March 2, 2026
By Aly Lande, Capital Project Marketing Specialist
The Port of Seattle is proud to celebrate Women in Construction Week (March 1-7) again this year by highlighting four incredible women and their journeys to excellence in construction-related fields.
Women in Construction Week, or WIC Week®, was started in 1960 as a nationwide initiative that promotes the important role of women in the construction industry.
These women span the Port’s maritime division and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and are the epitome of the Port’s RAISE values: Respect, Anti-racism and equity, Integrity, Stewardship, and Excellence. They represent the knowledge they brought with them, gained in their roles, and spread to others. The path was not a straight line for any of these women and typically isn’t for women in construction. They were driven by the love of problem solving and collaborating for a greater good.
Read about these women’s journeys and the importance of representation and mentorship along the way.
Nicolle Strong
Job Title: Capital Project Manager II, Aviation Project Management Group
Projects: Currently working in four tenant buildout spaces on the C Concourse Expansion project
Nicolle Strong didn’t follow a traditional path into her project management career. Before joining the Port 10 years ago, she worked with several private companies, but after many of those companies were bought out and jobs were eliminated, she was ready to try something new. A family friend who worked for the Port of Seattle Fire Department (POSFD) suggested looking at opportunities with the Port. She started as an administrative assistant on the Aviation Facilities & Infrastructure team where she first learned about project management. That discovery changed the course of her career. She later worked on the Airport Dining and Retail (ADR) team as a coordinator supporting project managers before getting promoted to ADR Project Manager, which ultimately led her to her position as a Capital Project Manager in the Aviation Project Management Group (AVPMG) where she is currently working on one of Upgrade SEA’s mega projects, the C Concourse Expansion (CCE).
She credits the amazing relationships she built with several Port mentors who encouraged her growth within the Port. They recognized her hard work and dedication and saw her value even though she did not follow a traditional higher education path.
She also takes inspiration from her grandmother and several aunts who paved the way by setting a strong example and breaking barriers of their own.
- One aunt was the first African American woman to work in a particular government agency in Western Washington.
- A second aunt was the first African American woman to be initiated into a local trade union where she remains a member today.
- A great aunt was the first African American woman to work on the sales floor of Best’s Apparel, now known as Nordstrom. She also happened to be a trailblazer in housing desegregation and helped establish an organization to support desegregation in Seattle Public Schools.
Clearly there is no lack of role models in the family!
Constructing like a puzzle
Nicolle not only enjoys jigsaw puzzles in her spare time, but she also sees construction like a puzzle and says, “Just like a puzzle, you take it piece by piece. You start with a frame and then work through a process or sections and start to make connections until you see the final picture or project come to fruition.” That’s her approach as a project manager helping to build out the first ADR tenant spaces for the CCE project which opens this summer and will help transform the C Concourse.
Nicolle is also proud of her work on the following airport projects:
• XpresCheck kiosk program, a COVID-19 pop-up facility that helped with testing at SEA Airport, which was managed by an all-women team
• Clear Channel Infrastructure Upgrade project which helped set up space for all the advertising opportunities throughout the airport
• McDonald’s refurbishment on the B Concourse
The McDonald’s project was a full circle moment, as her first job at 16 was at McDonalds.
“I had so many déjà vu moments during construction, like when the tile got installed and it was the same tile I remember mopping as a crew member,” she says. “I went from mopping floors at McDonalds to building one, years later. Never in a million years at age 16 would I have thought this a possibility.”
Overcoming stereotypes
Nicolle doesn’t shy away from spaces that are predominately male occupied. In fact, she doesn’t even mind standing out in neon pink! She proudly dons her neon pink hard hat and safety vest on all her job sites. She thinks it’s so important to educate women on the many levels and opportunities in the construction industry and barriers they should not let intimidate them. And to occupy that space proudly and authentically.
Her advice to the younger generation looking at potential careers is:
• Stay curious and don’t limit yourself
• Make the most of every opportunity
• Take what you can from every job
Nicolle is passionate about volunteering at various non-profits, particularly ones that benefit disadvantaged youth and has represented the Port during middle school career exploration days. “I think it’s important to expose the youth to as many opportunities as possible to help them find their passion.” She experienced this first-hand with her son being part of the Rainier Scholars, Cohort VI, and as the proud mom of a son who graduated Class of 2018, Morehouse College, cum laude and department honors. When Nicolle is not volunteering or solving puzzles, she enjoys traveling, creating art, or spending quality time with friends and family. Watch for her pink neon signature in construction zones next time you’re at the airport.
Valerie Huffman
Job Title: Capital Project Manager III, Waterfront Project Management
Projects: Jack Block Park, Terminal 18, Terminal 46
As a project manager on the Port’s Waterfront Project Management team, Valerie Huffman helps lead infrastructure projects, primarily those sponsored by the Northwest Seaport Alliance, often related to cargo terminals. She joined the Port three and a half years ago after looking for a role that allowed her to make a meaningful, positive impact.
