Between The Heights in Downtown Tampa and Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay, EWI Construction has a lot to look forward to in their near future. Adding to their bright future, EWI has brought on Katelyn Edwards as a project engineer under Chief Operations Officer, Cory Ellison. Educated at the University of Tampa and University of Oxford, Katelyn brings with her an exceptional academic career and critical skillset to support EWI’s vision for building a better Tampa Bay.
Moving to Tampa in 2011, Katelyn commenced her undergraduate degree at the University of Tampa studying English and Economics. During her time at UT, Katelyn asserted herself as someone who cares about people and the wellbeing of a community, be it global or local. Through UT’s Entrepreneurship Center and under the mentorship of EWI Managing Partner, Anthony Italiano, Katelyn founded the Smile Initiative, improving the accessibility of medical and educational resources to impoverished children born with cleft lip/palate in Kumasi, Ghana. Through a crowd-funding campaign in partnership with the Smile Train, the Smile Initiative raised $4,000+ to finance 16 corrective cleft surgeries.
“Working on the Smile Initiative during my undergraduate career allowed me the opportunity to extend my education beyond my English Major & Economics Minor, to delve further into Social Entrepreneurship,” says Edwards. “… I was able to contribute to a cause I was passionate about–given that my little brother was born with a cleft lip and palette–while also gaining a deeper understanding of non-profit management and business pitching… Ultimately, I came to understand that while global impact is a lofty and laudable goal, my local Tampa community offers inexhaustible opportunities to make a more immediate and culturally appropriate impact.”
Upon her graduation from UT in 2015, Katelyn pursued her master’s degree at the University of Oxford. Graduating from Oxford with High Distinction, Katelyn’s academic skillset and personal interest in community development led her towards a career in construction and development.
Now a part of the EWI team, she hopes to continue the company’s community impact in forging strong relationships with those seeking to build a future in Tampa. “While I am still new to EWI, I find the relationships fostered with our clients and colleagues exceedingly rewarding,” says Edwards. “My position offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with a spectrum of positions and personalities located in Tampa Bay. Everyone has a story and a skillset to offer towards a larger community impact.”
We can certainly expect a lot out of this young, energetic, and productive team EWI Construction has built for itself. Katelyn’s passion for fostering community resonates with the legacy EWI has built in Tampa Bay. When not in the office, Katelyn can be found biking or running around Ybor City or the Heights. To learn more about the team at EWI Construction and their upcoming projects, visit www.ewiconstruction.com.
