Women in Construction (WIC) Week is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of women in the industry. At Plano-Coudon, we are proud to work alongside many talented and trailblazing women, including the women-owned subcontractor partners who help bring our projects to life.
This year, we’re highlighting three outstanding women leading the way in construction. In this feature, you’ll get to know them through their “Behind the Build” stories, where they share memorable projects from their careers, honor the women who inspire them, and partake in a fun quick fire round of “This or That”!
Join us in celebrating these remarkable women who are breaking barriers, building strong partnerships, and shaping the future of construction!
Marianne Crampton, PE
President/CEO
MK Consulting Engineers
Marianne is a Professional Engineer and founder of MK Consulting Engineers, LLC and has 34 years of diverse engineering and leadership experience. Under her innovative guidance, MK has been recognized among the Baltimore Business Journal’s Top 50 Woman-Owned Businesses (2018-2024) and one of the fastest-growing privately held firms in 2024. A native of Rockville, Maryland, she holds a Civil Engineering degree from Villanova University. Marianne actively serves on the boards of the Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools and the Building Congress & Exchange and is a guest speaker at Virginia Tech’s Myers-Lawson School of Construction.
What’s your “Behind the Build” story?
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One of my favorite projects was renovating a municipal waterfront park in Long Island, NY. As a newly hired entry-level engineer, I served as an inspector, overseeing the construction of ballfields, boat ramps, bulkheads, roads, lighting, and parking. Being on-site daily provided invaluable experience in problem-solving and coordination with the design team, Owner, and contractor.”
Is there a woman who inspires you?
“I love history and bridges, so Emily Roebling is one of my favorite historical figures. Her role with the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge has always inspired me.”
Barbara Fourtinakis
President & Owner
Superior Painting & Contracting Co., Inc.
Barbara was born and raised in Baltimore. With a knack for math and accounting, she worked as a bookkeeper before earning an associate’s degree in accounting from Johns Hopkins University in 1975—while raising twins and working full-time. Encouraged by her husband and father, she founded Superior Painting in 1980 during a recession and has led the company for 45 years while raising four children. Her dedication and industry expertise earned her MBE, WBE, and DBE certifications, along with numerous awards over the years.
What’s your “Behind the Build” story?
One of my proudest achievements was securing the 1993 contract to paint the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial (Chesapeake) Bay Bridge. As anindustrial and commercial minority painting contractor at the time, Superior Painting tackled the massive project, with our crew blasting and painting the structure while our office managed the extensive paperwork. To this day, driving over the bridge reminds me of our team’s dedication and hard work.
Is there a woman who inspires you?
I’ve been fortunate to have many inspiring mentors, but none more so than my mother, Helen Mavris. Despite leaving school early, she had a brilliant mind and tenacious spirit. Growing up in poverty during the Great Depression, she persevered—working as a riveter in WWII, then running a diner with my father while managing everything from bookkeeping to cooking, all while raising four children. Her resilience showed me that I could build a successful business while raising a family.
Kimberly Groves, PE
President, CEO, and Co-Owner
KCW Engineering Technologies, Inc.
Kimberly is the President, CEO, and co-owner of KCW Engineering Technologies, Inc., with over 30 years of experience. A registered professional engineer in Maryland, D.C., and Virginia, she began as an intern while earning her B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Delaware and worked her way up to lead KCW’s strategic direction.
Passionate about mentoring future STEM leaders, she founded the KCW Girls STEM Program and Scholarship, awarding over $10,000 to students across multiple counties. She has served as a judge, mentor, and panelist for numerous STEM initiatives. Under her leadership, KCW has been named one of The Daily Record’s Best Companies to Work for in Maryland (2023 & 2024).
Kimberly is a member of NAWBO, ASCE, SWE, and other professional organizations. Her accolades include Maryland’s Top 100 Women and Most Admired CEO (2020 & 2022), the Trailblazers in Business Award (2022), and Mentor of the Year (2021).
What’s your “Behind the Build” story?
There are so many, and for a variety of reasons, but I will never forget the La Z Boy store in Bel Air, which was my first design project, and the feeling of completing something that I could drive my family to and show them what had been constructed, in part, by what I had designed.
Is there a woman who inspires you?
While studying Civil Engineering at the University of Delaware and interning at KCW, I had the invaluable experience of being mentored by female engineers at the company. Rimma taught me subdivision design, Tammy introduced me to utility design, and Marie exposed me to telecom work. KCW’s commitment to a diverse team shaped my career, and the female mentorship I received laid the foundation for what I later built into the KCW Girls STEM program.