2024 Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is comprised of industry leaders with expertise in a wide range of areas who represent every aspect of our industry. The Board of Directors plays a vital role in guiding and overseeing the activities of the Construction Institute. With responsibility for strategic direction, budgeting, guidelines, and policies, the Board sets the organization's course and ensures its financial well-being. The Board provides leadership for programming and educational initiatives as well as general oversight to committees. The Board consists of up to 15 members who meet monthly. Board members serve for three-year terms. Officers are elected annually.
Kara Bacik, Chair
Patriquin Architects
Kara Bacik is a Senior Associate at Patriquin Architects with 17 years of experience in the Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. Envisioning the future growth of the firm, she establishes external strategic growth initiatives, manages Marketing, Branding, Communication and Social Media; spearheads Business Development; helps align firm culture; and promotes staff development, both personally and professionally.Having enjoyed working on every piece of the marketing spectrum throughout the years, she has linked her vast experience and education to promoting the importance of architectural design and collaboration, focusing her efforts on better client experiences. Kara has a sincere passion for connecting people’s needs and wants to solutions. She innately understands the big picture and recognizes the collective role we all play in making positive change for the future of our industry.
Translating her vision for the built environment through strategic marketing, Kara continues to help influence the AEC through her participation in industry organizations such as the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) and the Construction Institute. Her various involvement on SMPS, Connecticut Chapter committees led to her term as Chapter President from 2009-2010 and subsequent involvement in their mentoring program. Currently, she is Co-Chair of the Board of Directors for the Construction Institute and Chairs their Education Committee.
Patriquin Architects
Kara Bacik is a Senior Associate at Patriquin Architects with 17 years of experience in the Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. Envisioning the future growth of the firm, she establishes external strategic growth initiatives, manages Marketing, Branding, Communication and Social Media; spearheads Business Development; helps align firm culture; and promotes staff development, both personally and professionally.Having enjoyed working on every piece of the marketing spectrum throughout the years, she has linked her vast experience and education to promoting the importance of architectural design and collaboration, focusing her efforts on better client experiences. Kara has a sincere passion for connecting people’s needs and wants to solutions. She innately understands the big picture and recognizes the collective role we all play in making positive change for the future of our industry.
Translating her vision for the built environment through strategic marketing, Kara continues to help influence the AEC through her participation in industry organizations such as the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) and the Construction Institute. Her various involvement on SMPS, Connecticut Chapter committees led to her term as Chapter President from 2009-2010 and subsequent involvement in their mentoring program. Currently, she is Co-Chair of the Board of Directors for the Construction Institute and Chairs their Education Committee.
Melissa Ferrucci, Treasurer
CohnReznick LLP
Melissa L. Ferrucci, CPA, is the Office Managing Partner for CohnRenick’s Hartford and Stamford, CT offices and serves as leader in the real estate practice for CohnReznick’s Connecticut offices. Serving clients in commercial real estate and affordable housing, she provides auditing services and guidance on critical industry issues to a range of stakeholders. She also works closely with various governments and quasi-governmental agencies. Ferrucci serves as a national instructor with CohnReznick’s Learning & Development team and is Co-Chair of the Community Impact Committee for the Hartford office. She is involved with several professional groups, including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, is past president of CREW CT – The Real Estate Exchange, and currently serves as Treasurer for The Construction Institute.
CohnReznick LLP
Melissa L. Ferrucci, CPA, is the Office Managing Partner for CohnRenick’s Hartford and Stamford, CT offices and serves as leader in the real estate practice for CohnReznick’s Connecticut offices. Serving clients in commercial real estate and affordable housing, she provides auditing services and guidance on critical industry issues to a range of stakeholders. She also works closely with various governments and quasi-governmental agencies. Ferrucci serves as a national instructor with CohnReznick’s Learning & Development team and is Co-Chair of the Community Impact Committee for the Hartford office. She is involved with several professional groups, including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, is past president of CREW CT – The Real Estate Exchange, and currently serves as Treasurer for The Construction Institute.
