The AEC Talent Accelerator

A Customized Plan

Get a clear, customizable Talent Accelerator Playbook

Insights from Experts

Discover insights into the power of brand-led recruiting and real-world examples of campaigns that attract the right candidates

A 90-Day Campaign

Receive a peer-reviewed, launch-ready recruiting campaign & a 90-day hiring roadmap tailored for your team

Access to an Exclusive Cohort

By joining the workshop, you'll become part of an active cohort that meets regularly, providing you with continuous learning and collaboration opportunities

Jen Newman

• AEC Talent Strategist
• Innovative Advisor
• 20+ Years Leading in AEC

With more than 20 years of experience shaping the way AEC firms attract, engage, and retain talent, Jen Newman brings unmatched energy and insight to the challenge of recruiting in today’s competitive market. She partners with firms and executives to design innovative talent acquisition strategies—blending brand-driven campaigns, employee experience design, and cutting-edge AI tools to help companies win the right people and keep them engaged.

Jen’s focus is always on enabling confident, capable leaders who align their talent strategies with their firm’s mission and growth goals. Her guidance helps AEC firms build authentic brands, craft compelling messaging, and create candidate experiences that set them apart in the industry—laying the groundwork for long-term success.

A respected voice in the AEC community, Jen has held leadership roles in organizations like SMPS, ACEC, and ASHE, and has inspired countless professionals through her story of resilience and determination as a cancer survivor. Her passion for leaving a lasting legacy is evident not only in her professional contributions but also in the next generation, as her own sons build careers in the engineering world.

Carla Worthey-Sewell, PhD, MBA, SPHR, PCC

• Senior Human Capital Consultant
• Executive Coach
• Talent Strategy Advisor

Carla Worthey-Sewell is a senior consultant at Thrivence with nearly 30 years of experience helping organizations attract, develop, and retain top talent. She partners with HR and business leaders to design innovative, scalable talent strategies that align with business goals and create lasting impact.

She has led executive talent acquisition, leadership development, and talent analytics at global organizations including Amazon, HCA Healthcare, and Teva Pharmaceuticals. Her work spans building employer brands, strengthening leadership pipelines, and leveraging AI and data-driven insights to solve complex workforce challenges.

Carla combines corporate, international, and coaching expertise to help leaders unlock their potential and build high-performing teams. With advanced degrees and certifications in leadership, HR, and coaching, she brings a strategic yet practical approach to talent acquisition that helps businesses win in today’s competitive market.

Nicole Stephens

• AEC Marketing Expert
• Full-Spectrum Strategist
• Innovative Problem-Solver

Growing up in a family of engineers, Nicole developed a deep appreciation for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry early in life—a passion that has fueled her 20-year career in AEC marketing and strategy. She helped lead marketing for a firm that grew from 50 to over 175 professionals, gaining hands-on expertise in every aspect of AEC marketing and communications.

Nicole has crafted winning proposals, managed social media, designed websites, created digital content, developed brand strategies, and implemented long-term marketing plans that deliver measurable results. Her expertise also spans budgeting, communications, and planning—always with the goal of strengthening brand presence, driving growth, and aligning marketing strategies with business objectives.

Today, Nicole helps AEC firms unlock their full marketing potential through creative digital strategies, marketing audits, and actionable plans that support their vision and talent goals. Her innovative, results-driven approach makes her a valuable partner to firms looking to attract top talent and stand out in a competitive market.

Rebecca Price

• Strategic Marketing Partner
• Growth Catalyst in the AEC Industry
• Integrator of Teams & Vision

With more than 20 years of experience leading marketing, communications, and business development, Rebecca has played a pivotal role in transforming a multi-disciplinary engineering firm from 100 to 385 professionals—driving expansion across multiple offices and regions. She brings clarity, direction, and measurable impact to complex, high-stakes initiatives.

Rebecca thrives at the intersection of strategy and execution. From brand development and business growth to strategic planning and large-scale events, she helps organizations align teams around shared goals and accelerate momentum with right-sized, actionable strategies.

Known for her insight and intention, Rebecca excels at guiding firms through growth with purpose and impact. Her ability to strengthen both internal cohesion and external presence makes her a trusted partner to leaders navigating fast-moving environments and seeking to scale with confidence.