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McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. is America’s oldest privately held national construction company. Repeatedly honored as a Best Place to Work, we are committed to building the workforce of the future. We love to build and are proud to be 100 percent employee owned.
ABOUT McCARTHY
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Waiver form
Click here to view and sign the waiver If you have any questions please contact: Meghan Uribe: mnuribe@mccarthy.com.
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Yes. There will be a variety of hands–on activities throughout the day.
This event is geared towards high school students, however there will be a presentation for parents.
Will there be any hands-on activities? Who is invited to attend/sign-up? What happens on the day of the event? Do I need to pay for this event? What is the Transportation/Parking situation? If the registration is full, can I still attend? Will there be another event? Do I need to do anything before the event to be prepared? What can I do to continue learning about the Construcion Industry? What are the possible careers in Construction? I'm looking into college applications and programs, what are some related areas of study? Do I need a college degree to be in the Construction Industry? Does McCarthy accept college interns?
Frequently asked questions
We are committed to build stronger partnerships with our workforce and community, and support a culture where the best talent can join, stay, and succeed. Partnership for Women is a McCarthy Holdings, Inc.-led Inclusion Resource Group.
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8 – 8:30 a.m. Registration 8:30 – 9 a.m. Introduction/Safety Parent/Guardian Construction 101 9 – 9:45 a.m. Booth #1 Castle Contracting Heavy Equipment Operating 9:45 – 10:30 a.m. Booth #2 McCarthy Wall Mock-Up 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. Booth #3 TJ Wies Drywall Installations 11:15 – 12:15 p.m. Lunch/Networking 12:15 – 1:00 p.m. Booth #4 Icon Mechanical Welding / Piping Systems 1 – 1:45 p.m. Booth #5 PayneCrest Electric Wiring and Conduit 1:45 – 2:30 p.m. Booth #6 Taylor Roofing and Carlisle Syntech Systems Roofing System Installation 2:30 – 3:15 p.m. Booth #7 McCarthy Building Information Modeling and Virtual Design & Construction 3:15 – 3:30 p.m. Summary & Close
STEMstruction
April 18th, 2026 | 10Am – 2PM 1460 churchill downs ave, woodland, ca 95776
Do you have a passion for engineering, art, problem-solving, or hands-on work?
Where everyone can succeed without barriers
Lizzie Hinkey
Project Manager
Jennifer Aquino
Diversity Equity and Inclusion Coordinator
Alice Nguyen
Vice President, Preconstruction
Nikki Marongiu
Director Business Development
Transportation will not be provided so please coordinate individual transportation or carpool with a friend. Parking will be available in our gated yard at no cost.
There will be a waitlist and you will be contacted if there is an open space. If not, the event will occur again the following year.
Yes, this is an annual event!
Yes, please make sure you signed the waiver form and wear closed-toed shoes and long pants during the activities. Personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided to students. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Feel free to reach out to us or any of our industry partners! All industry partners are more than happy to answer any questions that you may have. All industry partner and company partner information are listed under the “PROGRAM” tab on our website.
A. Trades – Possible opportunities without experience/schooling, other times you will need trade schooling or certifications - Capentry - Mechanical - Electrical - Plumbing - Welding - Painting - Machine Operating - Etc. B. Construction Management – typically requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field C. Engineering – requires a bachelor's degree or higher D. Architecture – requires a bachelor's degree or higher E. Business Management – Marketing, Business Development, Finances, Virtual Design, Human Resources, Administration
Students will be divided into groups and rotate through various presentations and exercises. We will have demonstrations and hands-on opportunities for students to safely engage in common operations with some of our trade partners. Information booths will also be available for students and parents to browse various schools that specialize in construction and related fields.
No, this is a free event.
A. Construction Management B. Civil Engineering C. Structural Engineering D. Mechanical Engineering E. Electrical Engineering F. Architecture
No, it depends on the career you choose within the industry.
Yes. McCarthy typically recruits college interns through college info sessions and career fairs. If you are interested in interning with McCarthy, feel free to contact our Human Resources department through our website.
Exploring STEM Through Construction
Register as a Student
Once registered, you will receive an email from a member of our team with the waiver form attached. Please complete the form and reply directly within the same email thread, or bring the completed form with you on the day of the event. If you have any questions please contact: Shelley Arnold: smarnold@mccarthy.com
All registrants must have a waiver signed.
