The autumn season is upon us and we’re happy to introduce some new faces and some familiar ones as well. This month has the distinction of being a collection of three accomplished women who represent the drive, ambition, and dedication of Gramercy Group. Let’s get to know each of them!

Vitra Chandra, Estimator

We’d like to introduce you to Vitra Chandra, who has transitioned from intern to full-time estimator with Gramercy Group.

Vitra joined Gramercy Group in May 2023, and after just five weeks as an intern, she was offered her a full-time position due to her remarkable ability to grasp estimating so quickly.

Her journey with us began when Anthony Vicciardo, Jr., one of our estimators, attended a career fair at Stony Brook University, where he met Vitra and recommended we interview her. Vitra graduated from Stony Brook with a degree in Applied Math and Statistics.

Originally from Malaysia, Vitra moved to the US in junior high school and has quite an inspiring story. Right after high school, she convinced her parents to let her challenge herself by studying abroad in the Netherlands, where she pursued a program in Building Sciences and Urbanism. During her first year, she learned Dutch to adapt to her new environment. However, when the pandemic hit and her program moved online, she found it difficult to continue, especially with the language barrier. She decided to return to the U.S. and refocus her studies on mathematics at Stony Brook University.

At the career fair, Vitra was determined to meet with construction companies to gain experience and get her foot in the door. She enjoys estimating because it’s all about the numbers—something she’s passionate about. She can quantify things and see how everything adds up, which fits her strengths perfectly.

This love for numbers runs in the family, as her mother is an accountant and her father is an engineer. In her free time, Vitra enjoys hiking, going to the gym, and spending time with friends. She also has a younger sister.

When asked for advice for the younger generation, she encourages learning from the right people and asking questions, as this can take you far.

Thank you Vitra, for being a valuable part of the Gramercy team. We’re thrilled to have you with us!

Kristin Commisso, Estimator and Field Engineer

We are happy to introduce you to Estimator and Field Engineer Kristin Commisso.

Kristin completed a co-op with us last year and has now joined us as a full-time employee after having recently graduated from Drexel University. She majored in Civil and Architectural Engineering with a minor in Construction Management.

Kristin originally chose this path because of her love for math and her interest in the design aspect of architecture. However, after a few co-ops, she realized her passion for construction and decided to focus on civil engineering.

Kristin has a twin brother who also studied engineering—Electrical Engineering—and graduated from Stony Brook University. Growing up, she was a dancer, practicing ballet, tap, and jazz until her first year of college. Kristin also enjoys golf and was on her high school golf team.

At Gramercy, she worked in estimating during her co-op and throughout her first few months as a full-time employee. She enjoys estimating because of her strong math skills and her love for solving problems. Recently, Kristin transitioned to working in the field, and she has found that her experience in estimating has given her valuable insight into understanding the details of a project before it starts. Reading specifications and demo drawings has deepened her understanding of the work ahead.

In her free time, Kristin enjoys traveling to Italy, going to the gym, and spending time with friends. We have truly enjoyed watching her grow from an intern to a full-time team member, and we are grateful to have her on the Gramercy team. Thank you, Kristin, for all of your contributions!

Elsa Barrera, Local 78 Asbestos Laborer

We’d like to introduce you to Local 78 Asbestos Laborer, Elsa Barrera.

Elsa is one of our dedicated asbestos laborers and has been with the company for nearly two years, starting with her first project at LaGuardia Airport.

Originally from Ecuador, Elsa  moved to the U.S. in 2012 and upon  arriving began working at LSG Sky Chefs, preparing food for both economy and first-class passengers until 2017, when she transitioned into asbestos removal.

Elsa is known for her strong work ethic and dedication to her craft. She is currently studying to earn her lead license, demonstrating her commitment to growing in her role.

Elsa is also a proud mother of three – two daughters who attend Baruch College, and a young son in junior high school. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, watching TV, and playing soccer with her son, a passion she’s had since childhood.

We are proud to have Elsa on our team and appreciate all her hard work and dedication. Thank you Elsa for being part of the Gramercy Team.

Read our last Meet the Team spotlights from August and July.