We’re honored to have celebrated this inspiring day with you as we recognized the outstanding women and advocates shaping the A/E/C industry. Explore event highlights, award recipient stories, and moments captured from the celebration below.
URBANO
Laura Carrera
Rooted in their shared Nicaraguan heritage, Laura and Andres envisioned URBANO as a firm where preservation and innovation go hand in hand. By integrating architecture, historic preservation, tax credit consulting, and development under one roof, URBANO has transformed neglected structures into vibrant, community-centered assets.
Agirre Construction LLC.
Lupe Agirre
The LUNA Awards 2025 Rising Star A/E/C Firm of the Year is proudly presented to Agirre Construction LLC. Founded by Lupe Agirre in 2022, Agirre Construction is a woman-owned firm making its mark in the construction industry with a specialized focus on facility maintenance and repair.
Triple Kore
Kristen Johns
The LUNA Awards 2025 Service Firm of the Year is proudly presented to Triple Kore. Founded by Kristen Johns, Triple Kore provides strategic business development and marketing services tailored to the A/E/C industry. From pursuit strategies to market positioning, Triple Kore helps contractors grow visibility, strengthen client relationships, and expand their market influence.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Heather Kelly
Dominion Air and Heat LLC
The LUNA Awards 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award is proudly presented to Heather Kelly, Dominion Air and Heat LLC. With more than 35 years of experience in the construction and mechanical trades, Heather’s career is a testament to resilience, leadership, and service.
Karen Levingston-Franklin
City of Houston, Housing and Community Development Department
The LUNA Awards 2025 Business Advocate of the Year is proudly presented to Karen Levingston-Franklin, City of Houston, Housing and Community Development Department. For more than 35 years, she has championed equity, opportunity, and visibility for women in the A/E/C industry.
Laura Carrera
URBANO
Born and raised in Nicaragua, Laura’s journey into architecture was inspired by her lived experience of inequities in the built environment and her belief that design can serve as a tool for equity and cultural empowerment. Since co-founding URBANO in 2019, she has redefined preservation as both a cultural mission and a business strategy—leading award-winning projects such as 1230 Houston Avenue, Boynton Chapel Methodist Church, and the Sugar Land Char House.
Kaleena Marie Lamb
O’Donnel/Snider Construction
Nearly 20-year career in construction exemplifies excellence and leadership. With experience spanning subcontractor, manufacturer, and general contractor roles, Kaleena brings a unique perspective to project delivery. From Sr. Estimator to Project Manager, she has led high-profile projects with clear communication, problem-solving, and collaboration at the forefront.
Kimberly Floyd
Subcontractors USA
For over 13 years, she has been the driving force behind strategy, operations, and editorial leadership, ensuring the publication remains a trusted voice for subcontractors and the broader construction industry.
My Nguyen
SITECH Southeast Texas
The LUNA Awards 2025 Outstanding Administrative Professional of the Year is proudly presented to My Nguyen of SITECH-SETX and GPS Build. For the past eight years, My has been the driving force behind daily operations; streamlining processes, leading marketing and business initiatives, and managing finances with precision and care.
