SunRay Construction Solutions Recognizes 10 Exceptional Women Shaping Construction in 2026

As part of its commitment to elevating true leadership in the industry, SunRay Construction Solutions presents its 4th Annual Top 10 Women in Construction Awards, founded by Ariela C. Wagner. Selected from thousands of professionals nationwide, these honorees represent excellence across legal, financial, operational, and executive leadership.

This year, we introduced something new, The Heart Behind the Work.

Because beyond the contracts, deadlines, and decisions are extraordinary acts of kindness, resilience, and humanity. Their professional achievements are powerful. Their personal stories will bring tears to your eyes.

Mollie Elkman is a 20-year construction industry veteran and the Owner and President of Group Two, a marketing partner to many of the nation’s top builders. She founded the She Built Foundation after seeing the powerful impact of her book The House That She Built, which was inspired by a real home constructed in Utah to demonstrate that women can perform every role in building a house. The foundation was created to expand that mission and inspire the next generation of girls in construction.

The Heart Behind the Work: Mollie is passionate about sharing the magic of the building industry with communities across the country, beginning with her own. Through the She Built Foundation, she provides books and resources that empower industry professionals to engage locally and inspire the next generation. She has personally read her own book, The House That She Built, to thousands of students, leading classroom activities that open young minds to the possibilities within construction.

As a mother of two, she intentionally blends family and career. Her children recently volunteered alongside her at the International Builders Show at the She Built Foundation booth, actively participating in both her business and nonprofit work. Together with her husband, she also runs a second-generation family business, striving to show up fully at home and in the industry.

By using her marketing and storytelling talents for good, she has created tools that help others share their stories and strengthen the industry. Her impact extends far beyond projects, reaching classrooms, families, and future builders.

Lynn Thompson brings more than 30 years of experience as a highly respected Mississippi construction and government contracts attorney representing contractors, subcontractors, owners, and suppliers. She handles complex construction litigation, arbitrations, bid protests, bond claims, and federal contract disputes, with deep experience in delay claims, defective work, differing site conditions, and contractor default matters.

Lynn is also a recognized authority in federal procurement and small business programs, advising clients on compliance, certifications, joint ventures, and contract strategy. A former attorney-advisor with the U.S. Department of Commerce, she brings valuable government insight to her private practice. Lynn also played a key role in developing Mississippi’s Construction Lien Law.

Lynn’s decades of leadership and industry impact make her stand out in construction law.

The Heart Behind the Work: Lynn is passionate about serving her community and her faith. She participates in her church through the Flower Guild and Hospitality Guild and is a member of her parish’s women’s group, which supports charitable efforts throughout the year, from collecting books for young readers to gathering food for local food banks. Giving back is central to who she is.

Gardening, hiking, reading, and painting are among Lynn’s favorite ways to recharge. Some of her best ideas and solutions for clients have come while her hands are in the soil or she’s walking a trail. Staying active keeps her mind energized and creative.

Family is Lynn’s greatest source of joy. She and her husband are blessed with two children whose energy, ideas, moral integrity, and work ethic inspire her daily life. Lynn gets tremendous joy from her accomplishments as a lawyer. She takes pride in her work and her client relationships span decades, but when she thinks of her family, her children especially, she is filled with peace.

Angela McPherson, as Controller, serves at the financial center of the organization, strengthening vendor and subcontractor relationships through accurate and efficient management of accounts payable and receivable. Her leadership ensures operational stability and fosters trust across every department.

A Top Woman in Construction award winner, Angela exemplifies excellence in construction-specific accounting, unwavering financial integrity, and strong leadership in a demanding industry. She represents the precision, resilience, and strategic insight that define today’s leading women in construction.

The Heart Behind the Work: Angela has always been deeply committed to her community, volunteering for youth baseball as an assistant coach and team mom, serving as band treasurer, and supporting countless school and recreation fundraisers. Even as her boys have grown, she continues to give back, showing her dedication extends far beyond her family.

Balancing a demanding career with family life, she raised two children largely on her own while her husband traveled frequently for work as an airline pilot. She worked full time, managed homework, carpooling, sports, and school events, all while earning her master’s degree from Kennesaw State University.

Through hard work, perseverance, and selfless dedication, she has built a loving family, lifelong friendships, and mentored countless employees. Her journey reflects resilience, leadership, and a commitment to making a lasting impact both at home and in her community.

Morella Gonzalez, as Vice President and co-owner of ILG Painting, serves as the operational backbone of the company. After years of hands-on field experience, she now oversees all administrative, financial, and organizational leadership—while also raising two young children.

Arriving in the United States just nine years ago as an immigrant originally from Venezuela, with limited resources, Morella helped build both a strong family foundation and a thriving construction business through resilience, discipline, and vision. Her leadership, integrity, and determination exemplify the strength of women who continue to break barriers in construction. Her dedication and work ethic make her truly exceptional.