McCARTHY BUILDING COMPANIES, INC.
All registrants must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.
Hosted By
hosted by
Yes. There will be a variety of hands-on activities throught the day.
WILL THERE be any hands-on activities?
Who is invited to attend / sign-up
What happens on the day of the event?
Do I Need to pay for this event?
What is the transportation & Parking situation?
If the registration is full, can i still attend?
Will there be another event?
DO i need to do anything before the even to be prepared?
WHAT CAN I DO TO CONTINUE LEARNING ABOUT THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY?
B. Construction Management – typically requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field C. Engineering – requires a bachelor's degree or higher D. Architecture – requires a bachelor's degree or higher E. Business Management – Marketing, Business Development
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE CAREERS IN CONSTRUCTION?
Construction Management | Civil Engineering | Structural Engineering | Mechanical Engineering | Electrical Engineering | Architecture
I'm looking into college applications & programs, what are some related fields of study?
DO I NEED A COLLEGE DEGREE TO BE IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY?
DOES Mccarthy accept college interns?
B. Construction Management – typically requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field C. Engineering – requires a bachelor's degree or higher D. Architecture – requires a bachelor's degree or higher E. Business Management – Marketing, Business Development, Finances, Virtual Design, Human Resources, Administration
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. is hosting an event to inspire and educate students about opportunities within the construction industry, highlighting its many dynamic facets. This event is FREE and open to all middle and high school students! Also, a special presentation and Q&A for parents and guardians will be held shortly after drop-off! If you have any questions contact: smarnold@mccarthy.com | (916) 204-6579
McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. is America’s oldest privately held national construction company. Repeatedly honored as a Best Place to Work and previously recognized as a Forbes Best Employer for Diversity, we are committed to building the workforce of the future and growing a diverse construction industry that reflects the communities where we live and work. McCarthy is proud to be 100 percent employee owned.
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PROGRAM
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For more information please email smarnold@mccarthy.com or hakay@mccarthy.com
VIEW PROGRAM DETAILS
8:00 - 8:30.........Arrival, Check-In, Light Breakfast 9:00.................Student / Parent Presentation 9:30.................Q&A 9:40.................Assemble Groups 9:45 - 10:15......Station 1 (Break/Rotate) 10:20 - 10:50.....Station 2 (Break/Rotate) 10:55 - 11:25.....Station 3 (Break/Rotate) 11:30 - 12:00.....Station 4 12:00 - 1:00.......Lunch / Panel 1:00 .................Group Photo & Stretch Flex 1:15 - 1:45.........Station 5 (Break/Rotate) 1:50 - 2:20.........Station 6 (Break/Rotate) 2:25 - 2:55.........Station 7 3:00 - 3:15.........Closing Remarks & Group Photo
8:00 - 8:30........Arrival, Check-In, Light Breakfast 9:00.................Student / Parent Presentation 9:30.................Q&A 9:40.................Assemble Groups 9:45 - 10:15......Station 1 (Break/Rotate) 10:20 - 10:50.....Station 2 (Break/Rotate) 10:55 - 11:25.....Station 3 (Break/Rotate) 11:30 - 12:00.....Station 4 12:00 - 1:00.......Lunch / Panel 1:00..................Group Photo & Stretch Flex 1:15 - 1:45.........Station 5 (Break/Rotate) 1:50 - 2:20.........Station 6 (Break/Rotate) 2:25 - 2:55.........Station 7 3:00 - 3:15.........Closing Remarks & Group Photo
Academic Resources
Bay Area - ACE Mentorship Program:
Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Golden Gate Section:
Society of Women Engineers (SWE) National Scholarship:
Sacramento Area - CREATE Mentorship Program:
California Apprenticeship Coordination Association:
The United Brotherhood of Carpentersand Joiners of America:
Northern California Carpenters Regional Council:
Civil Engineering:
Construction Management:
Instagram:
Extension Program - Construction Management:
Architecture or City Planning:
Engineering & Program Management:
College Programs
Civil and Environmental Engineering:
Extension Program - Planning, Design & Construction:
Structural Engineering:
Construction Engineering Management:
Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering:
Construction Project Management:
Construction Engineering:
Construction Management & Technology:
Architecture:
Concrete Industry Management:
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PROGRAM AGENDA
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What can I do to continue learning about the construction industry? Feel free to reach out to us or any of our industry partners! All industry partners are more than happy to answer any questions that you may have. All industry partner and company partner information are listed under the “PROGRAM” tab on our website.
