Women of Riley Construction: Building Success Every Day

During March’s Women in Construction Week, we’re proud to highlight a few of the incredible women who help shape Riley Construction’s projects, teams, and culture. Each brings a unique perspective and skill set to the industry in a wide range of roles.

Kelly Ladwig Hansen – Project Coordinator

Kelly describes her role succinctly: “I nag and then I organize.” As a Project Coordinator, she ensures projects run smoothly by keeping things on track. The most rewarding aspect of her job is seeing a project come to life—from breaking ground to a fully operational space. Touring a completed facility and witnessing how it benefits others brings a great sense of fulfillment.

Kelly has been with Riley since 2017, joining the team after working closely with the company as a subcontractor. The transition was an easy choice, knowing Riley’s reputation as a family-run company. While her entry into construction wasn’t planned, she took a job with an electrical contractor after college and never looked back.

One of her favorite architectural wonders is the castles of Ireland which captivate her with their historical significance and beauty.

Amanda Toepel – Senior Project Estimator

Amanda plays a crucial role in the preconstruction stage, preparing estimates, collaborating with subcontractors, and assisting project teams in reviewing the project scope to ensure all required work is budgeted. She thrives on the camaraderie at Riley, where teamwork extends from ownership to field staff, all working toward a successful project outcome.

A lover of architecture from a young age, Amanda grew up watching home improvement TV shows. Lacking an artistic inclination for architecture, she leveraged her math and science skills to pursue a degree in civil engineering and construction management.

While she was one of only a handful of women in these programs at the time, her journey was guided by supportive mentors who encouraged her. From high school teachers who nominated her for engineering camps to college professors who advocated for her success, Amanda is grateful for the support she received. She hopes to be a mentor to future generations of women entering construction.

Her favorite building? The Chrysler Building in New York City, admired for its intricate art deco design and unique gargoyles modeled after Chrysler automobile parts.

Cheyenne Maier – Project Coordinator

As a Project Coordinator for the Milwaukee and Madison regions, Cheyenne manages offices while assisting project teams to ensure a smooth operation. She enjoys the variety of challenges each project brings and the satisfaction of seeing progress from start to finish.

Cheyenne’s entry into construction was unexpected. While studying for a completely different field, she took a job with a general contractor and discovered a passion for the industry.

She credits two construction project coordinators, Julie and Erica, for helping to shape her career. Julie, with years of experience, became an early role model, offering support and guidance. Erica, whom she met during the pandemic, helped build her confidence and professional development.

Cheyenne’s favorite building is the Parthenon in Greece—dedicated to Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom and War—an inspiring tribute to female power and resilience.

Erica Gutowski – Sales and Outreach Specialist

Erica’s role in business development involves market research, tracking business metrics, and creating strategic content. Her favorite part of construction is seeing a lead develop into a tangible, completed project.

Her career in construction began in 2009 as an onsite project coordinator for a hospital project. She was instantly drawn to the industry. Over the years, she transitioned through various roles in operations before finding her passion in marketing and business development.

While she hasn’t had a single mentor, she has learned from several female peers and coworkers, using their insights to shape her career growth.

Her favorite building? Edinburgh Castle—an architectural marvel built on a volcano, withstanding centuries of attack while offering breathtaking views of the city.

Collette Ironside – Senior Project Accountant/Payroll Supervisor

With over a decade at Riley Construction, Collette Ironside plays a vital role in the company’s financial operations. As a senior project accountant, she manages high-level accounting projects, supports job-level financial reporting, and ensures key internal controls are in place. As payroll supervisor, she oversees weekly payroll processing, tax reporting, and compliance with union requirements.

The most rewarding part of Collette’s work at Riley is being part of the process —knowing that her efforts contribute to each project’s success.

Her journey into construction wasn’t planned but turned out to be the perfect fit. A friend encouraged her to leave the corporate world for a family-owned company, and she has never looked back. Along the way, she found inspiration in Gina Pickhardt, a former Riley employee who retired in 2017. “She was there when I was starting out, and I still reference the lessons she taught me,” Collette reflects.

Breaking Barriers and Building the Future

The women of Riley Constructions’ unique experiences, resilience, and dedication serve as an inspiration for future generations of women considering careers in construction. Their stories remind us that talent knows no gender, and success in this field is built on skill, passion, and perseverance.

At Riley Construction, we celebrate the contributions of all our team members and are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment for everyone. Here’s to the women shaping the future of construction.