• Posted: May 12, 2026
• Electrical contractors in Chicago for commercial projects, Electrical contractors in the Chicago workforce, Find an electrical contractor in Chicago, IBEW Local 134, Mothers Day, Women in Electrical Construction

This Mother’s Day, we’re recognizing the women across Chicago’s construction industry who are building careers while raising families, leading teams, and contributing to the projects that keep the city moving.

Their stories reflect a broader shift across the industry. The electrical construction workforce continues to evolve, creating pathways for long-term careers that offer stability, advancement, and the flexibility to support life outside of work.

For contractors, developers, and business leaders, that matters. A strong, skilled workforce is what drives project success, and these stories highlight the people behind that work.

Brotherhood, Sisterhood, and Motherhood: Kristen (Calhoun) Lugo

As a journeyman electrician with IBEW Local 134 and an employee at Gibson Electric, Kristen Lugo has built a career that allows her to show up both on the job and at home.

Her path into the trades wasn’t traditional. After high school, she pursued a career in social work before becoming interested in the electrical trade through her father, a longtime IBEW Local 134 member. She began in a helper program in 2015 and entered the apprenticeship in 2016, where she discovered a passion for building and transforming spaces.

That work has taken her to projects across Chicago, including one that stood out above the rest, the Millennium Park Christmas Tree.

“I got to be a part of making magic happen for so many people during the holiday season. I even got to place the star on top of the tree,” said Kristen Lugo, IBEW Local 134 Journeyperson electrician at Gibson Electric. 

For Lugo, the impact of her work goes beyond the project itself. Seeing thousands of people gather and experience something she helped build left a lasting impression.

At the same time, she’s raising three children and has found a rhythm that keeps her present for the moments that matter.

“In general, the trades really offer that flexibility for a great work-life balance. I don’t miss out on any of the big events in my kids’ lives,” said Lugo.

The people around her support that balance. From coworkers who step in during difficult moments to policies that continue to evolve, she describes a culture that shows up when it matters most.

“They rally around you and help you and rejoice with you,” said Lugo.

With strong benefits, steady income, and a clear career path, Lugo is not only contributing to projects across Chicago, but she’s also building long-term stability for her family while representing the kind of skilled workforce the industry depends on.

Stories like Lugo’s reflect how the trades are creating sustainable career paths that support both long-term growth and stability at home, something that continues to attract new talent into the industry.

From Family Business to Industry Leader: Corrie Dvoratchek Krula

As president of Hard Rock Concrete Cutters, Corrie Krula leads a company with decades of experience and a strong presence across the Midwest.

Her leadership journey wasn’t always the plan. As a teenager, she once said she would never return to the family business. After earning a degree in exercise science and psychology, she gained early career experience at Motorola Solutions before ultimately returning to Hard Rock.

What started as a role in accounts payable quickly turned into something bigger. Within a year, she approached her father about succession planning, initiating the process to become the company’s next leader.

“I wanted Hard Rock to be secure into the future,” said Krula.

Since stepping into her role as president in 2022, Krula has helped guide the company forward while honoring its legacy. Hard Rock has worked on major Chicago projects, including Wrigley Field, Willis Tower, and the Tribune Tower.

Today, the company stands as a woman-owned business, with leadership spanning three generations of her family. That legacy continues to shape how the company operates, with a strong focus on safety, employee well-being, and long-term growth.

Krula also credits her mother as a major influence on both her leadership style and the company’s culture.

“My mom taught me to work hard, to be a servant leader, and to maintain a hopeful attitude,” said Krula.

Now a mother herself, she carries those values forward, balancing leadership with family life while thinking about the future of both her company and her children.

Her story reflects how leadership in the construction industry continues to evolve, with a focus on long-term stability, strong company culture, and a commitment to the next generation of workers.

Building Careers, Supporting Families, Strengthening Communities

These stories reflect the strength of the workforce behind Chicago’s electrical construction industry. Skilled professionals, strong leadership, and a commitment to long-term careers are what drive projects forward across the city.

This Mother’s Day, we recognize the women contributing to that work every day, balancing careers, leadership, and family while helping build the infrastructure Chicago depends on.

If you’re planning a project, working with experienced professionals is an important first step. The Powering Chicago Find a Contractor Tool connects you with qualified electrical contractors across Chicago—start your search today.