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Does MccARTHY aCCEPT cOLLEGE iNTERNS? Yes. McCarthy typically recruits college interns through college info sessions and career fairs. If you are interested in interning with McCarthy, feel free to contact our Human Resources department through our website.
wHO IS INVITED TO aTTEND/sIGN-uP? This event is geared towards high school students, however there will be a presentation for parents.
wHAT HAPPENS ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT? Students will be divided into groups and rotate through various presentations and exercises. We will have demonstrations and hands-on opportunities for students to safely engage in common operations with some of our trade partners. Information booths will also be available for students and parents to browse various schools that specialize in construction and related fields.
Event Program
9:30 - 10:00.........Arrival, Check-In, Light Breakfast 10:00.................Student / Parent Presentation 10:15.................Q&A 10:20.................Assemble Groups 10:30 - 10:55......Station 1 (Rotate) 11:00 - 11:25.....Station 2 (Rotate) 11:30 - 11:55.....Station 3 (Rotate) 12:00 - 12:25.......Lunch & Group Photo 12:30 - 12:55.....Station 4 (Rotate) 1:00 - 1:25.........Station 5 (Rotate) 1:30 - 1:55.........Station 6 (Rotate) 1:55 - 2:00.........Closing Remarks
Hands-On Demonstration Connections
Information Table Booth Connections
Event Support Connections
Speaker Highlight
Ileana Holguin - Vice President, Project Executive
McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.
Ileana Holguin is a Vice President, Project Executive with McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering and Construction Management Minor from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. During her 24 years in the industry, Ileana has worked on a variety of successful projects in Southern California. She has moved up from project engineer to her current position by working hard, staying true to herself, and being honest and forthcoming with all project stakeholders. This approach has enabled her to help deliver successful projects while strengthening relationships with partners both in the field and office. In her current role, she leads design and construction teams to deliver results for clients across McCarthy’s Southern California Region. Ileana is an active member of McCarthy Partnership for Women. She is also an active member and board member of National Association for Women in Construction (NAWIC) Los Angeles Chaper #42 as well as a leader in the Orange County March of Dimes fundraising efforts.
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Sponsors
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Resources
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2021 Speakers
Ayanna Bell
I am a carpenter by trade! I completed Cycle 17 of the City Build Academy in San Francisco. Fun Fact: I love classic baroque music and I enjoy painting.
Coordinator CTCNC
E: Abell@ctcnc.com
Orange Buensucesco
Fun Fact: I have been to 48 countries and counting… the pandemic has set me back, but I am determined to add more to my list soon!
Project Manager FPB Architects
E: obuensuceso@fpbarch.com P: 650.753.4006
Kate Cuddington
Fun Fact: I’m a 200 HR Certified Yoga Instructor!
Structural Designer Holmes Structures
E: kate.cuddington@holmesstructures.com P: 415.796.7159
Erica Hays
Fun Fact: In 2019 my husband and I got to see the Pyramids in Giza and walk on the Great Wall of China, glad we did that before the pandemic!
Associate Degenkolb Engineers
E: ehays@degenkolb.com P: 415.354.6521
Laura Weyl
Fun Fact: I like summiting mountains and last year I climbed Wyoming’s highest peak with ice axe, harness, and crampons while I was 6 months pregnant with my twins!
E: lweyl@degenkolb.com P: 415.354.6524
Jenica Bixler
The projects I have worked on include Commercial, Industrial, Utilities, Power, Infrastructure, Communication Systems, Healthcare and High-Tech facilities. My current role now allows me to provide overall management direction for all the above-mentioned roles and projects. I am responsible for profit/loss of an organizational unit within Rosendin. Fun Fact: When I am not working, I love to go camping and kayaking.
