Mandy Alfaro
Fairwood Construction
Current job: President, Fairwood Construction
Summary of your role in the company: As President and majority owner of Fairwood Construction, Mandy Alfaro leads the company’s strategic vision, operations, and project delivery for commercial construction projects throughout the Charlotte market. With a background in architecture and extensive experience in construction project management, she oversees projects from early design and budgeting through final completion, ensuring each project meets the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and client service. Mandy works closely with developers, architects, subcontractors, and project teams to manage schedules, budgets, and construction execution while maintaining strong client relationships. Under her leadership, Fairwood continues to grow as a respected boutique general contractor, with a focus on delivering high-quality spaces and positioning the company as a premier women-led construction firm in the region.
How I chose my occupation: I have always been involved in the construction industry even from a young age, after earning my degree in Architecture from NC State, I received my General Contractors licenses.
Years in the business: 10+
My specialization is: Adaptive Resue projects are my absolute favorite. We are commercial general contractor for anything from interior upfits to ground up builds.
A good lead for me is: Property Managers and Developers that can connect me with clients looking to build out new spaces.
The most satisfying part of my job is: The most satisfying part of my job is watching a project come to life from start to finish. It often begins as a simple idea or a sketch on a napkin, then evolves into engineered drawings and a coordinated plan. Seeing that vision turn into an actual space—watching the structure go up, the walls take shape, and the finishes come together—is incredibly rewarding. Being part of that full-circle process and helping transform an idea into something tangible that people can use and enjoy is what makes this work so fulfilling
Best leadership advice I have been given: The best leadership advice I’ve ever been given is to lead by example. In construction especially, your team is always watching how you handle challenges, communicate with others, and show up each day. If you expect professionalism, accountability, and hard work from your team, you have to demonstrate those qualities yourself. When people see that you’re willing to put in the effort alongside them and stand behind your decisions, it builds trust and creates a stronger team.
Greatest professional achievement: One my early restaurant projects, Leah & Louise, a Memphis-inspired “juke joint” in Charlotte, N.C., was named the #2 best new restaurant in America by Esquire magazine in 2020. Located in Camp North End.
Number of years with CREW: 2
Most significant CREW connection: This is a hard one!! I have meet so many new women in the industry as well as rekindled old relations as well through CREW.
Place of birth/hometown: Cleveland, OHIO
Number of years in Charlotte: 37 years
Family: My husband and I have two girls, ages 8 & 12 along with our giant Great Pyrenees.
My ideal vacation spot: My favorite vacation spot is the mountains of North Carolina, especially in the fall. There’s something about the cooler air, the changing leaves, and the peaceful scenery that makes it the perfect place to relax and recharge. I enjoy getting away from the busy pace of everyday life and spending time exploring small mountain towns, enjoying the views, and soaking in the quiet beauty of the mountains.
Hobbies/Interests: In my free time, I enjoy working on a variety of crafts and home improvement projects. I love hands-on projects that allow me to be creative, whether it’s painting, refinishing furniture, laying tile, or tackling small renovation projects around the house. I find it rewarding to take something ordinary and transform it into something beautiful or functional.
Other professional organizations I belong to: NAWIC Charlotte and Shotgun Sisters
I wish I could: I wish there were two more hours in every day to fit everything in. Between work, family, and the many responsibilities that come with being a busy working mom, the days can go by quickly. Having a little extra time would make it easier to balance it all while still being present for the moments that matter most.
Jessica Rossi
Kimley-Horn
Current job: Senior Planner and Economist, Shareholder
Summary of your role in the company: I lead Kimley-Horn’s real estate advisory and economic development team, providing our clients with detailed insights into demographic and development trends. I work with both public- and private-sector focused clients to determine demand for commercial and residential projects, guiding specific concepts to maximize marketability and value. As a shareholder, I sit on our Women@KH leadership board and am continuously acting as a champion of our corporate culture.
How I chose my occupation: Completely by chance. In graduate school I selected an elective to support my initial major. The urban planning class, with a focus on the evolution of cities and the built environment, immediately captured my interest. I officially switched my education track the following semester and never looked back. My focus on real estate and economic development perfectly blends my geeky love for numbers with design and beauty. You never exactly know what’s next for you, enjoy the ride and be ready to pivot.
Years in the business: 21
My specialization is: Planning, economic development, and real estate advisory
A good lead for me is: Anybody seeking to maximize value and marketability of a property. I’ve worked for private-sector developers, lenders, and investors, as well as public planning, downtown, and economic development agencies.
The most satisfying part of my job is: I am a champion for the evolution of cities into places where all people, regardless of background, can live and prosper. I love seeing the fruits of my labor – when projects that I’ve consulted on break ground and impact the skyline and community.
Best leadership advice I have been given: Do what you love. In its simplest form, passion drives successful leadership.
