BOARD MEMBERS

2025-2026

President

MAYRA ACEVES

Meet Mayra Aceves, a Project Manager with 15 years of experience in construction. Her journey began during a difficult time when she took a job to support her family—without knowing much about the industry. But something clicked, and she’s been all in ever since. Born and raised in Riverside, CA, Mayra once dreamed of becoming a book author and still holds onto a different creative goal: owning a restaurant one day. Outside of work, she loves traveling and making memories with her son, Leo. This year, she’s excited to launch a few local projects and has plans to visit both Canada and Mexico.

Vice President

SAMMI SHEPHERD

Sammi Maya Shepherd is a Senior Project Manager at Swinerton with 26 years in the construction industry. Born in Cali, Colombia and raised in Northern California, she earned her engineering degree from Cal Poly Pomona and got her start designing boat docks and marinas. Today, she leads Design Build projects in Swinerton’s education sector and is completing her fourth library at Chaffey College.Sammi is a dedicated mentor and advocate for women in construction, serving as Chair of Swinerton’s Women’s Business Resource Group and a board member for both ACE IE and the Inland Empire AGC Education Board. In her downtime, she enjoys crafting, painting, and glamping with her husband, Wesley, her biggest supporter

DIRECTOR 1

CATHERINE PERRET

Catherine Perret grew up in Chino, CA, and always imagined herself as a soldier when she was younger. Today, she brings that same sense of determination and grit to her role as an Account Manager at ProSource Wholesale. With over 12 years of experience in the construction industry, starting from her early days in Home Depot’s garden department, Catherine is passionate about creating connections and supporting women in the field. A fun fact? She once helped Travis Browne build a project in the backyard he shares with Ronda Rousey. Outside of work, nothing makes her happier than spending time with her kids and grandkids. This year, she’s all about building memories, embracing adventures, and creating joy alongside friends and family.

DIRECTOR 2

LAURA ARREOLA

Meet Laura Arreola, a Fleet Manager who found her way into the construction industry after deciding it was time for a career change. Originally from San Jose, CA, Laura once imagined a future as a veterinarian, but four years into construction, she’s carved out a path she’s proud of. Outside of work, you’ll find her at hockey practice with her husband and son or enjoying a night out with her girlfriends. Known for her great dance moves and easygoing spirit, Laura is looking forward to growing professionally this year, whether that means moving up in her current company or taking on new goals in a fresh role.

TREASURER

ANA ROCHA

Ana Rocha grew up in the Inland Empire and originally saw herself becoming a librarian or teacher. These days, she works as a Material Sourcing Manager and is coming up on four years in the construction industry. Her path started when she applied for a Business Analyst role—something she’d been working toward for a while—and it opened the door to a career she really enjoys. When she’s not working, Ana likes to travel, hike, read, and lift weights. She’s also a big fan of winter wonderlands. This year, she’s most looking forward to meeting other women in construction and being part of a supportive community

SECRETARY

GRACIELLA CARILLO

Graciela Jimenez Carrillo is a Project Coordinator with four years in the construction industry, beginning her journey after completing a certification course in Office Administration and getting her start with OCS Construction. Originally from Mexicali, Graciela grew up between San Diego and San Bernardino. As a child, she dreamed of becoming a designer, art teacher, or fashion designer—creative passions she still embraces today through sketching, music, and movies. A lover of numerology, she jokes that numbers follow her, with 444 being her special sign from above. This year, she’s looking forward to pushing herself toward new experiences and stepping outside of her comfort zone.

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

MARKETING

ALICIA SILVAS PORTER

Alicia Silvas-Porter, Senior Project Engineer at Kitchell, brings 18 years of versatile experience in the construction industry. She got her start as an admin assistant at a drywall company, assembling submittals by hand and faxing out bids. That role sparked her interest in construction accounting until she realized project management was where she truly belonged. Alicia didn’t attend college; instead, she built her career through on the job experience and is a proud advocate for alternative paths into the industry. Raised in San Bernardino, she’s also lived in Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, and Washington. In her free time, Alicia and her family are all about travel, live music (they hit a dozen concerts or festivals a year!), youth sports, and offroading adventures. This year, she’s excited to kick off a new project for the County of San Bernardino: an Animal Care Facility. She’s also loving her new role, thriving alongside a supportive teammate, and yes, she’s already counting down to Vans Warped Tour

FINANCE

ANA ROCHA

Ana Rocha grew up in the Inland Empire and originally saw herself becoming a librarian or teacher. These days, she works as a Material Sourcing Manager and is coming up on four years in the construction industry. Her path started when she applied for a Business Analyst role—something she’d been working toward for a while—and it opened the door to a career she really enjoys. When she’s not working, Ana likes to travel, hike, read, and lift weights. She’s also a big fan of winter wonderlands. This year, she’s most looking forward to meeting other women in construction and being part of a supportive community

COMMUNITY OUTREACH & ENRICHMENT

DENISE FERNANDEZ (CHAIR)

Denise Fernandez is the proud owner of her own business, with over 12 years in interior design and more than 15 years of experience in the real estate industry. Her journey started early—at just 17, she entered the mortgage world, setting the foundation for a long and dynamic career. Raised in Anaheim Hills after being born in Lake Elsinore, Denise once dreamed of becoming an attorney. These days, she channels that same drive into growing her business, with plans to scale up and expand into commercial design this year. In her free time, she stays active through fitness, enjoys traveling, and gives back through volunteer work. Fun fact: she played the saxophone for four years and had her childhood artwork displayed across Orange County back in the ’90s.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH & ENRICHMENT​

WENDY CAMPOS VACA (CO-CHAIR)

Wendy Vaca works in Business Development and has been in the construction industry for 8 years, getting her start through her husband’s company. She grew up in Inglewood, CA, and brings a thoughtful, people-first energy to everything she does. In her free time, she loves capturing photos, especially of historic landmarks, and spending quality time with family and friends. This year, her goal is simple: to enjoy life and make the most of every moment.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ​

TRACEY LAWRENCE

Tracey Lawrence didn’t always picture herself in construction – growing up in Tallahassee, FL, she dreamed of becoming an actress. But her path took a different turn when she was hired as a bond clerk in Florida, typing bonds on a typewriter with carbon paper. What followed was a 20 year career in surety, including underwriting assignments with two of the three largest sureties in the U.S., spanning both the East and West Coasts. Her journey was shaped in large part by a brilliant sponsor who opened doors she didn’t even know existed at the time. Today, Tracey serves as the President of Heis Surety & Insurance Services. Outside of work, she enjoys sewing, strolling through Farmers’ Markets, and a good session of people-watching. As for what she’s looking forward to this year? One word: change.

MEMBERSHIP & SPONSORSHIP

SARAH JAMIESON

Meet Sarah Jamieson, a Technical Sales specialist for Power & HVAC at United Rentals. She grew up in Rancho Cucamonga and once dreamed of becoming an emergency room nurse. After spending 10 years with her previous company, the post-Covid world sparked a desire for something new. With a little inspiration from her fiancée, who owns a trucking company that delivers generators for United and its competitors, Sarah made the leap and found her place in the construction world. Now four years in, she’s thriving in the fast-paced environment. Always up for an adventure, Sarah has road-tripped across the country twice, hunts down the best restaurants in every city she visits, and loves exploring with her Aussie doodle by her side. This year, she’s looking forward to fresh opportunities, a big move, and whatever else life has in store.

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