Kathyann Cowles, Secretary
KC Architects, LLC
Kathyann M. Cowles, AIA, NCARB, AAA, studied at Boston College and received her Architectural degree from Pratt Institute. As an architect with over 35 years’ experience for diverse and complex design and construction projects, Cowles has a unique perspective on the multi-faceted issues facing today’s construction teams. She represents the interests of owners, designers, and contractors in complex science/technology, academic, industrial, manufacturing, civic and corporate projects, in the public and private sectors. Co-editor/author of “The Future of the Design and Construction Industry,” Cowles was awarded the 2018 Construction Institutes “Distinguished Achievement Award” for contributions to the advancement of the regions design, construction, and facilities communities.” A recipient of a 2018 “Higginbotham Fellowship” to study Alternative Dispute Resolution, she is now an active Member of the American Arbitration Panel, and a certified mediator, focusing on issues facing the AEC Industry.
KC Architects, LLC
Kathyann M. Cowles, AIA, NCARB, AAA, studied at Boston College and received her Architectural degree from Pratt Institute. As an architect with over 35 years’ experience for diverse and complex design and construction projects, Cowles has a unique perspective on the multi-faceted issues facing today’s construction teams. She represents the interests of owners, designers, and contractors in complex science/technology, academic, industrial, manufacturing, civic and corporate projects, in the public and private sectors. Co-editor/author of “The Future of the Design and Construction Industry,” Cowles was awarded the 2018 Construction Institutes “Distinguished Achievement Award” for contributions to the advancement of the regions design, construction, and facilities communities.” A recipient of a 2018 “Higginbotham Fellowship” to study Alternative Dispute Resolution, she is now an active Member of the American Arbitration Panel, and a certified mediator, focusing on issues facing the AEC Industry.
Zoraida Ferguson, Immediate Past Chair
Pratt & Whitney/UTC
Zoraida Ferguson is Pratt & Whitney’s associate director of Facilities Engineering & Projects, responsible for leading a diverse and talented organization that plans, designs and constructs projects ranging from office renovations to jet engine assembly and manufacturing facilities. She began her career at Pratt & Whitney 37 years ago in the printing department at the company’s East Hartford, Connecticut, facility. Over the course of her career, she has held numerous roles of increasing responsibility where she gained vast experience and insight into both the facilities world and Pratt & Whitney’s global business. Zoraida holds a master degree in business management and organizational leadership and regularly attends business and industry related events to stay current with latest technologies and practices in her field. She is committed to helping others in their educational endeavors, having contributed countless hours of service to organizations such as the Women in Aviation where she served as vice president for a number of years, and Construction Institute where she serves on the Board of Directors. Her latest efforts have included teaming up the Construction Institute, University of Hartford, and Pratt & Whitney to create a talent pipeline to benefit students and the aerospace industry, at a time of extraordinary growth and critical national security need. The goal is to prepare these talented students for their careers through classroom education and real-world professional experiences. The first participants of this program will start co-op positions this month.
Pratt & Whitney/UTC
Zoraida Ferguson is Pratt & Whitney’s associate director of Facilities Engineering & Projects, responsible for leading a diverse and talented organization that plans, designs and constructs projects ranging from office renovations to jet engine assembly and manufacturing facilities. She began her career at Pratt & Whitney 37 years ago in the printing department at the company’s East Hartford, Connecticut, facility. Over the course of her career, she has held numerous roles of increasing responsibility where she gained vast experience and insight into both the facilities world and Pratt & Whitney’s global business. Zoraida holds a master degree in business management and organizational leadership and regularly attends business and industry related events to stay current with latest technologies and practices in her field. She is committed to helping others in their educational endeavors, having contributed countless hours of service to organizations such as the Women in Aviation where she served as vice president for a number of years, and Construction Institute where she serves on the Board of Directors. Her latest efforts have included teaming up the Construction Institute, University of Hartford, and Pratt & Whitney to create a talent pipeline to benefit students and the aerospace industry, at a time of extraordinary growth and critical national security need. The goal is to prepare these talented students for their careers through classroom education and real-world professional experiences. The first participants of this program will start co-op positions this month.
