry: The Advantages of Workforce Diversity
February 19, 2020

Ms. Amanda Comunale

Amanda Comunale joined Victaulic as Director of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) in August 2014. In this role, Ms. Comunale is responsible for overseeing Victaulic’s global estimating, fabrication, BIM and construction technology initiatives that benefit and support Victaulic’s customers and its strategic growth objectives. Ms. Comunale’s career has spanned both the private and public sectors. Prior to Victaulic, Amanda served as the Vice President of Operations Services for S. A. Comunale an EMCOR company, where she was responsible for managing the day-to-day operations such as purchasing, IT, safety, human resources, transportation and LEAN. It was there that she realized her passion for construction and how processes and technology are changing the industry.

Ms. Randee Herrin

Randee Herrin, Senior Vice President at TDIndustries, is responsible for the oversight of VDC and Manufacturing. Additionally, she is part of TD’s corporate senior leadership team and serves as co-leader of TD’s R&D program and as the captain of TD's innovation team where she works to create value for internal and external customers. Randee also has a passion for increasing diversity and inclusion within the construction industry. As the war for talent continues to intensify, Randee is looking to fill the gap through gender parity. To do this she has developed a program that actively recruits, supports, and trains female craft workers.

Tauhira Hoossainy

Tauhira Ali is a highly skilled product strategist with more than 14 years of R&D and product design experience. As Milwaukee Tool's Senior Manager of Construction Technology, she explores construction trends and emerging technologies to drive practical, user-focused solutions. Her early product development and roadmap strategy development has impacted physical and digital solutions across every Milwaukee Tool product line. Prior to Milwaukee, Tauhira received a BS and MS in computationally focused Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech and Cornell University. She has held R&D positions in the computing, automotive, aerospace, robotics, and public relations industries. In addition to her passion for product development, Tauhira is deeply committed to expanding and empowering all voices within technical industries and has been honored to work closely with FIRST Robotics, the Society of Women in Engineering, and Habitat for Humanity.

Kenneth J Midgett

Ken Midgett is a Licensed master plumber of 38 years, a former successful business owner for over twenty-two years of two plumbing heating and air-conditioning business and currently 11+ years as the Plumbing and Heating Instructor at Lehigh Career and Technical Institute and the Post-Secondary teacher for the Level II apprentice plumber program operated by the Allentown Master Plumbers Association in Schnecksville PA. He currently has his Master Plumbers License, VOC II teaching certification from Temple University has the OSHA and Mold certifications, and is a Google Certified Teacher. He is the recipient of two National teaching awards from NOCTI, C.Thomas Olivo Award (2013) and the NAPHCC, Plumbing Instructor of the Year (2019). Eligible students from his program have enjoyed 100% placement in the plumbing and heating industries over the past 7 years. He is a big promoter of non-traditional students and employee including women working in the Plumbing and Heating Industry. The young women in Ken’s program and alumni have appeared on national and local television, and are chosen members of the National Technical Honor Society.

Emily Wehr

Emily Wehr is currently at 3rd apprentice employed by her father’s company of 30 years in Whitehall PA. She graduated from Whitehall Coplay School district and went to work full time for her dad post-graduation. At a young age, she was exposed to the industry by working with her dad, liked the work and realized she could do plumbing and heating as a career. She is currently enrolled in the Allentown Master Plumbers Apprenticeship program an attends evening classes. Emily’s love of working with her hands and fixing the customer’s plumbing problems is evident in the great pride she takes in her work along with a sense of accomplishment with her ongoing efforts. When she is not turning wrenches, Emily enjoys hiking, fishing camping, and an outdoor lifestyle.

Jody-Ann Young