Finance & Commerce announced Minnesota’s inaugural class of Rising Young Professionals. The featured 27 young professionals are leaders in their industry and make positive impacts in the communities.

Maria Bumgarner was selected by a panel of judges with expertise in commercial real estate, marketing, financial advising and many other areas. Maria is an Assistant MEP Project Manager at Mortenson and for the past five years has supported some of their most complex and culturally significant projects with MEP engineering expertise. She was an integral team member at the Hennepin Healthcare Clinic and Specialty Center, providing MEP expertise that helped Mortenson finish interior construction 11-weeks earlier than planned.

“The best part about construction is building facilities that can truly influence how people live, work and play. I chose to specialize in mechanical and electrical systems because they are complex, change frequently with new technology, and have a large impact on building energy use,” said Maria. “If you are trying to save energy, these systems are a good place to start.”

Maria also serves as a mentor and looks for opportunities to share her experience and skills with women and youth in the industry. She has volunteered with the ACE Mentor Program for the past four years and received the national Outstanding Mentor award in 2016.

“Maria has been involved in ACE for the last few years. Her passion and dedication to the ACE program and the spirit of mentorship has helped fan the flames of many student’s interest in the construction industry,” said Christopher Redman, ACE Twin Cities Program Director. “Maria’s involvement with ACE is invaluable and we should all strive to be the caliber of mentor as Maria.” 

The Rising Young Professionals will be honored on June 28 at Surly Brewing Co. in Minneapolis.  Click here to learn more about the 27 honorees.