Jim Cecil
A.P. Construction Company
Jim Cecil is known for leading business development in the AEC space with an infectious positive attitude and clarity of vision that inspires and empowers teams for personal and professional success. For nearly 20 years, he has accumulated a unique blend of experiences through various vantage points of the construction industry which started as a humble painter working his way through college. After receiving his Marketing BBA from WCSU, Cecil joined the Sherwin Williams company, where he achieved multiple sales awards and promotions. He took his significant corporate experience, knowledge of the trades, and his Marketing education, to elevate sales at EverGreene Architectural Arts to record heights. As the Director of Business Development for Nexii Building Solutions, Cecil successfully broke into new markets with a sustainable green envelope panel system. Currently, he is leveraging his talents and experiences to propel A.P. Construction’s significant local presence into the future.
A.P. Construction Company
Jim Cecil is known for leading business development in the AEC space with an infectious positive attitude and clarity of vision that inspires and empowers teams for personal and professional success. For nearly 20 years, he has accumulated a unique blend of experiences through various vantage points of the construction industry which started as a humble painter working his way through college. After receiving his Marketing BBA from WCSU, Cecil joined the Sherwin Williams company, where he achieved multiple sales awards and promotions. He took his significant corporate experience, knowledge of the trades, and his Marketing education, to elevate sales at EverGreene Architectural Arts to record heights. As the Director of Business Development for Nexii Building Solutions, Cecil successfully broke into new markets with a sustainable green envelope panel system. Currently, he is leveraging his talents and experiences to propel A.P. Construction’s significant local presence into the future.
Laura Cooley
Consultant
Laura Cooley is an experienced leader, coach, and manager of small and large, multi-stakeholder groups and teams focused on leadership, strategy, operational excellence, learning and development. She draws from 25 years of diverse opportunities as an employee, consultant, and leader in global and national AEC firms and organizations. Cooley is currently a consultant, facilitator, executive coach, speaker/trainer, Founder of Developing Construction Leaders, and member of the Board of Directors for the Construction Institute. Cooley emphasizes the interaction of strategy, process, results, and people. She seeks to spark insight - looking for that moment when each person finds something they make their own so they can apply it the very next day. Her past lives include: Associate Vice President & Director of Training and Development for Limbach; Gilbane Building Company Senior Manager of Operational Excellence, leading Operational Excellence and Learning & Development for the New York Region; Director of Performance Excellence for Bovis Lend Lease facilitating partnering, learning, and project risk mitigation for the Northeast, Florida, and Puerto Rico. Cooley holds a BS of Industrial Engineering and has been an examiner for the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence - Baldrige Award; an ISO 9000 auditor; a QualTec SixSigma Instructor for Facilitator Skills, Team Leaders and Project Success Planning; and holds additional certifications as a Six Sigma Green Belt, Scrum Master and DDI Course Instructor.
“Being a Construction Institute Board member is important to me because our industry can only be successful only when there is multi-discipline collaboration. The Construction Institute is one of the few organizations that specifically strives to break through our silos to bring visionaries, leaders, and practitioners together to improve the industry at large.” - Laura Cooley
Consultant
Laura Cooley is an experienced leader, coach, and manager of small and large, multi-stakeholder groups and teams focused on leadership, strategy, operational excellence, learning and development. She draws from 25 years of diverse opportunities as an employee, consultant, and leader in global and national AEC firms and organizations. Cooley is currently a consultant, facilitator, executive coach, speaker/trainer, Founder of Developing Construction Leaders, and member of the Board of Directors for the Construction Institute. Cooley emphasizes the interaction of strategy, process, results, and people. She seeks to spark insight - looking for that moment when each person finds something they make their own so they can apply it the very next day. Her past lives include: Associate Vice President & Director of Training and Development for Limbach; Gilbane Building Company Senior Manager of Operational Excellence, leading Operational Excellence and Learning & Development for the New York Region; Director of Performance Excellence for Bovis Lend Lease facilitating partnering, learning, and project risk mitigation for the Northeast, Florida, and Puerto Rico. Cooley holds a BS of Industrial Engineering and has been an examiner for the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence - Baldrige Award; an ISO 9000 auditor; a QualTec SixSigma Instructor for Facilitator Skills, Team Leaders and Project Success Planning; and holds additional certifications as a Six Sigma Green Belt, Scrum Master and DDI Course Instructor.