Division Manager Rosendin
E: jbixler@rosendin.com P: 408.591.1594
Amanda Taylor
Build California: Build California is a comprehensive workforce development initiative created to inspire, engage and activate the next generation of California's construction workforce. We do this by shaping positive perceptions of the construction industry, informing young people and their influencers about the real career opportunities in construction and connecting them to local training programs
Director of Workforce Development AGC
E: TaylorAd@agc-ca.org P: 916.956.0672
Clayton Walton
Fun Fact: The oldest local union west of the Mississippi River is Carpenters Local #35 in San Rafael, California. It has been a fighting force for workers’ rights, organization, and equality for over 130 years.
District Training Coordinaor Carpenter Training
E: cwalton@ctcnc.org P: 925.750.3033
Latoya Thompson
Fun Fact: This is the start of my fourth year in Construction. I have been in Sales Management/ Business Development for over 20 years, so my expertise from other industries certainly has paid off working in Construction. This field is so exciting and I wish that I had started in Construction sooner than mid-career! Needless to say, I am learning so many amazing things and meeting people that are willing to teach and show me the ropes. I love it.
Account Manager Hilti
E: latoya.thompson@hilti.com P: 408.332.1669
Sandra collins
My family had a lumber yard in upstate New York when I was younger, so I have always been in the construction industry. I started as an account manager with Hilti in 2013 after I moved to the Bay Area to be near my sisters. Now I’m in the marketing department for our Western US Market Organization, based in Walnut Creek. Fun fact: I like fishing in my free time. The Pacific Ocean is amazing!
Marketing Trade Manager – Software & Services Hilti
E: sandra.collins@hilti.com P: 415.279.0794
Angelica Chow
Electrical Engineer Mazzetti
E: achow@mazzetti.com
Cassidy Thompson
I am the Scholarship Director for the Golden Gate Section of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). SWE GGS offers scholarships for graduating high school seniors and new or continuing community college students who plan to attend a 4-year accredited university to study engineering or computer science. SWE National also offers scholarships for various levels of students. Fun fact: I love road trips and camping! I hope to visit all the US National Parks someday.11 down, 52 to go!
Mechanical Designer Mazzetti
E: cthompson@mazzetti.com P: 415.364.7204
Juliet Marcal
Electrician Morrow Meadows
E: jmarcal@morrow-meadows.com P: 650.315.0681
Luis Castillo
General Foreman Morrow Meadows
E: Lcastillo@morrow-meadows.com P: 650.333.6476
Fun Fact: I love to ski and enjoy being part of ski patrol at Heavenly Mountain.
Victoria Cowan
Director of Integrated Design & Construction PCI
E: Victoria.cowan@pcg.com P: 510.715.9072
Sarah Knize
Fun Fact: I know how to make balloon animals- once I dressed as a clown for Halloween and could put my skills to the test!
Project Manager Perkins & Will
E: sarah.knize@perkinswill.com
Darine Yusuf
Fun Fact: A few years ago, I faced my fear of heights by climbing halfway up what was either a short mountain or a really tall steep hill. But I had to come down early because I was taking too long for my group- so you could say I have climbed halfway up a mountain!
Designer Perkins & Will
E: darine.yusuf@perkinswill.com
Fun Fact: After being interested in construction since I was a kid, I joined the Construction Management program at Chico State. I learned about all the career opportunities in the construction industry, interned for McCarthy for two summers, and hired on full time after graduation. I have been with McCarthy for almost 10 years and have built parking structures, hospitals, a pharmaceutical lab, and recently finished an office re-model.
Project Manager McCarthy Building Co.
E: NMarongiu@mccarthy.com
Sean Daniels
Fun Fact: I worked my way from a Carpenter Apprentice to General Superintendent over my 23 year career with McCarthy. I have had the opportunity to work in Southern California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and the San Francisco Bay area; experiencing different geographic areas, building unique structures, and being able to support my family along the way.
Superintendent McCarthy Building Co.
E: Sdaniels@mccarthy.com
Nishita Lakhani
Fun Fact: I enjoy being outdoors: hiking, camping, sailing. I am currently training for a half-marathon!
A. Project Manager McCarthy Building Co.
E: NLakhani@McCarthy.com P: 765.637.5499
Steve Weldon
Fun Fact: Born and raised in a 1200 acre ranch in LaGrange, Central California. Worked at the ranch and home schooled. Joined the carpenters union after earning the HS diploma, then started working in the bay area construction and said yes to all the opportunities I got.
Sr. Superintendent McCarthy Building Co.
