NAWIC Silicon Valley
Chapter 99 Leadership
Board Members serve one year terms, are elected annually in June, and serve October 1st - September 30th
Treasurer
Amy Pacheco
Parliamentarian
lAURA gRABAR
Expert Drywall Systems Inc.
Board Members serve one year terms, are elected annually in June, and serve October 1st - September 30th
After growing up in Southern California, Brenda Trejo moved to Northern California in early 2022. Brenda, is a Project Manager / Architectural Designer at Proven Connections Group LLC, she has been creating residential and light commercial designs for over a decade. She was taught by & worked alongside of the famous worldwide estate A.I.A Architect, Ronald G. Firestone. Brenda's career has involved helping others bring their vision of a home to fruition. She specializes in all kinds of designs from empty lots, custom large estate designs, remodels, additions, ADU's, interior designs, custom pool designs, shop drawings, expediting, and much more! She strives to continue her success in the industry while growing in NAWIC. Brenda initially ran for the Board because the community is one full of great women with great potential, where it's crucial to support one another in an industry that is dominated by men. In her free time, Brenda enjoys traveling and exploring new restaurants with loved ones and friends.
Alyanna is an Outside Sales Representative at CED Bay Area in San Carlos. Before taking on a sales role, she was a Project Manager for 5+ years for two other electrical distributors in the Bay Area. Alyanna has been with NAWIC since October 2021 and served two years as a Director of Silicon Valley Chapter 99. Through the camaraderie and support of the women within the NAWIC organization, she has gained self-confidence in the construction industry. In her free time, Alyanna loves cooking, dancing, gardening, hiking, traveling, and learning new sports. The latest sports she has immersed herself in are skiing and golfing.
Amy Pacheco has spent 15 years in the Construction Industry. She started as a Construction Administrator and worked her way to Controller after completing her bachelor’s degree at CSU East Bay. She completed her Masters in Business Administration from San Francisco State University in 2019. She is now the Chief Financial Officer at O.C. McDonald Company, a 118-year-old Plumbing and HVAC business that pioneered the industry in Silicon Valley in the early 20th century. Amy is a mother of two, and attributes much of her success to the support of her husband of 18 years. Amy joined NAWIC Chapter 99 in 2021 and looks forward to using her financial management background to help lead the Chapter. She enjoys working on the monthly Newsletter as a creative outlet for graphic design.
Expert Drywall Systems Inc.
Laura Grabar is the Chief Financial Officer and Co-Owner of Expert Drywall Systems Inc. She has been in the construction industry for 24 years. As a family owned company, she enjoys working with her husband Steve, daughter Nicole and son Jonah getting projects done on time and in budget.
Laura joined NAWIC in 2014 and has served as Treasurer for two terms, Vice President one term and President for two terms. She is currently a regional trustee. Her goal is to continue to strive for the success of women in the construction industry.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, reading, going to car shows and collecting classic cars.
Joan Bremer is a Vendor Program Manager at Rosendin Electric, one of the largest electrical contractors in the country. She also serves on the Communications Committee for The Rosendin Foundation. She has been in the construction industry for eight years and has been a volunteer for various organizations throughout her life. Joan joined NAWIC in 2021 and this is her second year serving as Secretary for the Chapter. In her free time she likes to golf and go camping with her family.
April is a Senior Manager at Stanford Health Care's Planning Design and Construction department. April has been with NAWIC since 2019 and has served two years as Secretary, one year as Vice President and one year as President of the Silicon Valley, CA chapter. She has served as co-chair for the Pacific Northwest Region's WIC Week Committee. April loves to learn how to do new things and has continued to develop her quilting skills. When she's not at work, with family and friends, or NAWIC, she is quilting!
Dalia Lillaheart has two decades of construction industry experience, and is currently working as a Project Executive with Mission Bell. Her projects over the course of her career have spanned both the United States and Mexico. In her hometown of Monterrey and throughout El Bajío region, she designed and managed industrial developments. In 2015, upon moving to the States, she led commercial projects in the Federal, State, and private sectors. Dalia moved to the South Bay in 2021 and is enchanted with the exploration Northern California has to offer. She spends a lot of time enjoying the beauty of the area with her wife and dog.
Pam is an outside sales rep for Action Gypsum Supply. She has been in the construction industry on-and-off for 32 years: 14 years as a gypsum manufacturer sales rep, 5 years as a distributor sales rep. Pam joined NAWIC in 2019 and has served one year as the chapter secretary, and three years as a board member and is looking forward to growing, learning and having fun!
Co-Founder of Drywall Masters, Image Consultant, and Advocate for Change in Construction, Zuri hails from Mexico City, having moved to the United States at the age of 13. Her career began in the fast-food industry, but her true passion was realized when she and her husband founded Drywall Masters in 2022. As a co-owner, she is committed to transforming the perception of the construction industry, believing that employees are not merely construction workers but builders and creators of spaces and dreams. At Drywall Masters, where she oversees business management and development, the focus is on growth and personal development, encouraging the team to become better individuals and professionals. Her role extends beyond construction; as an image consultant, she combines her industry expertise with personal branding to empower others. She is dedicated to advocating for positive change in the construction sector, illustrating that it is not just a job but a noble and impactful career. On a personal note, she is a proud dog mom to her Golden Doodle, Lolo, and enjoys taking weekend trips with her husband as well as hosting friends and team members for dinner.
Iris Velasquez is the Vice President of Business Development at Sam Alexander Construction, where she leads efforts to expand the company’s market presence and forge strategic partnerships. With years of experience in the construction industry, Iris brings a wealth of knowledge in project management, client relations, and market analysis. Her innovative approach and keen understanding of industry trends have resulted in the successful acquisition of numerous projects, solidifying Sam Alexander Construction’s reputation for excellence. Iris is passionate about building lasting relationships and is dedicated to driving growth through collaboration and integrity. Outside of her professional role, Iris enjoys golfing, traveling, spending time with her family, and volunteering in her community. Reflecting her commitment to community engagement and sustainability.
As a Bay Area native, Sarah Thorvund is a dedicated professional with a passion for the construction industry. With five years of experience as a technical coordinator for the Wall and Ceiling Bureau, Sarah has established herself as a valuable asset to the organization. Holding a bachelor's degree in business administration with a focus on human resources, she brings a strategic and people-oriented approach to her work. Sarah's commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in construction is evident through her various initiatives. She spearheaded the establishment of the Women In Construction committee for the Wall and Ceiling Alliance, aiming to introduce youth to the trades and provide opportunities for women in the industry. Additionally, Sarah actively serves as a board member at the National Association of Women in Construction Silicon Valley Chapter (99Nawic), where she contributes to advancing the professional development of women in construction. Outside of her professional pursuits, Sarah finds solace in the great outdoors. Hiking and traveling are her hobbies, allowing her to explore new landscapes and find inspiration in nature. With her dedication to her work and her enthusiasm for personal growth, Sarah continues to make a positive impact in the construction industry and beyond.