“Being a Construction Institute Board member is important to me because our industry can only be successful only when there is multi-discipline collaboration. The Construction Institute is one of the few organizations that specifically strives to break through our silos to bring visionaries, leaders, and practitioners together to improve the industry at large.” - Laura Cooley
Kaitlyn Dobberfuhl, YPC Chair
Gilbane Building Company
As a Project Manager, Kaitlyn Dobberfuhl works for Gilbane Building Company and is currently working in their Sacramento, California office. She is a member of their team assisting with a recent project for the State Office Building - Governor, Assembly and Senate as well as Gilbane’s upcoming work with UC Davis Health Center in downtown Sacramento. Within Gilbane, Dobberfuhl greatly values participating in her company’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) as a Co-Chair for the Western and Federal empoWer group and Chair of the National Board. These groups also engage and host joint events with other employee groups. As a part of the Construction Institute, this is Dobberfuhl’s 5th consecutive year participating on the planning committee for the AEC Leadership Conference. She also sits on the Board of Directors and is past Chair of the Young Professionals Council.
Gilbane Building Company
As a Project Manager, Kaitlyn Dobberfuhl works for Gilbane Building Company and is currently working in their Sacramento, California office. She is a member of their team assisting with a recent project for the State Office Building - Governor, Assembly and Senate as well as Gilbane’s upcoming work with UC Davis Health Center in downtown Sacramento. Within Gilbane, Dobberfuhl greatly values participating in her company’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) as a Co-Chair for the Western and Federal empoWer group and Chair of the National Board. These groups also engage and host joint events with other employee groups. As a part of the Construction Institute, this is Dobberfuhl’s 5th consecutive year participating on the planning committee for the AEC Leadership Conference. She also sits on the Board of Directors and is past Chair of the Young Professionals Council.
George Fink
BRG
George Fink is a Managing Director of Berkeley Research Group (BRG) with over twenty years of expert construction consulting experience and forty years of industry experience. This experience spans project management, scheduling, inspection, estimating and coordination on hotel and hospitality, residential and housing, multi-use high rise, transportation, wastewater, education, healthcare, federal, courts and corrections, and energy projects. He is an expert in schedule delay analysis, insurance claims, cost entitlement, construction deficiencies and construction management standards of care. Fink has taught scheduling classes to the ABA Construction Forum and numerous government, state and local entities, in addition to CLE certified classes to numerous law firms.
BRG
George Fink is a Managing Director of Berkeley Research Group (BRG) with over twenty years of expert construction consulting experience and forty years of industry experience. This experience spans project management, scheduling, inspection, estimating and coordination on hotel and hospitality, residential and housing, multi-use high rise, transportation, wastewater, education, healthcare, federal, courts and corrections, and energy projects. He is an expert in schedule delay analysis, insurance claims, cost entitlement, construction deficiencies and construction management standards of care. Fink has taught scheduling classes to the ABA Construction Forum and numerous government, state and local entities, in addition to CLE certified classes to numerous law firms.
Lance Martin
Salas O'Brien
Lance Martin, PE is a Project Manager for BVH Integrated Services, a Salas O’Brien company. He has 9 years of experience in the construction industry with a background in Electrical Engineering and holds a Professional Engineering license in the state of Connecticut. In an evolving landscape of construction that is focusing on sustainability, he works diligently to stay on the forefront of emerging technologies that will lead the industry into the future. He believes that continuous learning is a way that we, as an industry, can help solve the problems of tomorrow with new ideas and practices. As the leader of The Construction Institute’s Young Professionals Council, Martin is excited to encourage other emerging professionals in the industry to get involved with the many opportunities that The Construction Institute has to offer. As an emerging professional, he was able to enjoy several programs provided by The Construction Institute. Martin received his Master of Engineering and Master of Business Administration degrees from the University of Hartford. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, going on hikes with his dog, golfing, and cycling.
