We’re celebrating some of the women leading the way at KAI, spotlighting the incredible women in senior leadership in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. These trailblazing professionals are not only shaping the built environment but also paving the path for future generations. Stay tuned as we continue to unveil new spotlights, sharing inspiring stories and celebrating their contributions and leadership.
Bernadette Ayres
Bernadette Ayres, Operations Manager for KAI 360 Construction Services’ (360 CS) Water & Wastewater Division, says despite not working in one of the most glamorous industries, to her, it is the most rewarding. As a third-generation engineer, her family is extremely proud of the civil engineering work she is doing and the waves she is making as a woman in construction.
“I already see a future for women in the industry, but I hope that even more women will consider construction as an option. The doors are wide open; there aren’t many people anymore who believe that women don’t belong in construction,” says Bernadette.
Citing her father, a Civil Design Engineer in the water and wastewater industry, as the greatest influence on her career, Bernadette remembers him telling her that people will always need a place to get clean water and a place to send wastewater, so a job in water/wastewater is always secure. He recognized her talents and interests at an early age as a springboard to carry on the family legacy.
Bernadette attended the Missouri University of Science and Technology where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. During her time at Missouri S&T, she participated in several internships, but an internship in the construction division of a large St. Louis municipality ultimately led her to KAI.
“I was assigned to a construction site where KAI was the Construction Manager. Up until that summer, I wasn’t sure what route I wanted to take with my career. That internship made me realize that I really enjoyed construction. It offered me variety and challenges that kept me engaged,” she remembers.
When KAI 360 CS President Bruce Wood, PE called her about a fulltime position as a Construction Inspector in KAI’s Dallas-Fort Worth, TX office in 2013 once she graduated, she jumped at the opportunity. Holding the position for nearly six years, she was promoted to Project Manager in 2019, then to Operations Manager of Water & Wastewater in 2022.
“KAI had a career path available for me from the beginning. As someone who was newer to the industry, it was reassuring that a company was stating upfront that they wanted to invest in me; that they saw more in me and wanted to foster that growth,” said Bernadette.
Her current responsibilities at KAI include ensuring that the division’s day-to-day operations run smoothly and that the team is providing quality work for clients. While Bernadette acknowledges that her experiences as a woman in construction can vary, she often leverages the small victories in her career to help her find her voice and bolster her confidence within the male-dominated industry.
“A few years ago, a new client reached out to KAI to provide onsite inspection services for improvements at a water treatment plan,” she recalls. “This was a trial run that could eventually lead to more Construction Management work, and I was KAI’s onsite representative. Because of my experience, it opened the door for new projects with a client who trusts in KAI’s abilities. That was one of the proudest achievements of my career.”
KAI celebrates Bernadette and all of its women leaders.