NEW YORK, NY — The New York Chapter of Professional Women in Construction (PWC NY) recently held its annual Salute to Women of Achievement, which recognizes professionals at the highest levels of the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. The Women of Achievement honorees are selected for their accomplishments and recognized for their commitment to lead and mentor.
"The Salute to Women of Achievement is a true celebration of PWC NY's mission," said Gina Grande Rivera, Executive Director of Professional Women in Construction New York. “Each year, we honor women who have made an outstanding impact on the AEC industry through their achievements, determination, and most importantly, the space they create for others to rise up as they strive to make this industry more diverse.”
The 2025 Women of Achievement Honorees are:
- Yvi McEvilly, PLA, DBIA - Assistant Commissioner, Alternative Delivery, New York City Department of Design and Construction (NYC DDC)
- Kim Vierheilig, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP - President of Buildings, STV
- Sevinc Yuksel - Senior Vice President, Head of Design & Construction, Rudin
McEvilly is the Assistant Commissioner of Alternative Delivery at the NYC DDC. A licensed landscape architect, McEvilly brings 20 years of experience leading major public projects within the private, nonprofit, and government sectors in New York City. At NYC DDC, McEvilly leads the agency’s $1 billion design-build program, the first of its kind for a New York City agency, and is spearheading the launch of a new CM-Build program. She holds a Bachelor of Science in architecture and a Master of Architecture from the University of Virginia and completed the Coro Leadership New York program.
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“I am proud of NYC Department of Design and Construction's mission to design and build the civic facilities and infrastructure New Yorkers use every day. NYC is my home, and I want to contribute to the projects that are essential to the physical, economic, and social infrastructure of the city,” McEvilly said. “In one day, my efforts can range from working on recreation centers to libraries to pedestrian ramps to sewer infrastructure. No two days are the same, but they are always fulfilling.”
Vierheilig is a registered architect with over 25 years of experience in the industry, serves as President of STV’s national buildings group. In this role, she oversees more than 350 employees engaged in all aspects of buildings programming, planning, architecture, interior design, and multidisciplinary engineering. She focuses on strategy, growth, and delivery in a range of social infrastructure markets, including justice, education, health and well-being, transportation, science and technology, federal programs, and cities. She received her Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Science in management from NJIT.
“I love the challenge and creativity involved in shaping spaces that serve a real purpose, whether it’s a school that inspires learning, a civic building that brings people together, or a workplace that fosters collaboration,” Vierheilig said. “Seeing a project evolve from concept to completion, knowing it will have a lasting impact on the people who use it, is incredibly rewarding. But just as meaningful is the opportunity to mentor others along the way. Supporting emerging professionals, helping them find their voice, and watching them grow into confident leaders is one of the most fulfilling parts of what I do. It’s a privilege to help build not just places, but people.”
Yuksel is the Senior Vice President, Head of Design & Construction at Rudin Management Company. She is responsible for leading all design and construction efforts within Rudin’s Commercial and Residential portfolio. Yuksel brings 20 years of experience in construction management, having successfully overseen the preconstruction and construction of different asset classes, including high-rise commercial offices, hospitals, academic facilities, laboratories, and aviation. She graduated cum laude from the Columbia University with a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering.
| Your local Trimble Construction Division dealer |
|---|
| SITECH Allegheny |
| SITECH Northeast |
“One of the most rewarding parts of my role is developing the next generation of professionals in our industry,” Yuksel said. “I take a lot of pride in creating an environment where team members feel empowered to ask questions, take ownership, and grow into leadership roles themselves. I see it as a responsibility and a privilege to pass on knowledge — not just about construction and design, but about how to lead with integrity, curiosity, and collaboration.”