Salas O'Brien
Lance Martin, PE is a Project Manager for BVH Integrated Services, a Salas O’Brien company. He has 9 years of experience in the construction industry with a background in Electrical Engineering and holds a Professional Engineering license in the state of Connecticut. In an evolving landscape of construction that is focusing on sustainability, he works diligently to stay on the forefront of emerging technologies that will lead the industry into the future. He believes that continuous learning is a way that we, as an industry, can help solve the problems of tomorrow with new ideas and practices. As the leader of The Construction Institute’s Young Professionals Council, Martin is excited to encourage other emerging professionals in the industry to get involved with the many opportunities that The Construction Institute has to offer. As an emerging professional, he was able to enjoy several programs provided by The Construction Institute. Martin received his Master of Engineering and Master of Business Administration degrees from the University of Hartford. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, going on hikes with his dog, golfing, and cycling.
Anthony Messina
The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
Tony Messina is a Vice President at The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company in Shelton, CT and is also the firms Retail National Leader, responsible for coordinating the efforts of over 50+ operating groups within the retail industry. Starting his career in 1997 as a project engineer after graduating from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, his career has afforded him the opportunity to work with some of the most dynamic retail developers and consultants within the industry throughout Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and California. In 2014, Messina was named as an ICSC Leader Under 40 and is currently serving on the 2023 ICSC CenterBuild Conference Planning Committee which addresses the interests of retail real estate professionals of like disciplines within the industry and provides opportunities to share experiences, discuss best practices, raise awareness about industry developments and fosters network building. Messina is excited to join the diverse group of professionals currently contributing to this year’s AEC Leadership Conference and hopes to contribute to the conference for many more years to come.
The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
Tony Messina is a Vice President at The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company in Shelton, CT and is also the firms Retail National Leader, responsible for coordinating the efforts of over 50+ operating groups within the retail industry. Starting his career in 1997 as a project engineer after graduating from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, his career has afforded him the opportunity to work with some of the most dynamic retail developers and consultants within the industry throughout Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and California. In 2014, Messina was named as an ICSC Leader Under 40 and is currently serving on the 2023 ICSC CenterBuild Conference Planning Committee which addresses the interests of retail real estate professionals of like disciplines within the industry and provides opportunities to share experiences, discuss best practices, raise awareness about industry developments and fosters network building. Messina is excited to join the diverse group of professionals currently contributing to this year’s AEC Leadership Conference and hopes to contribute to the conference for many more years to come.
Dawn Monde
Red Thread
Dawn Monde is Senior Vice President for Strategic Accounts/Client Services for Red Thread. She oversees Red Thread’s Hartford/Springfield Sales Team and Connecticut Design Team and is responsible for helping clients address emerging workplace challenges. Monde is passionate about the future of work, workers, and the workplace. Her teams collaborate with clients in corporate, higher education and healthcare to clearly understand critical business issues, leverage relevant research insights, and successfully apply innovative planning concepts that integrate furniture, architectural products, and technology. Monde values lifelong learning and giving back to her professional community. She is active in CoreNet, MetroHartford Alliance, and is a member of the Board of Directors of The Construction Institute. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Science degree in Textile Marketing.
“I truly value my involvement in the Construction Institute as I believe in giving back to an industry that has provided me with so much personal and professional fulfillment. I am confident that enhanced communication, collaboration and innovation in the AEC industry can provide exceptional outcomes for our customers, the industry and the environment.” - Dawn Monde
Red Thread
Dawn Monde is Senior Vice President for Strategic Accounts/Client Services for Red Thread. She oversees Red Thread’s Hartford/Springfield Sales Team and Connecticut Design Team and is responsible for helping clients address emerging workplace challenges. Monde is passionate about the future of work, workers, and the workplace. Her teams collaborate with clients in corporate, higher education and healthcare to clearly understand critical business issues, leverage relevant research insights, and successfully apply innovative planning concepts that integrate furniture, architectural products, and technology. Monde values lifelong learning and giving back to her professional community. She is active in CoreNet, MetroHartford Alliance, and is a member of the Board of Directors of The Construction Institute. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Science degree in Textile Marketing.
