Celebrating International Women’s Day with RRMM’s Leading Ladies.
Company
This week is for the women!
Not only is tomorrow International Women’s Day, but we’re wrapping up Women in Construction Week, and entering Women’s History Month. To celebrate this trifecta, we’re highlighting our firm’s female leaders. We talked to our COO, Donna Elliott; Managing Director of Higher Education, Katie O’Neal; and Directors of Interior Design, Sarah Butler and Karen Hermansky. All of these women have managed successful careers amongst challenges, such as working in a male-dominated industry or balancing motherhood with work. These experiences have not only made them stronger people, but stronger leaders who continually empower and inspire our next generation of female leaders.
Donna Elliott, Principal/Chief Operating Officer & Director of Retail Studio
What advice do you have for women who want to work in a male-dominated field?
Donna:
When I first started in architecture it was definitely a male dominated field – both in college and in the workforce. However, you now see more women entering into this career path. There was only about 10% female in college when I started but now it is closer to 50%. The push for higher learning in math and engineering in schools has helped make it more achievable. Take advantage and learn the hard subjects. Being a female gave me “bonus points” / an opportunity to get accepted in the architecture program in school and after graduation; it gave me the opportunity to get a job at a firm that wanted to show some diversity. But just being able to get your foot in the door doesn’t mean you should stop there. In order to succeed in this field it meant working just as hard or harder than my males colleagues to prove I could do the job just like them. This meant not being timid or afraid to ask questions, researching solutions on your own, understanding construction, climbing ladders on job sites, running meetings, etc. The only real obstacle is yourself. Young women need to seize the opportunities and push harder to be the best – be the best at whatever you do in life.
Was finding a mentor part of your leadership journey?
Donna:
My first mentor was Arnold ”Rod” Rodriguez (founding owner of the firm today). He definitely shaped my future. I met him while working a summer job while in college at a furniture store. When one of my colleagues found out he was an architect, they introduced me to him and he was gracious enough to discuss the field a bit and handed me his card and said to let him know if I wanted an intern position the following summer. The following summer he hired me and took me under his wing. I learned a lot that summer doing whatever he asked including the grunt work. When I graduated the economy was bad and that firm had split up, so he told me to keep in touch and if he ever had a job opening he would contact me. I made sure to keep in touch with him over the next two years, especially when I saw him at events. And one day he called and said he had a position and wanted me to interview with him and his new partners. I always remember in the interview one of the partners asked how would I feel since the back room of production/architects was all male – I said no problem, I like that and was ready work. They hired me and the rest is history. Rod was a big influence on me and helped guide me along the way to where I am today. So a mentor can be anyone – just someone who is willing to take a chance and show you the ropes.
What is a moment or project in your career that you’re most proud of?
Donna:
When I left a small firm to join what is RRMM today, the client I was working with followed me. They stated they trusted my judgement and continued efforts to make them successful and I am proud to say they are still a client after 35 years. I value their faith in me to provide the best service possible. Each and every client is like a friend – you have to work hard to maintain the friendship with good/open communication (willing to discuss both the frustrations and the accomplishments), following through on promises, recognizing/acknowledging mistakes, change and showing appreciation. The biggest element in our field is change – our friends, clients, and the architecture field are everchanging and you must be able to accept it and learn and grow and evolve. If you don’t like change – this field is not for you.
Katie O’Neal, Principal/Managing Director of Higher Education
What is a moment or project in your career that you’re most proud of?
Katie:
I have two moments in my career that I’m particularly proud of. The first was becoming a fully licensed architect in 2010. It took over a year and a half of hard work and dedication, and during that time, I was also navigating life as a newlywed. Balancing the demands of these tests with a new marriage was tough. But my husband and I made it through stronger, and that experience taught me resilience, time management, and the importance of perseverance.
The second major moment came when I became a partner at a firm that I deeply respect and enjoy working with. It was a huge honor and a significant milestone in my career. Becoming a partner wasn’t just a professional achievement, it was a recognition of the work I had put in over the years and the trust that my colleagues placed in me. Being part of a firm that aligns with my values and vision has been incredibly fulfilling, and I’m excited to continue growing in this role.
What advice would you give to women who are already mothers and are working to balance motherhood and career?
Katie:
Giving time for self-care is so important—it helps relieve the stress of life. For me, it’s exercising every day, but it could be anything: meditation, taking a walk with your dog, or even a weekly trip to Target! Just get a break to simply be.
You also have to remember that there will be times you need to work evenings or weekends but try not to miss the big events for your kids. Go to lunch with them! Go to their games! Make the most of those moments. It is special to them and will be something they remember!
And don’t forget to give yourself grace. You are doing your best to meet your goals and make the people in your life happy. Sometimes it might not feel like enough, but just keep being you. You’ve got this! (Or so I tell myself all the time.)
What advice do you have for women who want to work in a male-dominated field?
Katie:
Do it! If you’re passionate about a career, willing to learn, and dedicated to gaining the knowledge and skills needed, don’t let being in the minority hold you back from pursuing your dreams. Confidence in your expertise is key! When you know what you’re doing and are committed to doing your best, you’ll earn the respect of your colleagues, regardless of gender.
Sarah Butler, Associate Principal/Director of Interior Design – K-12
What do you love most about working with and leading an all-female team?
Sarah:
Throughout my career, I’ve had the pleasure of working with an all-female team. As I’ve grown and taken on various roles, including my current leadership position, I’ve always valued the unique bond we share. Despite our different ages, we find common ground and relate to each other in many ways. We’ve supported each other through work stress and personal issues, and we’ve shared plenty of laughs over silly stories. We mentor one another, set examples, and lift each other up, whether it’s for personal matters or work-related challenges.
What advice would you give to women who are already mothers and are working to balance motherhood and career?
Sarah:
Being a mother and having a career can be as rewarding as it is challenging. Not everything will be perfectly balanced between the two, and that’s okay! Try to be flexible and adjust your schedule as needed. Remember to take time for yourself, even if it’s just a few minutes—sometimes a quiet car ride can do wonders! Don’t hesitate to ask for help and always know that you are doing a great job!
What is a moment of project in your career that you’re most proud of?
Sarah:
One reason I love K-12 design so much is seeing the joy on students and staff’s faces when they see their new school or renovation. I take pride in listening to the clients needs and love coming up with creative solutions that educators and students of all ages will enjoy. Being able to walk through a school after it opens and not only see the excitement but also feel it is truly amazing.
Karen Hermansky, Director of Interior Design – Special Projects
How do you feel like having a successful career has contributed to your role as a mother?
Karen:
Being a working mom has its challenges, but I have always been committed to finding a balance between work and family life. It’s important for me to be successful and to show my children that ambition, determination, and hard work create opportunities. I have always want to be able to provide the best for my family and having a successful career has provided our family with the financial stability to be able to support their passions, travel, and do things as a family. I hope that by being a positive role model for my children, they will be inspired to chase their own dreams.
How do you empower yourself and the women around you?
Karen:
Reflecting on the positive impact I make on others and my work inspires me to keep pushing for more. I strive to be an active listener, offer support, and encourage others to grow. Celebrating their strengths is also important to me, as it helps boost their confidence and self-belief. It is important for everyone to recognize their potential and feel empowered to pursue their dreams.
What advice would you offer to inspire the next generation of female leaders?
Karen:
To future female leaders: Seek out and surround yourself with peers, mentors, and role models who uplift, challenge, and inspire you. Build meaningful relationships across different industries to expand your perspective and opportunities. Commit to continuous growth, invest in your education, and remember to be kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned. Leadership thrives on resilience, connection, and a willingness to learn.