Greatest professional achievement: It’s hard to come up with one singular achievement. Where I’ve arrived in life is a culmination of so many different points in time, some good and many challenging. I’m proud that I earned my certification in planning to jump start my career, I’m happy that I stayed at Kimley-Horn and built a practice after my mentor left, and I was thrilled to become a shareholder. However, these big events were only a sample of what has shaped who I am today.
Number of years with CREW: 16
Most significant CREW connection: For me, my most significant CREW connection has been the opportunity to establish a support system with women in a similar place in life. Those who are juggling professional success and personal satisfaction. Looking around at a CREW event is a nice reminder that you’re not alone.
Place of birth/hometown: Bradford, PA (home of oil derricks and Zippo lighters)
Number of years in Charlotte: 25
Family: Husband, Matt, daughter, Anna (12), and son, Max (8)
My ideal vacation spot: I’m 50/50 between a beach with nothing to do and non-stop exploration of a new city. One leaves me refreshed physically; one energizes me professionally.
Hobbies/Interests: Driving kids to sports. Dropping them off, picking them up, and watching them play. Rinse and repeat.
Other professional organizations I belong to: Urban Land Institute (ULI), American Planning Association North Carolina Chapter, American Institute of Certified Planners
I wish I could: Invent a teleportation device (or just own one, I don’t even need to create it).
Brittany Heath
Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company
Current job: Vice President- National Business Development Summary of your role in the company: I serve as a single point of contact to my clients working through the title insurance side of commercial real estate transactions. How I chose my occupation: I have always loved sales because I love people and learning about others. I have a passion for working with people and being around others and helping them see a transaction through to the finish line. Years in the business: 8 My specialization is: Commercial real estate title insurance A good lead for me is: Attorneys or developers The most satisfying part of my job is: Helping clients problem solve to close a deal seamlessly Best leadership advice I have been given: Be your authentic self. Greatest professional achievement: Presidents Club Number of years with CREW: 8 Most significant CREW connection: Dana Silver Place of birth/hometown: born in Roanoke VA but Charlotte for 30 years Number of years in Charlotte: 30 Family: Husband- Stanson. Kids - Brock (5) Brett (3) My ideal vacation spot: Cruising the Carribean Hobbies/Interests: traveling, hosting family events cooking, swimming and snorkeling Other professional organizations I belong to: ULI AND ICSC I wish I could: CURE CANCER Feel free to include any additional information about yourself that you would like! I can't thank the support of CREW enough this past year when I was battling lymphoma. The support from Patty and other crew members was so kind. The support from my boss, John Gunasti, and my entire team I work with was overwhelming. I work for the best company and for the best person. I have learned that we truly can't take a day for granted and I am so thankful to be here. If you are reading this, I hope you find something today to be thankful for.
Janeen Miller-Hogue
The Miller-Hogue Law Firm
Current job: CEO/Attorney – The Miller-Hogue Law Firm, P.C.
Summary of your role in the company: Spinning plates 24/7 – involved in every aspect of owning and operating a law firm.
How I chose my occupation: I worked in law firms while in school and I was fascinated with law – as it is “the rules to the game”
Years in the business: Since 1996
My specialization is: Real Estate law – both commercial and residential
A good lead for me is: Someone who has a good soul and is buying, selling, leasing, developing real estate or has a real estate/title issue that no other attorney can resolve.
The most satisfying part of my job is: Using my gifts to serve others, and allowing their spirit to fill and enrich my own.
Best leadership advice I have been given: So many have led me and poured into me that it is impossible to capture their influence in words. Yet the primary truth they’ve impressed on me is this: our abilities and possibilities remain unknown until we dare to ask — or dare to leap.
Greatest professional achievement: Being delusional and making obstacles opportunities for over 25 years.
Number of years with CREW: Twenty years plus
Most significant CREW connection: Patty Drummond. Most will note another member – professional – business owner – but 100% – WITHOUT QUESTION – Patty is the one constant competent aspect of CREW that has filled my teacup exponentially the most in ways I could never fully express.
Place of birth/hometown: Easton, Pennsylvania
Number of years in Charlotte: Since 1996
Family: Husband, Sean and son Barrett 18 and son 16 Alexander as well as parents, siblings, nieces, nephews – as well as my “Earth family,” whose daily inspiration steadies my steps, grounds my purpose, and fills my inner self with renewed strength
My ideal vacation spot: Anywhere that allows me to meet new people and share real human connections.
Hobbies/Interests: Helping others learn they can and shall survive and excel through life’s trial and tribulations as well as restating their self-worth whether with me or by connecting them with another.
Other professional organizations I belong to: G.I.R.L network (girlnetwork.org)
I wish I could: Shift from fully practicing law into having more time for consulting, so I can dedicate more of my energy to helping others reach their goals