Lupe Agirre
Agirre Construction LLC
Rising Star A/E/C Firm of the Year
Diane Aguilar
Construction Career Collaborative (C3)
Outstanding Professional of the Year
Josefina Aguirre
Brady CFO
Outstanding Professional of the Year
Jen Alba
Y&A Cleaning
Outstanding Administrative Professional of the Year
Jha Allen
Endless 8
Rising Star A/E/C Firm of the Year
Sandquinette Benson
Texas Department of Transportation
Outstanding Professional of the Year
Jeanette Boleware
Fort Bend Independent School District – Small Business Enterprise Program
Business Advocate of the Year
Laura Carrera
Urbano
A/E/C Woman of the Year
A/E/C Firm of the Year
Dignora Casanova
Casanova Signs
A/E/C Firm of the Year
Rain Davis
hue Technology
A/E/C Firm of the Year
Raynese Edwards
Outside In Consult
Outstanding Professional of the Year
Victoria Esquivel
Maximus Construction LLC
Outstanding Administrative Professional of the Year
Yarith Fernandez
Y&a Cleaning
A/E/C Woman of the Year
A/E/C Firm of the Year
Service Firm of the Year
Kimberly Floyd
Subcontractors USA
Outstanding Administrative Professional of the Year
Karen Levingston-Franklin
City of Houston
Business Advocate of the Year
Melody Galland
TXDOT
A/E/C Woman of the Year
Rita Gamboa
Blue Chip Services, LLC
Service Firm of the Year
Luz Gomez
Rice Military
Rising Star A/E/C Firm of the Year
Leslie Greer
National Trench Safety
Outstanding Administrative Professional of the Year
Sara Hernandez
Evita Cabinets LLC
A/E/C Woman of the Year
Jackie Herrera
Mechanical Materials, LLC
Rising Star A/E/C Firm of the Year
Cylenthia Hoyrd
City of Houston
Business Advocate of the Year
Jennifer Holmes
Houston City College
A/E/C Woman of the Year
Karen Hudson
Houston Metropolitan Transit
Business Advocate of the Year
Construction Technology
Lesa Jackson
Service Firm of the Year
Kristen Johns
Triple Kore
Business Advocate of the Year
Service Firm of the Year
Constance Jones
HJ Staffing
Service Firm of the Year
Heather Kelly
Dominion Air & Heat LLC
A/E/C Woman of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Award
Business Advocate of the Year
A/E/C Firm of the Year
Kaleena Lamb
O’Donnell Snider Construction
Outstanding Professional of the Year
Victoria Adela Lara
Precinct 2
Business Advocate of the Year
Odigo Services LLC
Gillian Levi
Service Firm of the Year
Lorannette Lewis
Lorannette Group/ Compass
Outstanding Professional of the Year
Lee Lopez
City of Houston
A/E/C Woman of the Year
Janis Maldonado
Turner Construction Company
Outstanding Professional of the Year
Phyllis Mandola
Ninfa Laurenzo Foundation
Lifetime Achievement Award
Jennifer Mango
Fluor
Outstanding Professional of the Year
Cheryl Masters
Backyard Oasis Inc.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Artanya Mills
Versare Management, LLC
A/E/C Woman of the Year
Minora Monsivais
MEMCO
Outstanding Professional of the Year
Joana Muller
JD Martin
A/E/C Woman of the Year
Demetrius Navarro
Navarro Insurance Group
Business Advocate of the Year
My Nguyen
SITECH Southeast Texas
Outstanding Administrative Professional of the Year
Maria Ines Nunez
LOMELI PAVING & GRADING LLC
A/E/C Woman of the Year
Diana Oquendo
G&b Group LLC
A/E/C Woman of the Year
Baird Foundation Repair
Jade Owens
A/E/C Firm of the Year
Melissa Paladio
Houston Community College
Business Advocate of the Year
Outstanding Professional of the Year
Delia Perez
NTXP LLC
Outstanding Administrative Professional of the Year
Melanie Perez
Leo and Mel’s Gardening Services LLC
Outstanding Administrative Professional of the Year
Brianna Pezullo
TRW Family of Companies
Outstanding Professional of the Year
Abraham Polatstsek
DUNHILL Construction
Business Advocate of the Year
Elvia Quintanilla
Texas Technical Trade School
Business Advocate of the Year
Andrew Reno
Turner Construction Company
Business Advocate of the Year
Shuronda Robinson
Adisa Communications
Outstanding Administrative Professional of the Year
Maribel Rodriguez
Sunshine Personnel Solutions, LLC
Outstanding Professional of the Year
Shelly Sapp
FABco
Outstanding Administrative Professional of the Year
Aztec Contractor’s Houston LLC
Valeria Serenil
Rising Star A/E/C Firm of the Year
Progressive Training and Consulting
Priscilla Sinn
A/E/C Firm of the Year
Lenora Sorola-Pohlman
Navarro Insurance Group
Outstanding Professional of the Year
Abigail Soto
Butler Cohen
Outstanding Professional of the Year
Liz Sturgill
Maximus Construction LLC
A/E/C Woman of the Year
Elva Treviño
Champions Club Agency
Business Advocate of the Year
Marshette Turner Ray
Houston Business Operations Office
A/E/C Woman of the Year
Keith Williams
Noble Texas Builders
Business Advocate of the Year
Nia Williamson
Creative Office Furniture Inc.
Outstanding Professional of the Year
Katrena Wynn-Plummer
TxDOT
Business Advocate of the Year
Carlecia Wright
Port Houston
Business Advocate of the Year
To view the full criteria for each of the categories click on the category to see the details.
