Women in Construction Week Spotlight: Growing WMJ’s Estimating Team

Over the past year, W. M. Jordan Company has welcomed three talented women to our Estimating team—each bringing a unique background, a fresh perspective, and a shared passion for building. Their paths into construction are remarkably different, yet they all reflect the same drive to learn, collaborate, and contribute to projects that make a lasting impact. As we celebrate Women in Construction Week, we’re proud to highlight Kristina Ravenel, Lisa Houtman, and Natalia Ayala‑Torres, whose stories showcase the strength and momentum of WMJ’s growing Estimating team.

Kristina Ravenel — Charleston, SC

Kristina’s career began with her love of historic buildings. After earning degrees in art history and historic preservation from the College of Charleston—and later a master’s—she worked in facilities roles at both the College of Charleston and the Medical University of South Carolina. There, she handled AutoCAD, fire safety planning, and project management, gaining early exposure to construction from the owner’s side.

She later joined a local construction firm specializing in historic properties, then transitioned into preconstruction at another company under the guidance of a mentor with 30 years of experience. Over two decades, Kristina has worked across many aspects of construction, giving her a well‑rounded perspective that strengthens her estimating work today.

“Estimating is such a good fit for me. It gives me a chance to work independently, while also having a people side to it that allows me to connect with our trade partners and clients,” said Kristina.

She’s watched opportunities for women grow and believes construction rewards those who prove themselves. Her advice to young estimators: build relationships and don’t be afraid to ask questions. She loves that construction offers constant learning and a balance of analytical work and people‑focused collaboration.

Lisa Houtman — Raleigh, NC

Lisa grew up on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi and moved to San Diego after Hurricane Katrina. On visits home, she watched rebuilding efforts unfold and felt inspired to pursue a career connected to construction. She earned an associate degree in architecture and later graduated from San Diego State with a multimedia degree, taking classes in everything from 3D modeling to furniture design.

Her first step into commercial construction came through an estimating role with an air‑balancing trade partner. After moving to Raleigh with her husband, she continued to build her experience—first with a residential HVAC company, then helping a friend grow a plumbing and HVAC business. Over her ten‑year career, she’s seen more women enter the industry and is excited to be part of that shift.

Lisa loves that estimating is never boring. “There’s always a new puzzle to solve,” she says. Her advice to young women: find the role that fits your strengths, whether that’s being outdoors, working with people, or diving into technical details.

Natalia Ayala‑Torres — Richmond, VA

Natalia joined WMJ’s Richmond Estimating team one year ago after graduating from Virginia Tech’s Myers‑Lawson School of Construction and completing an internship with the company. She began by supporting a single project and learning the fundamentals of preconstruction. Today, she’s involved in multiple jobs across a wide range of markets—from multifamily to government work, airports, and wood‑framed projects— giving her a diverse experience to build on in her young career.

She’s collaborated with estimators across WMJ offices and has grown more confident working with trade partners, shifting from reactive to proactive in her approach. She’s built strong relationships—so much so that partners now call and ask for her directly.

Natalia credits her team with her growth, especially mentors Andy Marshall and Mike Roseberry.

“I could do this job at a lot of companies, but it wouldn’t be the same without my coworkers,” she says.

Her advice to students: get experience both in the office and in the field, and explore the many paths construction offers.

Together, Kristina, Lisa, and Natalia represent the strength, diversity, and momentum of WMJ’s Estimating team. Their stories show that there is no single path into construction—and that with curiosity, confidence, and the right support, women can thrive in every corner of the industry. We’re proud to celebrate their contributions during Women in Construction Week and grateful for the expertise and energy they bring to W. M. Jordan Company.