Mackenzie Schmader

Mackenzie Schmader majored in construction management and technology because she’s fascinated by how things are built and the technology that drives the industry.

“ASU’s innovative approach and emphasis on practical experience have allowed me to turn that passion into a strong foundation for a successful career,” Schmader says.

She chose to attend the Del E. Webb School of Construction, in the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, part of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University, because of its strong academic program and the opportunities it offers.

Her “aha!” moment came during her first internship.

“Despite the 5 a.m. starts, long hours and steep learning curve, I found myself enjoying every second of it,” Schmader says. “The energy of the construction industry — from the fast-paced environment to the incredible people — confirmed that I was exactly where I was meant to be.”

She served as president of Advancing Women in Construction, vice president of the Construction Management Association of America at ASU and was part of ASU’s concrete and commercial teams at the Associated Schools of Construction, or ASC, Region 6 Student Competition, most recently serving as student chair for the organization.

“One of my biggest achievements was winning first place with the concrete solutions team at the 2023 ASC Student Competition,” Schmader says.

She says one of the most impactful events Advancing Women in Construction hosted was a wagon-building activity with a Girl Scout troop that introduced girls to construction and inspired an interest in STEM.

“Our group of Women in STEM worked alongside the Girl Scouts to build and decorate red rider wagons, which the troop then used to help sell cookies,” Schmader says.

For the past two years, Schmader interned with McCarthy Building Companies, working on ASU’s University Gateway Building and the ISTB 12 project on the Polytechnic campus.

Schmader received scholarships from The PENTA Building Group, Advancing Women in Construction, New American University – President’s Award, National Association of Women in Construction, Dave Clifton Memorial and ASPE Chapter 6, Erma and Clyde Easterly Jr. Construction Scholarship, AGC Education and Research Foundation, and the National Academy of Construction.

After graduation, Schmader will complete ASU’s Accelerated Master’s degree program and serve as a project engineer for McCarthy Building Companies in Phoenix.

“I aspire to lead large construction project teams and make a positive impact on the community through the projects we bring to life,” Schmader says.

Read about other exceptional graduates of the Fulton Schools’ spring 2025 class here.