Projects past, present, and future
Valerie recently oversaw the conclusion of construction on the Terminal 18 North Fender Replacement project, which was completed ahead of schedule, under budget, and with minimal change orders. And for a major construction project, that is a big win!
Currently, she is focused on Jack Block Park, a 15-acre park in West Seattle, situated on the northwest corner of the Port’s Terminal 5 with views of the Seattle skyline, the Puget Sound, and Mt. Rainier. The 90-year-old pier was closed in 2020, after a structural inspection of the timber pier found it no longer safe for public use. Therefore, planning has begun to replace the pier with a new one, maintaining that public overwater experience within the park.
Valerie thrives in the process of collaborative problem solving in projects. Construction projects always start with so many questions and Valerie says, “I love working with stakeholders and subject matter experts to consider those questions and arrive at answers that will best serve our sponsors and the community.” She loves to not only learn herself, but also to mentor less experienced project managers and set them up for success while they get more experience and gain confidence.
Role representation
Valerie often asks herself “why doesn’t the workforce reflect the percentage of women living in the area?” She thinks much of it comes from historic legacy, but believes that diverse perspectives and ways of thinking will lead to better solutions and help even the playing field. Valerie believes, “When you are able to see someone like yourself represented in a role, it helps you visualize yourself in that role. It becomes possible.”
She has worked in many male-dominated industries, and women continue to face a lack of equal opportunities, potential hiring bias, and sexism. It takes a lot of confidence to withstand being labeled as “other.” She believes that mentorship is a vital part of getting more women into the industry.
The Port has many male and female project managers and Valerie applauds the Port’s continued focus on equity training and how it helps set boundaries of what is and isn’t acceptable. She says, “At the Port, there is a lot of intention to practicing inclusivity.”
Her inspirations come from powerful female role models, including Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Mary Shelley, and so many more. But closer to home, she was inspired by her father who taught her that she could be whatever she wanted if she worked hard enough. Her husband of 25 years has also supported and encouraged her professional growth. She appreciates having a partner who believes in her, even when she doubts herself and he pushes her to go outside of her comfort zone. Outside of Valerie’s Port projects and work on the Waterfront Project Management team, she is also an avid reader, a board game junkie, and a pinball enthusiast.
Regan Greenhill
Job Title: Sr. Architect, Aviation Facilities & Infrastructure
Projects: S Concourse Evolution, C Concourse Expansion, Parking Garage Modernization, and many more
Regan Greenhill joined SEA Airport’s Facilities & Infrastructure department (F&I) as an Architect in 2022 and was promoted to Senior Architect in 2024. The F&I Architecture team is responsible for asset management of SEA airport campus buildings, developing and implementing the architectural vision, and annual updates of design standards. As a critical stakeholder for projects, Regan works collaboratively with departments across the Port to provide design guidance, ensure regulatory compliance of facilities, and scope renewal and replacement projects.
Since Regan’s job touches so many different aspects of the airport, she’s involved in projects of all scopes and sizes from large scale capital projects to small remodeling work. She is currently working on one of Upgrade SEA’s major projects, the C Concourse Expansion (CCE), as well as the S Concourse Evolution (SCE), and the Parking Garage Elevator Modernization (PGEM). Since joining the Port, she has reviewed drawings for over 40 different projects and supported construction completion of A Concourse Expansion, A12A Gate Addition, and the Checkpoint 1 Relocation project. She also plays a large role in managing and mentoring the architecture graduate interns, helping shape the next generation of design leaders.
The design and engineering eye of construction
The values-driven public organization and unique role of an internal architect for the airport is what drew Regan to the role at the Port. She loves the technical and creative sides of architecture and the endless opportunities for problem solving. Regan says, “It’s incredibly satisfying to see ideas become lines on drawings that then become permanent objects people can occupy and enjoy.”
The journey to architect is one that Regan is incredibly proud of and a career achievement. It’s a grueling path in which she had to complete 3,740 hours of specific architectural work, pass five national exams and one state exam. It’s rare for women to call themselves architects; approximately 27% of all architects are women according to the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.
As architects are involved on projects from the start of design to construction completion, Regan has learned the most during the construction phase. “Asking questions to how elements of buildings are built has helped me be a better architect and collaborator with fabricators, trades, contractors.” She appreciates all the knowledge sharing she continues to have while on construction sites and pays it forward to summer interns and colleagues.
Regan would love to see the term “male dominated” no longer necessary when referring to construction or design and engineering fields. She says, “Having representation helps create a future where your identity is not what holds you back from entering a field of work you are interested in and that the necessary mentorship is equally provided to all.” Something that can help support women in the field is to provide positive feedback where possible. And she practices what she preaches and tries to give that positive feedback whenever she can.