E: sweldon@mccarthy.com P: 209.840.4834
Sophie Nguyen
Fun Fact: I have been snowboarding since I was 5 years old!
A. Superintendent McCarthy Building Co.
E: snguyen@mccarthy.com P: 415.518.4257
Russ Wissink
Fun Fact: I can still ride my skateboard and drop into a pool.
E: rwissink@mccarthy.com P: 415.716.6999
Fun Fact: I am into vinyl records.
Fred Lucero
Richmond Build
E: flucero@richmondworks.org
Eric Latona
Electrician Rosendin
E: elatona@rosendin.com P: 408.464.7841
Jessica Kataoka
Fun Fact: I started baking because of the shelter in place and my fiancé started an Instagram to document my progress.
Sr. Design Engineer Southland Industries
E: jkataoka@southlandind.com P: 510.320.0262
Kaitlin Thomas
Fun Fact: Working in construction has improved my culinary skills! As the mechanical contractor, I’ve been able to witness and troubleshoot the air flow and exhaust hoods my team has installed when we build industrial kitchen spaces. Being a fly on the wall in an active kitchen, watching their operations was a privilege and taught me a lot about food safety and cooking techniques.
Project Engineer Southland Industries
E: kthomas@southlandind.com P: 510.566.9213
Rockii Frausto
Union Ironworker Westco Ironwork
E: rockii.frausto@gmail.com P: 209.818.1051
Construction is in my blood—I come from a long line of Superintendents and am proud to celebrate 20 years with McCarthy Building Companies. My career started as an Apprentice Carpenter out of high school and I grew through the ranks to my current role as Sr. Superintendent. I run large, complex jobs, creating and driving project schedules and managing the field team and trade partners to provide maximum value to our clients.
Jeremiah Kelly
Sr. Superintendent McCArthy Building Co.
E: JEKelly@mccarthy.com
Henry Nutt III
Fun Fact: I’ve written a book on workforce development, hopefully publishing in 2021.
Precon Executive Southland Industries
E: hnutt@southlandind.com P: 408.422.0510
Cassie Garcia
E: cacosta@southlandind.com P: 510.600.2199
Shakar Saeed
Project Manager Southland Industries
E: ssaeed@southlandind.com P: 510.557.5433
Belinda Valenti
Fun Fact: As a kid I did a lot of dance and acrobatics - I used to be able to stand on my head for two minutes.
Architect Studios Architecture
E: bvalenti@studios.com P: 415.732.5363
Danielle Bettenhausen
Fun Fact: I am expecting my first child in 2 months – a baby girl.
Structural Engineer Enclos
E: dkranz@enclos.com P: 651.796.6174
Sabrina Odah
Fun Fact: I am a Bay Area native, I have never lived outside of California, and I am a certified fitness instructor!
Construction Solutions Director Suffolk
E: Sodah@suffolk.com P: 510.691.2910
Cortney Sieben
Fun Fact: In my spare time I like to camp, play volleyball, complete home renovation projects and sew clothing. I really like to stay busy and have a short attention span, so I enjoy taking on new hobbies/challenges all the time.
Technical Project Manager Enclos
E: csieben@enclos.com P: 651.796.6126
Tammi Rapozo
E: trapozo@rosendin.com P: 916.919.0296
Stephanie Roldan
Stephanie devotes her time to developing Rosendin employees in the office and on project sites helping them to recognize their full potential and helping them bring their greatest contribution to the world around them. Fun Fact: Stephanie currently lives with her family in Tempe, Arizona.
Director of Lean Culture Rosendin
E: sroldan@rosendin.com P: 602.768.8396
Jeremy Schaefer
After Joining Rosendin in 2004 as a Journeyman Electrician I took on more responsibility as a Foreman and General Foreman building some exciting projects including a Water Treatment Plant in Natomas, a Hospital for Sutter Health in downtown Sacramento, a couple more Hospitals in San Francisco and most recently the Golden State Warriors Arena in San Francisco. Fun Fact: I worked in Television before joining the IBEW, at a small cable channel, Mtv
Corporate Field Trainer Rosendin
E: jeremys@rosendin.com P: 415.638.2248
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Come back after the event! Each day will be recorded and posted here.
Company WEbsites
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Electrician Apprenticeship Program Resources:
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YouthBuild Program:
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