Construction Executive & National Keynote Speaker | Author of Audacious Expansion | Empowering Leaders to Turn Life’s Punches into Audacious Pivots through Grit, Grace, and Glitz
In the winter of 2022, Erika Rothenberger faced a moment that would have leveled most. A brutal, unprovoked assault in a parking lot turned her world of color-coded planners and corporate milestones into a landscape of chaos and trauma. As she lay on the concrete, the terrifying realization that she might never see her children again took hold. But in that darkness, a single, defiant thought emerged: “This can’t be how my story ends.”
For Erika, it wasn’t an end, but a radical expansion. While most would seek the safety of higher walls, she chose to step onto a TEDx stage, amplify her voice through the Grit, Grace & Glitz podcast, and author the bestseller Audacious Expansion. Today, as a high-stakes construction executive and a nationally recognized speaker, Erika proves that the greatest punches we take in life are often the very things that crack us open to our true power.
From the Pool to the Pavement
Erika’s journey began in Plymouth, a place steeped in the history of the Pilgrims and grounded in the values of legacy and resilience. Her early years were defined by a brand of independence that is rare today—hours spent playing outside, fostering a natural creativity and a gritty problem-solving mindset. Long before she was managing multimillion-dollar utility projects, she was an entrepreneur. At just a young age, she launched a swimming lesson business in her family pool, charging $25 an hour and learning the weight of responsibility and the value of ownership.
This early initiative led her to Villanova University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. In a field where few women dared to venture, Erika found her footing. She didn’t just study leadership; she lived it, eventually trading the classroom for the rigors of construction sites. “I’ve learned that resilience isn’t just a trait—it’s a decision,” she reflects, looking back on a career where she moved from lacing up steel-toed boots to navigating the complexities of corporate boardrooms.
Building in a Man’s World
Erika’s professional climb was characterized by a relentless pursuit of excellence within the male-dominated utility construction industry. With over 14 years at Henkels & McCoy and MasTec, she rose to become the Director of Performance Systems, a LEED AP, and a PMP-certified leader. Her role was never just about process improvement or LEAN methodology; it was about the people behind the projects.
She became a fixture in the industry, proving that “pink heels” and “steel boots” could coexist with formidable authority. Her leadership was recognized by her peers and mentees alike. Results-oriented professional Dijana Sraga-Henry noted: “The first time I met Erika, I was amazed by her larger-than-life personality. She has an incredible presence that captivates everyone in the room… leaving a lasting impression that motivates individuals to embrace their potential.”
Erika’s ascent was not merely about titles but about building a culture where women could thrive. As an Executive Committee Member of POWER (The Professional Organization of Women in the Eastern Region), she dedicated herself to mentoring the next generation of leaders. She understood early on that in high-pressure industries, connection is the primary currency and authenticity is the ultimate power.
The Movement of Audacity
The true measure of Erika’s impact lies in her ability to transform personal tragedy into a collective triumph. Following her 2022 ordeal, she leaned into what she calls the “Olympic Mindset.” Drawing a parallel to a hockey player who loses a tooth and stays on the ice, she notes: “Leadership doesn’t always look polished. Sometimes it looks messy. Sometimes you take a punch you didn’t see coming. But what matters most is what you do next.”
What she did next was create a movement. She founded the Audacious Women’s Summit—a powerhouse event recently featured in Modern Luxury as “The Art of Audacity.” The summit serves as a beacon for women ready to break through invisible barriers. Her book, Audacious Expansion, serves as the blueprint for this journey, guiding readers to transform adversity into an unapologetic rise.
Erika’s influence now spans national stages, from Princeton University to the National Association of Women in Construction. Her message is clear: success isn’t just about what you know, but who you grow with. Executive Image Consultant Gregory Jerome captures her essence perfectly: “Erika didn’t just speak—she ignited a movement of empowerment, reminding everyone that audacity is the bridge between vision and victory.”
Expanding the Legacy
As Erika looks toward the 2026 Audacious Summit and beyond, her focus remains on the “Punch or Pivot” philosophy. She is no longer just a construction executive or a speaker; she is a catalyst for cultural change. Her vision is to empower women to stop trying to fit into boxes that were never meant for them and to embrace their “sparkle” as a source of strength.
“The world doesn’t need more copies—it needs you,” she advises the next generation. Erika Rothenberger continues to lead by example, proving that when you show up as your full, bold self, you don’t just change your own trajectory; you create ripples that change the world.
Editorial Note
Erika Rothenberger’s story is a masterclass in the power of the human spirit. From the grit of the construction site to the grace of the keynote stage, she reminds us that our greatest struggles are often the catalysts for our most powerful comebacks. Whether you are an aspiring leader or a seasoned executive, Erika’s journey invites you to ask yourself: When life throws the next punch, will you shrink, or will you audaciously expand?