Work life balance
Regan likes to keep things moving. In addition to spending time outdoors hiking, camping, and birding, she took up salsa dancing in 2018 as a personal hobby, and she’s been dancing since. She says it’s a great hobby as it combines technical and creative, just like architecture! Plus, she loves the music and friends she’s made since joining the salsa dancing community.
She takes inspiration from many things, but is particularly inspired by architect Julia Morgan. Morgan was the first woman to be a licensed architect in California. She said that seeing some of her buildings as a child and learning about who she was and what an architect did is what inspired her to pursue architecture as a career.
Next time you’re at the airport, or when the C Concourse Expansion wraps up this summer, take a look around and appreciate all the little things: the color schemes, the floor you walk on, and the textures and designs around you. SEA Airport has architects designing every corner of the airport and helping make the journey not just efficient, but enjoyable and beautiful. And Regan is leaving her mark on it during her time at SEA.
Crystal Cuellar
Job Title: Capital Project Manager I, Waterfront Project Management
Projects: Terminal 18, The Elliott Bay Connections Project, and various electrical test and cleans
Crystal Cuellar joined the Port of Seattle’s Waterfront Project Management team nearly five years ago with an interest in public service and contributing to something bigger than herself. She jokes that she initially came for a job — but stayed because of the Port’s mission, values, commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and strong connection to the community.
Her ties to construction go back to her childhood. She wrote her first Christmas list on a 2x4 foot plank with a thick construction pencil. It makes sense since her dad was a general contractor and she grew up on job sites with smells of sawdust and fresh wood. She had dreams when she was young of working up on roofs, framing houses. She didn’t know her path would come full circle back to job sites, but as a project manager.
The biggest project she is currently working on is Elliott Bay Connections (EBC), a partnership to connect, restore, and revitalize public parks along the Elliott Bay waterfront. One of the aspects of the project that Crystal loves as well is that many team leads are women and the project is also funded by donations from philanthropists, including Melinda French Gates and MacKenzie Scott — two other inspiring women tied to the Seattle community.
Importance of female representation
Not only has Crystal benefited from female representation she has seen in construction, but she’s also had the opportunity to work with incredible women who have helped guide, support, and help shape her path in her career. She says, “Seeing their leadership and expertise made it clear that there’s space for women to thrive here, and that kind of representation really matters — especially in a field that hasn’t always been inclusive.”
You won’t catch Crystal behind the desk too much; she’s overcoming that stigma that women in construction don’t like to get out in the field or get dirty. She loves visiting the job sites and talking with the contractors, and even better, she loves seeing women out in those spaces — machine operators, construction workers, framers, all of it!
Strength in mentorship
Crystal is an advocate for being intentional about mentorship, advocacy, and creating space. Small actions like checking in, sharing opportunities, or offering perspective can make a huge difference.
She also emphasizes the importance of authenticity in leadership. She says, “When women show up as leaders, technical experts, and decision-makers, while still being themselves, it helps create an environment where others feel like they belong. That sense of belonging is what allows people to grow, take risks, and succeed.” Her biggest advice to young women is to not be afraid to take up space.
Crystal doesn’t just work outside or on the waterfront, she takes advantage of all the Pacific Northwest has to offer, especially in the warmer months. Don’t be surprised to see Crystal on the Elliott Bay waterfront this summer when construction will be complete. If she’s not outside, she’s in the kitchen, baking birthday cakes for her friends and family and challenging her baking skills with the most complicated recipes. She loves music and may even take up learning an instrument like guitar or piano.
She could never credit her path to just one person, but instead to her village. She hails from California but has made Seattle home with a community of people spanning the West Coast. She’s inspired by the thought of women who have paved the way. Crystal credits all the women who came before her and made it possible to do all the things she has the opportunity to do now. She also credits her Port peers and all the women at the Port who have mentored her and helped guide her throughout her career at the Port. She hopes to pay it forward, always.
Stories matter
“I think realizing that you’re not alone, that you are standing with millions of your sisters around the world is vital.” - Malala Yousafzai, Activist
Thank you to these women for not only sharing their career journeys, but taking the time to spotlight a moment in their everyday work life and their personal stories as well. The hope is to give every young woman an opportunity to see herself in any space and know there is a path if you’re open to learning and sharing the lessons along the way to pay it forward. Their stories make the Port of Seattle as diverse and dynamic as the community that surrounds us and great stories like this are worth sharing.
We look forward to continuing to highlight amazing people across the Port and shining the spotlight on amazing women every year in the first week of March to celebrate Women in Construction Week. And while we wish we could do more, we want to recognize several other women who were nominated to be highlighted this week, and we look forward to hopefully telling their stories in the future.
• Shannon Acena Neal
• Michelle Esguerra
• April Parrish
• Amanda Loewen
• Yanet Maldonado
• Tiffany English
Find out more information about the Port's maritime and economic development capital portfolio and SEA Airport's capital program, Upgrade SEA.
Editor's Note: This blog (writing, edits, and photos) was also brought to you by an all-women team.
