The Lakeside Alliance Team Looks Back on 2022
As we near the end of 2022, we asked the Lakeside Alliance team how they would sum up the year and what they are most looking forward to in 2023. What we heard was a lot of praise for the processes and the people that this historic project has brought together and so much mutual respect and admiration.
Read on below to hear from the team as we look back on 2022.
Q: What is your favorite project memory from 2022?
A: Leading the construction of the Lakeside Alliance Resource Center to completion and having the team walk around and spend time there; the team's participation in our first food truck vendor event with Uncle Remus; and attending Brightview's Kick Off Meeting at the South Shore Cultural Center — so much excitement, gratitude and positive energy. — Chris Harris, Engineer
A: Walking in the Pride Parade. — Kristen Moore, Intern
A: The three Learning with Lakeside workshops that we hosted with local high schools and trade unions. — Scott Atchison, General Superintendent
A: The first time I did a site walk. It was exciting to put on the PPE gear and walk on the dirt and rocks. In the midst of walking, I thought how cool this is to see a historical project being built from beginning to end. — Tracy Gary, DEI Administrator and Resource Center Office Coordinator
A: When President Obama came to the jobsite. I never would have thought in a million years that I would have met the President. It was such an honor. — Jewanda Davis, Project Coordinator
A: Lakeside Alliance team bowling. It was a good chance to leave work roles behind and get to know co-workers as people. — Dan Rockafield, Engineer
Q: Which 2022 milestone felt most significant?
A: Finishing excavation of the pit because then we could start building up and out. — April Shewry, Project Engineer
A: Having the GMP signed. This means to me that all contracts have been issued and we are well on our way to building something historic and iconic. — Erika Davis, Senior Accountant
A: President Obama visiting the site and the staff being surprised; the formal opening of the Resource Center; and my favorite of all, Mamon Powers Jr. and John Bonds visiting the job site. — Pamyla Brown, Senior Director, Community and Citizenship
A: Jumping the north and south cores off the ground. — Erin Cullen, Project Executive
A: The ribbon cutting for the Lakeside Alliance Resource Center. This space was opened as a resource to the community. All are welcome to stop by and receive information about how to begin a career in the skilled trades. — Tracy Gary, DEI Administrator and Resource Center Office Coordinator
A: Becoming a member of the Lakeside Alliance team. — Gina Serna, Budget Engineer
A: I would say the progress with the concrete as it is the foundation for the work to come. — Katrina Raickett, Accountant
Q: What is one word to describe 2022?
A: Motivational. — Kristen Moore, Intern
A: Busy! — April Shewry, Project Engineer
A: Perseverance. — Chris Harris, Engineer
A: Insightful. — Katrina Raickett, Accountant
A: Phenomenal. — Dhvanee Bhavsar, Intern
Q: Who from Lakeside Alliance do you want to shout out for their contributions to the team and project?
A: Junisa Brima because he handles pressure very well. — Sharon Mayer, Procurement Agent
A: Suzie Chung has a great breadth of understanding of the project. She is tireless in keeping up with schedule changes, monitoring the Constraint Log and its impacts on the work, and participating in many meetings to keep abreast of schedule impacts. Suzie is also a great ambassador for the project in our construction trailer by providing unofficial (and I believe unrequested) project orientation to new members and being a constant "open door" resource for all our team members. — Dan Rockafield, Engineer
A: Our summer interns were awesome. — Erin Cullen, Project Executive
A: Israel Lopez. He has been an excellent leader and teacher in the finance department. — Gina Serna, Budget Engineer
A: Dan Sida and Bri'Shae Anderson, both for being the best mentors ever and making me always feel so empowered, loved and confident. Made me feel at home. Kristen Moore and Maliq Cherry for being the best intern friends that I'll cherish for a lifetime. Special shout out to Insoo Kim for being the best senior for literally taking me under his wings and always being there to help me. — Dhvanee Bhavsar, Intern
A: I would like to shout out Erika Davis for her patience, commitment and dedication. — Katrina Raickett, Accountant
A: Rohan Rao. He has worked so hard in getting the Parking Garage to the point that it is at now. — Jewanda Davis, Project Coordinator
A: Christopher Harris. Chris is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about this project. He is always willing to help. — Tracy Gary, DEI Administrator and Resource Center Office Coordinator
A: Our entire team. Everyone works well together to achieve the common goal of a successful project. — Erika Davis, Senior Accountant
A: Bri'Shae Anderson for her courage to lead in areas that are gray, seeking structure in spaces that it requires. Bri'Shae is the silent backbone of this team and she should be acknowledged and appreciated. April Shewry for pushing to create an environment where everyone feels welcomed and included. — Chris Harris, Engineer
Q: What are you most looking forward to in 2023?
A: Watching our staff gain experience and confidence. — Scott Atchison, General Superintendent
A: More trades being onsite soon. — Erin Cullen, Project Executive
A: Accomplishing all the goals that are set in order to get the project done for 2025. — Jewanda Davis, Project Coordinator
A: Watching the Tower rise out of the ground. — Sharon Mayer, Procurement Agent
A: Setting up the interior trades for success in 2024. — April Shewry, Project Engineer
A: Hitting the halfway mark. — Pamyla Brown, Senior Director, Community and Citizenship
Q: What makes Lakeside Alliance special?
A: We have brought teammates from five companies together and we have become Lakeside Alliance. — Scott Atchison, General Superintendent
A: The Lakeside Alliance team is a special group of people comprised of different genders, colors, ethnicities, and experiences all coming together to work on an historic project. They embody acceptance of all the things that make us different, which is truly a wonder. — Sharon Mayer, Procurement Agent
A: The PEOPLE!! Hands down. — Pamyla Brown, Senior Director, Community and Citizenship
A: I have been in construction for a long time, and on many sides of a project's participant roles. I have never experienced the unity and common cause among staff that is palpable in the Lakeside construction trailer. Engineers do not separate themselves from field staff, employees of one partner firm do not segregate themselves from other employees. It is truly a collaborative, team feeling. — Dan Rockafield, Engineer
A: Unity in diversity! — Dhvanee Bhavsar, Intern
A: The team we work with. We are like family. We look out for each other. — Tracy Gary, DEI Administrator and Resource Center Office Coordinator
