Building Skills, Confidence, and Fun!
We believe that when girls are given the opportunity to work with tools, while learning and connecting with industry professionals, they begin to see new possibilities for their futures.
Our Story
Introducing girls to careers in architecture, engineering, and construction
buildHER was created to introduce girls and gender expansive youth to career opportunities in architecture, engineering, and construction — industries that many students are never exposed to during their school years.
While the built environment surrounds us every day, few young women are encouraged to explore the careers responsible for designing and constructing it. buildHER was founded to help change that.
What began as a small summer camp designed to give girls a chance to try tools, learn basic construction skills, and meet industry professionals has quickly grown into a broader initiative focused on career exploration, mentorship, and workforce development.
Today, buildHER partners with industry professionals, contractors, unions, and community organizations to provide hands-on programs that introduce girls to the many career pathways available across the AEC industry.
From summer camps to jobsite tours and exploration days, buildHER programs help students gain exposure to real careers while building confidence and practical skills.
What You Do
Mission
buildHER empowers girls and gender expansive youth in grades 7th-12th to explore careers in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) through hands-on experiences, industry mentorship, and real-world exposure to the people who design and build our communities.
We believe that when girls are given the opportunity to work with tools, while learning and connecting with industry professionals, they begin to see new possibilities for their futures.
Looking Forward
Vision
A future where the architecture, engineering, and construction industries reflect the talent, perspectives, and leadership of the communities they serve.
What Drives Us
Core Values
Access
Removing cost barriers so students have the opportunity to explore careers in architecture, engineering, and construction.
Exposure
Introducing girls to careers and industries they may not encounter in traditional education.
Industry Partnership
Working alongside professionals across the AEC industry to create meaningful learning experiences.
Confidence
Through hands-on experiences and mentorship, buildHER helps participants recognize their capabilities and see themselves in AEC careers.
Community
Building connections between students, community organizations, and industry leaders.
Our Team
Board of Directors
Mercedes Gamor
Founder & President
Cochran, Inc.
Mercedes is a people and culture leader with a background in talent development, workforce strategy, and community engagement within the construction industry. She is passionate about creating opportunities for others, building strong teams, and helping people grow through meaningful career pathways and leadership development.
Dawn Lanz
Vice President
SeaTac Electric
Dawn has been working in the Construction industry for over 30 years. She joined SeaTac Electric LLC in 2014 and manages all aspects of Sea-Tac’s Safety Program, from implementing new policies and procedures to setting the annual safety budget. She has been involved with ABC of Western WA since 2000 and currently sits on the Board of Directors (Past Chair 2021-2023), along with Retro and Health and Safety Committees.
Melissa Vollmer
Secretary
Exxel Pacific
Melissa Vollmer started her career with Exxel Pacific as an intern over 10 years ago and was recently highlighted as one of the ENR Top Young Professionals in the AEC industry. She got her Bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University and Master's degree from Colorado State Global majoring in Organizational Leadership. Melissa's community efforts have focused on organizations empowering girls, women, and gender expansive youth.
Marjorie Elliott
Treasurer
USI Insurance
Marjorie has dedicated the past 9 years to designing insurance programs for construction companies. Beyond her local commitment to the industry, she spends spare time she supports women in construction industries through different local committees, when she isn’t at work or volunteering she’s at home reading a book with her husband and dog.
Jaime Puracel
Director
Spectrum Development
Jaime brings over 20 years of commercial construction experience to buildHER. She began her career working for local general contractors before transitioning to an Owner’s Representative role and development, working for multiple different clients in the corporate workspace, higher education, and healthcare sectors.
Brenna Moore
Director
Operator
Brief bio goes here. Highlight industry experience, passion for the mission, and role within the organization. Keep it to two or three short sentences.