Morella expressed that she left a despotic regime that would never have allowed her the opportunities she found in the United States. Coming to this country was a blessing, providing her children with safety, freedom, and the chance to build a meaningful future. Every success she achieves is rooted in gratitude for the opportunity to work, contribute, and thrive in her new home.

The Heart Behind the Work: Morella is a wife and mother to a 3-year-old daughter and 11-month-old son, as well as the Vice President and co-owner of ILG Painting. Together with her husband, she built the company from the ground up through hard work, faith, and partnership, while overseeing daily operations, administration, and finances as she raises her family.

Having immigrated to the United States less than a decade ago, she embodies perseverance and integrity. This recognition reflects not only her title, but her journey and dedication to balancing family, leadership, and building something lasting.

Betty has been far more than a designer for more than 30 years. She has managed millions of dollars in high-end custom residential and commercial construction projects with exceptional attention to detail and strong timeline management.

Betty also built her business as a single mother raising three boys while battling breast cancer. She overcame that challenge and raised three accomplished men, all now working successfully in construction.

Betty’s professionalism, leadership, and resilience truly represent what this award stands for.

The Heart Behind the Work: Betty truly loves what she does and sees her business as a gift. She believes God gives each of us talents for a greater purpose, and she has always felt this work is hers. Nothing brings her more joy than seeing the happiness on her clients’ faces when their homes are complete. After more than 30 years in business without ever advertising, the lasting relationships she has built speak for themselves. She lives by the belief, “Live for something greater than yourself,” and that purpose is evident in all she does.

Family is the center of her heart. She comes from generations of honorable military service and is the proud grandmother of nine “Earth Angels.” She treasures being present in their lives. Betty will always cherish the moment when her oldest granddaughter, graduating with high honors, asked for a weeklong vacation together instead of a gift.

She also supports the men at Teen Challenge in Lake Mary as they work to rebuild their lives and is passionate about breast cancer awareness through Bras for the Cause, a cause close to her heart.

Betty lives a full, faith-centered life devoted to her family, her country, and a career she deeply loves.

Brandi’s 25-year career reflects exceptional growth and leadership across the construction industry, progressing from Estimator and Project Manager to her current role as Director of Contracting and Risk Management. As a licensed Certified General Contractor, she has applied her deep industry knowledge to strengthen operations at Wells by developing key internal resources, including the creation and implementation of the Legal Department’s Contract Playbook, adoption of a new CLM Tool, and a comprehensive payment rights protection SOP.

As Chair of the Finance and Risk Management Committee for the Precast Concrete Institute (“PCI”), she has also helped advance contractual protections for manufacturers, designers, and engineers through publications of a Contract Clause Manual, a PCI member’s resource guide to navigating and negotiating complex contract clauses. Her hands-on experience at every level of construction makes her a respected leader and an inspiring example within the industry.

The Heart Behind the Work: Brandi dedicates herself to her community through volunteering with Special Olympics, meal deliveries through the Basket Brigade, youth sports as a Team Mom, and past involvement with Habitat for Humanity. At home, she juggles the demands of family and career with intention, raising teenagers, caring for aging parents, and cherishing quality time with her supportive husband of over 20 years. She also mentors colleagues and builds lasting relationships in her industry, sharing the lessons she has learned along the way.

Starting as one of the few women in construction over 25 years ago, she worked harder than anyone around her and learned from incredible mentors how to lift others up. Her natural leadership and positive energy have left a lasting impact on those she has guided, whether in professional development programs or everyday interactions. Yet what brings her the most joy is seeing the influence she has on her children and their community, creating meaningful connections, nurturing growth, and showing that leadership and care can go hand in hand.

Stephanie is a highly dedicated professional with deep expertise in construction billing, financial management, and compliance practices. She brings a strategic approach to every project, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and strong results for her clients and team.

She consistently demonstrates professionalism, technical competence, and leadership, approaching challenges with a solution-focused mindset and clear communication across teams. Reliable, efficient, and highly trusted, Stephanie sets a high standard for quality, accountability, and collaboration.

A key asset to Century Fire Protection, she earns respect through results and continually raises the bar for those around her.

The Heart Behind the Work: Stephanie’s commitment to others is rooted in her own childhood in foster care. Instead of traditional volunteering, she spends her time mentoring youth aging out of the system, helping them see construction as a real path to independence and stability. She shares her story to prove that where you start does not determine where you finish.

Now a mother of four, her career is driven by a deeper purpose—breaking cycles and creating the secure home she once searched for. Every project, long day, and achievement is part of building a better future for her children and showing them that resilience can rewrite any story. From instability to leadership, she has turned hardship into hope, using both her work and her voice to help others believe they can build a life of their own.

Amanda has built her career on hard work, consistency, and a commitment to helping others grow in the construction industry. As Director of Field Training and Engagement at Brava Roof Tile, she leads contractor training and engagement across 15 territories, supporting hundreds of contractors and distributors while fostering lasting relationships.

She leads with a focus on mentorship, education, and creating opportunities, showing that women can build strong, influential careers in construction. Known for her integrity and consistency, Amanda strives to leave a lasting impact not just through results, but through the people she supports and the opportunities she helps create.