For any questions regarding the nomination process, please contact:
Yolanda Tafoya:
972-365-9758
Ernesto Uranga:
214-919-5384
Main office:
972-786-0909
Winners of the Luna Awards are selected using Award Force, an award-winning cloud-based software designed to manage nominations, submissions, and judging processes online. Known for its speed, security, and user-friendly design, Award Force ensures a seamless experience for entrants, judges, and program managers by automating workflows and maintaining strict confidentiality throughout the process.
To preserve the element of surprise and ensure impartiality, all judges, nominees, and involved parties remain unaware of the total scores and the identities of the winners until they are revealed during the Luna Awards Luncheon in the host city.
Honors a leading woman-owned firm in architecture, engineering, or construction that exemplifies innovation, growth, and industry leadership. This company has taken bold risks, set new trends, and made a lasting impact in the A/E/C sector.
Eligibility Criteria:
Operates within the A/E/C industry (Architecture, Engineering, or Construction).
At least 51% woman-owned and controlled.
Under current ownership for a minimum of 5 years.
The Nominee must be based or operate in the award region: Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston, Rio Grande Valley/South Central, or San Antonio.
Honors a woman-owned business that provides essential services or products to A/E/C firms. These businesses play a vital role in supporting the industry through consulting, workforce solutions, printing, specialty products, equipment, training, and more.
Eligibility Criteria:
A non-A/E/C business supporting the A/E/C industry.
At least 51% woman-owned and controlled.
Eligible industries include accounting, consulting, legal, marketing, HR services, printing, signage, janitorial, and specialty supplies.
The Nominee must be based or operate in the award region: Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston, Rio Grande Valley/South Central, or San Antonio.
Recognizes an emerging woman-owned A/E/C firm that is breaking new ground with innovation, bold leadership, and strong potential for future growth.
Eligibility Criteria:
Operates within the A/E/C industry.
At least 51% woman-owned and controlled.
Under current ownership for less than 5 years.
The Nominee must be based or operate in the award region: Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston, Rio Grande Valley/South Central, or San Antonio.
Recognizes a dedicated administrative professional whose behind-the-scenes contributions strengthen and support an A/E/C firm’s success. This award honors individuals in office management, accounting, executive support, marketing, IT, and related fields.
Eligibility Criteria:
At least 3 years of experience in the A/E/C industry.
Employed in an administrative role such as Office Manager, Accountant, Executive Assistant, Business Development, Marketing, IT Support, etc.
The Nominee must be based or operate in the award region: Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston, Rio Grande Valley/South Central, or San Antonio.
Recognizes a standout professional in A/E/C who plays a pivotal role in project execution, leadership, and innovation. Honorees include Superintendents, Engineers, Architects, Project Managers, Schedulers, Estimators, and Maintenance Supervisors who ensure successful project delivery.
Eligibility Criteria:
Employed in a professional A/E/C role (Director, Architect, Engineer, Project Manager, Scheduler, Estimator, Maintenance Supervisor, Office Manager, etc.).
The Nominee must be based or operate in the award region: Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston, Rio Grande Valley/South Central, or San Antonio.
Celebrates an exceptional woman who has significantly contributed to the architecture, engineering, or construction industry. A visionary leader, she drives business success, fosters teamwork, and shapes the industry’s future.
Eligibility Criteria:
At least 5 years of experience in the A/E/C industry.
Plays a key leadership role in company growth and team success.
Holds a senior executive position (CEO, CFO, COO, President, VP).
The Nominee must be based or operate in the award region: Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston, Rio Grande Valley/South Central, or San Antonio.
Honors an individual or company dedicated to advancing and empowering women in A/E/C. This award recognizes champions who actively promote inclusion, create opportunities, and drive progress for women in construction, architecture, or engineering.
Eligibility Criteria
Open to both individuals (female or male)
The Nominee must be based or operate in the award region: Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston, Rio Grande Valley/South Central, or San Antonio.
Pays tribute to a trailblazing woman with 20+ years of dedication and impact in the A/E/C industry. This award honors a career of leadership, contributions, and lasting influence.
Eligibility Criteria:
At least 20 years of experience in the A/E/C industry.
Has made significant contributions to the field.
The Nominee must be based or operate in the award region: Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston, Rio Grande Valley/South Central, or San Antonio.
