About Laura

Laura A, Cruickshank, FAIA, the University of Connecticut’s Master Planner and Chief Architect and Associate Vice President for University Planning, Design & Construction, is responsible for the immediate and long-range planning, design and construction of UConn’s $2B Capital Plan for Storrs, the Regional Campuses and Law School. Prior to UConn, Cruickshank was the Yale University Planner and directed planning and design on the Yale central campus; and led Yale planning, design and construction for the Yale-NUS College in Singapore. Prior to Yale, she was in private practice for over twenty years. Cruickshank received a Bachelor of Arts from Mount Holyoke College and Master of Architecture from the University of New Mexico School of Architecture & Planning. She holds architectural registration in Connecticut and is an elected member of the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects, the Society for College and University Planning, the Association of University Architects and the National Organization of Minority Architects. 

About Carolina

Mireya “Carolina” Cudemus-Jones is the AVP of Capital Projects with Smith College. Until recently, she was the Director for Design and Construction Management for the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Cudemus-Jones has over 20 years of experience in complex private and public commercial construction projects including healthcare, higher education and K-12 schools. Prior to joining UMass – Amherst, she served as a Pre-Construction Executive with Gilbane Building Company. Her responsibilities included her assignment as Deputy Director of a $1.7 billion School Reconstruction Program and Preconstruction Manager for the University of Connecticut as well as direct on-site construction management. Cudemus-Jones holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Master’s in Business Administration. She is also a certified Design Build Institute of America Associate, a 2016 American Arbitration Association Higginbotham Fellow, and was recognized by the Connecticut Association of General Contractors as the 2016 Project Manager of the Year. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Construction Institute, and is actively involved with the Connecticut Professional Women in Construction.

About Cathy

In her role as an Associate and Business Line Manager, Cathy Vittorio, CPSM, leads the growth of new business and supports existing opportunities and clients for Fuss & O’Neill, Inc., a multi-disciplined engineering firm with offices throughout New England and New York. With over 35 years of experience working in many aspects of the industry, including property management, real estate development, architecture, engineering, construction, leading ultimately to Fuss & O’Neill, Vittorio has been successful in forging relationships with a reputation for integrity and honesty. She is actively involved in many industry organizations including The Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) where she served as president twice and received their first Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. Vittorio also serves on the programs committee of Professional Women in Construction (PWC) and is a board member for the Connecticut Building Congress. Throughout her career, Vittorio has worked alongside some of the finest and most talented architects, engineers, construction managers, and consultants and credits her success to their mentorship and a finely tuned sense of humor.

About Janine

Janine Helwig is the Director of Utilities in the Department of Facilities at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She oversees MIT’s Central Utilities Plant, which consists of a 44 MW combined heat and power plant, and is responsible for the efficient operation and management of all campus electricity, heating, and cooling resources and distribution systems. Helwig leads her team on sustainable planning efforts to address MIT’s future energy needs while also meeting MIT’s commitment to reducing carbon. She has over 17 years of experience in facilities management, with over 10 years in higher education. Prior to joining MIT in 2021, Helwig served as the Director of Utilities and Engineering at The George Washington University located in Washington, DC, which was her foray into district energy management. She is a registered Professional Engineer in DC and MD, a Certified Energy Manager (CEM), and a Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP). She holds a Bachelor’s in Environmental Engineering from Cornell University and a Master’s in Environmental Process Engineering from The Johns Hopkins University.

About Karin

Founder and President of Patriquin Architects, Karin Patriquin is a dedicated professional who brings a wealth of experience and skill to each project. As firm principal, she directs the firm’s overall strategies and leads the design effort of all projects in the office. Strongly believing in the power of excellent design, she strives to bring innovation and sustainability to all the firm’s projects. Patriquin is a graduate of the University of Waterloo and McGill University, with advanced studies at NYU’s Schack Institute of Real Estate and McGill’s School of Management. After ten years of international architectural experience, notably at HLW International (New York, NY) and Pelli Clarke Pelli (New Haven, CT), she worked as a solo practitioner for 7 years, then established Patriquin Architects in New Haven in 2010, with a focus on community architecture and advanced sustainable design and construction practices. A lifelong love of music paved the way for her award-winning career in architecture. Patriquin first received her Bachelor’s degree in Music from McGill University and worked as a professional musician before deciding to participate in the six-year cooperative program for environmental studies and architecture at the University of Waterloo. Fostering a deep connection to her crafts, it was her desire to be part of a larger team and to create buildings that speak, inspire, and assemble people. With a major focus on sustainability, she continues to emphasize environmental accountability, driving her to always consider and create responsible buildings that are efficient, work with minimal energy, and are resilient.

About Melissa

For over 32 years Melissa Sheffy has presided as President of Network Interiors, Inc., a commercial interior specialty subcontractor. Sheffy is also the President of Network Design and Construction, Inc., a commercial general contractor, plus she and her husband Tony Sheffy are co-owners of Network Framing Solutions, LLC, a manufacturer of prefabricated metal wall panels. Sheffy advocates career opportunities in the trades and is passionate about mentoring young people to seize opportunities in construction through apprenticeship training, professional development, and continuing education classes. She puts her passion into practice through her work with the Southington High School Construction and Manufacturing Advisory Board and the Construction Education Center where is currently serving as past chairperson. Sheffy is also a member of the CCSU Industry Advisory Board. She is an active volunteer in the Southington community and a member of Grace United Methodist Church. She, and Network Interiors, have received 3 Excellence in Construction Awards from the CT Associated Builders and Contractors as well as numerous S.T.E.P. Safety Awards over the past sixteen years. In addition, Network Interiors received the Specialty Contractor of the Year Award from the CT ABC in 2019.