Building Science Alumnae Building Big in Denver

A Relocation Revelation

Kathryn Crowley ’13 made the move to Denver as both a personal and professional leap, frequent family visits sparking a connection to the city’s lifestyle.

“The mountain views, the abundance of outdoor activities—hiking, biking, camping and skiing—and the overall lifestyle drew me in,” she stated. “As I started to see more about Denver’s booming economy, especially in construction, with over 24 tower cranes up in 2023, I realized this was an exciting place to take the next step in my career.”

Crowley, a Senior Superintendent with Saunders Construction, noted that the city offers a wide range of project types, from healthcare to commercial and residential builds.

“The city’s rapid growth, particularly in healthcare, has provided opportunities to contribute to projects that make a difference in the community,” she explained. “With a focus on innovation, sustainability and creating spaces that improve people’s lives, Denver has been an ideal place to grow professionally while maintaining a great work-life balance.”

For Allison Abrams ’14, Senior Project Manager at FH Construction, what began as a temporary adventure blossomed into a long-term opportunity.

“I grew up in Atlanta and wanted a change for a couple of years—not knowing it would lead to ten!” she said. “Denver is a young city with exciting growth and a completely different construction market than places around home.”

Fiona Mae Bangoy ’22 and Kennedy May ’17 share Crowley’s appreciation for healthcare construction.

Bangoy, a Project Engineer with JE Dunn Construction, is working on the expansion of HCA Healthcare’s Swedish Medical Hospital, including renovations, additions and a tower expansion.

“The tower expansion was recognized as Best Project in the Healthcare category by Engineering News-Record Mountain States, and I am extremely thankful to be a part of a wonderful team,” she said.

May highlighted the 14,000-square-foot expansion of the emergency department at Williamson Medical Center in Franklin, Tennessee, as her proudest project.

“This was my first opportunity to run a job from all aspects, including pre-mobilization work inside the existing facility, utilities, foundations, exterior and interior and commissioning,” she shared. “The project wrapped on schedule, and I built great relationships with the hospital staff.”

The Auburn Advantage

All four graduates credit Auburn Building Science with giving them a strong foundation to thrive in industry.

“Every class is intentional, aimed at ensuring students gain the experience, exposure and tools to succeed,” Bangoy reflected. “One class I found immensely helpful was the Crucial Conversations course, which focuses on soft skills. It’s imperative that these are honed early on.”

Abrams and May particularly emphasized the advantage BSCI students gain from the School’s career fair.

“I’ve been to several career fairs around Colorado and the Midwest, and I can honestly say Auburn’s is the best,” Abrams said. “The caliber of students that BSCI has is top tier—respectful, polite, smart students eager to jump into the industry with confidence, based upon the support Auburn BSCI provides.”

May agreed, recalling how a handshake with a JE Dunn representative at a career fair her freshman year launched an eight-year career with the company before she transitioned to GE Johnson/DPR Construction as Superintendent last year.

Words of Wisdom

In addition to their advocacy for Denver and their alma mater, these alumnae offered advice for other women considering a future in construction.

“You have to be your own biggest champion—speak up, ask for the opportunities and step up for leadership roles,” Crowley said. “The construction field can sometimes feel like a male-dominated space, but I’ve found that confidence in your abilities, coupled with a willingness to take on challenges, can break down those barriers.”

May emphasized the importance of self-advocacy and trusting one’s instincts, while Abrams highlighted the value of soft skills.

“If you possess strong communication and organization skills, along with an ability to build relationships, the other p’s and q’s of construction can be taught,” Abrams explained.

Bangoy offered an optimistic outlook for women entering the field.

“The construction industry is evolving every day,” she said. “There are resources and communities that will help you and support your career as a woman in construction. Don’t overlook this industry—it offers meaningful careers, financial stability and lifelong impact on the communities you serve.”