It’s no secret that like many other professions, the architecture, engineering and construction industries are predominantly made up of male workers. But more women are stepping into leadership roles in these industries, thanks in part to programs put in place to encourage girls to pursue STEM-related fields and companies making conscious efforts to be more inclusive in the hiring process.
Arkansas Money & Politics is proud to showcase some of the prominent women of AEC in Arkansas. These professionals have used their elevated designing, planning and building skills to shatter the glass ceilings in their respective industries and replace them with a solid foundation for future female leaders.
April Kesterson
Contractor Advocate and Project Coordinator
Powers of Arkansas, North Little Rock
April Kesterson is the contractor advocate and project coordinator for the manufacturer rep business-equipment team at Powers of Arkansas. She joined Powers in 2015 as operations manager and, in 2020, moved into her current job, which involves taking equipment projects from submittal approval through booking, order, delivery and startup. She also handles warranty issues and works with contractors on any other issues with which she and her startup team of three can assist. Before joining Powers, she worked for BR McGinty for almost 20 years. She also sits on the board of the Arkansas Construction Education Foundation, an apprenticeship school in Little Rock. Kesterson works as a volunteer fire fighter and EMT for the Lonsdale Fire Department, which serves both Garland and Saline counties. She is also a Search and Rescue Technician II with the search and rescue teams in both Garland and Grant counties.
