Celebrating Women in Construction: Shawmut Employee-Owners in the Spotlight

As part of our Women in Construction Week celebration, two Shawmut team members—Stephanie Swartz and Hannah Gerard—were featured in Women in Construction Spotlights by New England Real Estate Journal and New York Real Estate Journal. The spotlights are dedicated to women and their accomplishments in the AEC industry, showcasing their career path, success, and leadership. From their greatest professional achievements to insights into what inspires them most in their career, read what our Shawmut team members said below.  

What is one project or achievement in your career that you are most proud of, and how did it impact your organization or community?

I’m most proud of building long-term client relationships, including my current client Lesley University. Over the past three years, we’ve transformed an unused building into a vibrant student center, creating a key hub for their community. This marks the fifth consecutive Shawmut project on campus. Similarly, I spent 10 years working across various buildings at Boston College and eight years completing a multi-phase renovation for The First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston. These lasting partnerships drive meaningful impact, blending innovation with the needs of the organizations we serve.

Who or what has inspired you most in your career, and what advice would you share with the next generation of women entering the A/E/C industry? 

After nearly 12 years at Shawmut – and almost 30 in the industry – I’ve been fortunate to work with talented people who have taught and inspired me throughout my career. My advice to younger professionals: stay curious, trust your instincts, and find a mentor! We all learn from each other, and sharing our experiences collaboratively helps us grow both personally and professionally.

Read Stephanie’s full Q&A here.

What is one project or achievement in your career that you are most proud of, and how did it impact your organization or community?

I’m most proud of the work my team and I did on the renovations at The Benjamin Royal Sonesta New York in Midtown. This fast-paced and complex project involved transforming 209 guest rooms and suites, along with updating public spaces including the new lobby and refreshed meeting rooms. My team and I successfully delivered a high-quality renovation that enhances the guest experience by incorporating contemporary details and technology while also elevating the hotel’s presence in the city as they look to expand nationwide.

Who or what has inspired you most in your career, and what advice would you share with the next generation of women entering the A/E/C industry?

I’ve had the privilege of working with many talented people at Shawmut over the past eight years. With each project, I have the opportunity to collaborate with new team members and have found a strong culture of support where colleagues help one another grow professionally. The dedication, problem-solving skills, and passion of those around me inspire me every day. My advice is to be on the jobsite as often as possible and ask as many questions as you can. The more you immerse yourself in the work and learn from those around you, the more confident and capable you will become.

Read Hannah’s full Q&A here.