Columbia Honored by Women Builders Council at 17th Annual Champion Awards

Nine women who work for the University’s Facilities and Operations team were recognized at the Women Builders Council (WBC) 17th Annual Champion Awards Red Tie Reception held on September 21 at Guastavino's.

The women from Facilities and Operations were honored in two categories: Outstanding Women in Construction and the Next Generation of Women Builders.  

Outstanding Women in Construction  

• Terri Caldes, Director, Human Resources 
• Emerald Currie, Director, University Events Management 
• Tammy Cockerham, Manager, Training & Quality Assurance 
• Sejal Shah, Manager, Distributed Energy Systems 
• Eleonora Andreeva, Project Manager, Manhattanville Development Group  

Next Generation of Women Builders  

• Sarah Milena Matos, Supervisor, Client Services - Operations 
• Angela Ramos de Tejada, Supervisor, Custodial Services - Operations 
• Adriana Childress, Project Manager, Manhattanville Development Group 
• Karmen Naidoo, Manager, Engineering Audit 

"We are excited to highlight the women of Columbia University Facilities and Operations that exemplify the standard of leadership and teamwork throughout our organization," said Tanya Pope, Assistant Vice President for University Supplier Diversity. "The WBC Champion Awards allow us to acknowledge their great work and our mission to empower women and promote diversity throughout the building industry.” 

WBC was established in 2004 and is a leading association representing women in construction with a focus on leadership. Columbia University partners with the WBC across a number of construction-related initiatives. Tanya Pope is a member of the Council’s board of directors.