“I truly value my involvement in the Construction Institute as I believe in giving back to an industry that has provided me with so much personal and professional fulfillment. I am confident that enhanced communication, collaboration and innovation in the AEC industry can provide exceptional outcomes for our customers, the industry and the environment.” - Dawn Monde
Erik Sanford
Dellbrooks|JKS
Erik Sanford is the Director of MEP & VDC for Dellbrook|JKS. He has 23 years of construction experience, with the last 15 years devoted to Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) and MEP Coordination management experience. His expertise covers direct involvement from field engineering to creating strategies, standards, and training. Opportunities to grow and improve are all around us. Sanford is driven to find those opportunities and create realistic and achievable growth and improvement from them through innovative thought and partnership. He understands that the path between where we are and where we need to be is twisted and bumpy and that it needs to be traveled with care. Sanford has leveraged technology to improve outcomes, reduce errors, and improve understanding throughout his entire career, guiding multiple companies to grow their Building Information (BIM) and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) efforts from the basics to advanced use. He has presented and taught BIM management techniques across the United States and Europe. Sanford was the inaugural awardee of The Construction Institute's Digital Leadership award in 2022.
Dellbrooks|JKS
Erik Sanford is the Director of MEP & VDC for Dellbrook|JKS. He has 23 years of construction experience, with the last 15 years devoted to Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) and MEP Coordination management experience. His expertise covers direct involvement from field engineering to creating strategies, standards, and training. Opportunities to grow and improve are all around us. Sanford is driven to find those opportunities and create realistic and achievable growth and improvement from them through innovative thought and partnership. He understands that the path between where we are and where we need to be is twisted and bumpy and that it needs to be traveled with care. Sanford has leveraged technology to improve outcomes, reduce errors, and improve understanding throughout his entire career, guiding multiple companies to grow their Building Information (BIM) and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) efforts from the basics to advanced use. He has presented and taught BIM management techniques across the United States and Europe. Sanford was the inaugural awardee of The Construction Institute's Digital Leadership award in 2022.
Nancy Greenwald, Executive Director
The Construction Institute, Inc.
Nancy Greenwald has 38 years of experience as a lawyer and business executive in the AEC/FM industry, dealing with projects ranging from $50,000 to $9 billion. A Fellow of the American College of Construction Lawyers, Ms. Greenwald serves on the American Arbitration Association's Construction and Commercial Industry Panels and has been appointed as an arbitrator and mediator by numerous private clients and courts. In addition to her work as an arbitrator and mediator, Ms. Greenwald is the Executive Director of the Construction Institute, Inc. a nonprofit, non-partisan association of diverse professionals, representing every aspect of the industry from design to construction to operation and maintenance. Its mission is to promote cross-industry collaboration. She speaks frequently and teaches best practices in arbitration and mediation, construction project communication, and dispute systems design, and trains construction managers, engineers, architects, and other professionals in conflict resolution practices that better equip them to be problem-solvers in their practice and in the field. An expert in emerging construction technology, Ms. Greenwald speaks and writes about the incorporation of blockchain, smart contracts, AI, and other technologies into design and construction, examining both risks and opportunities. She received her J.D. from Harvard Law School (cum laude) 1981.
The Construction Institute, Inc.
Nancy Greenwald has 38 years of experience as a lawyer and business executive in the AEC/FM industry, dealing with projects ranging from $50,000 to $9 billion. A Fellow of the American College of Construction Lawyers, Ms. Greenwald serves on the American Arbitration Association's Construction and Commercial Industry Panels and has been appointed as an arbitrator and mediator by numerous private clients and courts. In addition to her work as an arbitrator and mediator, Ms. Greenwald is the Executive Director of the Construction Institute, Inc. a nonprofit, non-partisan association of diverse professionals, representing every aspect of the industry from design to construction to operation and maintenance. Its mission is to promote cross-industry collaboration. She speaks frequently and teaches best practices in arbitration and mediation, construction project communication, and dispute systems design, and trains construction managers, engineers, architects, and other professionals in conflict resolution practices that better equip them to be problem-solvers in their practice and in the field. An expert in emerging construction technology, Ms. Greenwald speaks and writes about the incorporation of blockchain, smart contracts, AI, and other technologies into design and construction, examining both risks and opportunities. She received her J.D. from Harvard Law School (cum laude) 1981.