Nancy Conner accepts on behalf of Loretta Rosenmayer from Betty Manetta

WBE Trailblazer Award Honoree

Thirty years ago, Loretta Rosenmayer started a small trenching company named Trench-It with four employees and $15,000 borrowed from a close female friend who believed in Loretta’s dream. In 2009, due to growth and expansion of services, she changed the company’s name to INTREN. Today, the Union, Illinois-based company has 11 regional offices and employs some 1,900 people across the country, has revenues of $400 million and is a leader in the development and execution of premier design, construction and management solutions for some of the nation’s largest utilities and private contractors.

INTREN was certified as a women-owned business enterprise by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council in 1993 and is a committed partner in supporting other companies seeking to become certified. She credits the utility industry for perceiving and acting on the potential for women’s businesses to perform and is an ardent advocate for women- and minority-owned businesses. 

Sandy Lish accepts from Cheryl Stevens

WBE Trailblazer Award Honoree

Sandy Lish is principal and co-founder of The Castle Group, a 22-year-old, women-owned public relations and event management firm based in Boston, with offices in Atlanta and Maui. Sandy works with corporate, education, healthcare, startup and nonprofit clients on strategic communications initiatives around visibility, launches, branding and thought leadership. She’s also a nationally recognized expert on crisis communications.

Committed to improving her community, Sandy is a supportive resource to young and emerging female leaders throughout Boston, including her work with women in Tomorrow’s Women TODAY and the Massachusetts Women’s Forum. Sandy has hosted and cohosted many events, including fundraisers and events to support local and national political leaders who encourage women’s leadership.