The Heart Behind the Work: Passionate about mentorship, Amanda supports women entering and advancing in construction and balances a demanding career with family life, showing her children the importance of perseverance, integrity, and believing in their potential.

Giving back is central to her, including coordinating construction and a roof replacement for Hope House in her hometown of Bartow, Florida, creating a safe space for young mothers. The home is also known as the house featured in the 1990s film My Girl, adding a unique sense of history to its mission.

Through every challenge, Amanda strives to leave a lasting impact not just through results, but through the people she supports, the opportunities she creates, and the confidence she helps build in others.

Denise is the kind of leader who never seeks recognition yet unquestionably deserves it. Known for her kindness, integrity, and unwavering commitment to her team, she consistently prioritizes the growth and success of the people around her. She leads with honesty, treats everyone with respect, and creates an environment where employees feel supported, valued, and empowered to excel.

With over 30 years of experience in the construction industry, she has developed processes that have streamlined her entire department, improving efficiency while maintaining exceptional quality and compliance. Her expertise in Texas lien law is both deep and practical, making her a trusted authority in a highly complex area of construction compliance.

But beyond the accomplishments, what truly sets her apart is who she is—a genuinely good person, steady in her values, generous with her knowledge, and quietly impactful in everything she does.

The Heart Behind the Work: Denise stays active in her professional community through her NACM credit group and was previously recognized by her peers as Credit Executive of the Year, a reflection of the respect she has earned in the industry.

Married for 28 years, she balances both work and home life with a “whatever it takes” mindset, caring not only for her immediate family but also for her 89-year-old mother who lives nearby. Her faith remains an important foundation, and she participates in her church’s women’s Bible study to stay grounded.

Seven years ago, Denise was recruited by Lonestar without even seeking a change, a moment that reinforced how valued and recognized her contributions have been throughout her credit career.

Janet is truly one of the most extraordinary event directors at CASF. She genuinely cares about every member, and it shows in every event she touches. Her programs are always organized, thoughtful, and incredibly well executed, but what really sets her apart is the heart she brings to everything she does. Beyond her tireless work behind the scenes coordinating sponsorships, exhibitors, and major industry gatherings, Janet plays a meaningful role in strengthening connections across South Florida’s construction community. She doesn’t just plan events—she creates environments where relationships grow, businesses connect, and people feel welcomed. Her dedication, professionalism, and authenticity make her an invaluable part of CASF and a true asset to everyone who is fortunate enough to work with her.

The Heart Behind the Work: Janet’s commitment to her community is just as strong as her professional dedication. She proudly served the City of Wilton Manors as a Parks and Recreation Advisory Board member, unanimously appointed by the Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Commissioners. She also served on the board of the Westside Association of Wilton Manors, advocating for beautification, economic development, public safety, and meaningful improvements to the community. Her leadership has made a lasting impact, and she has been invited to consider serving the City again in the future.

Family is at the center of her life. More than a decade ago, she made the intentional decision to move back to Florida to be closer to her aging parents. Today, she dedicates significant time to caring for her mother, offering companionship, support, and love while continuing to thrive in a demanding and successful career.

Janet has also shown strong leadership as President of her condominium association, a voluntary and often thankless role requiring difficult decisions and steady resolve. Through it all, she has demonstrated resilience, integrity, and the wisdom to lead with perspective in both her personal and professional life.

The construction industry in 2026 demands more than hard work. It requires precision, compliance discipline, financial strategy, and leadership that adapts to constant change. Labor shifts, evolving contract risk, tighter margins, and stricter statutory deadlines continue to reshape how projects are managed and how payments are protected.

SunRay Construction Solutions remains at the forefront of this evolution, delivering trusted notice and lien management solutions that help contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers protect billions in receivables each year. By combining technology, compliance expertise, and customer-focused service, SunRay strengthens financial security across the construction chain.

Through initiatives like the Top 10 Women in Construction Awards, SunRay reinforces its broader mission: recognizing the leaders who elevate standards, mentor the next generation, and move the industry forward with integrity and grit. The 2026 honorees exemplify the discipline, resilience, and strategic thinking required to succeed in today’s construction landscape.

Ariela Wagner is the President and Founder of SunRay Construction Solutions. With over 20 years of experience in the construction industry, she has built one of the nation’s leading lien and notice management platforms, helping secure more than $10 billion in payment rights annually.

Ariela’s entrepreneurial journey began early, selling chocolates to classmates at six years old. By 26, she founded a construction technology company focused on protecting receivables and simplifying statutory compliance. Today, SunRay serves top national suppliers and construction professionals across the country.

Recognized as a “Top 40 Under 40” entrepreneur by the South Florida Business Journal, Ariela is a respected industry speaker and advocate for education, innovation, and operational excellence.

Outside of business, she is a black belt in karate who teaches children self-defense and a dedicated golfer who enjoys participating in industry scrambles.