2025 Impact Award Winners Make a Difference

The fifth annual McKinstry Impact Awards honor employees who have made exceptional contributions to environmental and social responsibility, both within McKinstry and the community. Nominated by leaders and peers, each winner has an opportunity to direct a $5,000 gift from the McKinstry Charitable Foundation to an organization that is personally meaningful to them and aligns with McKinstry’s philanthropic priorities. Award recipients will also be recognized at a special celebration next year.

This year, McKinstry is proud to recognize three colleagues: Justin Lee, Isabella Wilke and Estee Benson.

2025 Impact Award Honorees

Justin Lee, Operations Manager, Technical Services

Justin Lee has demonstrated outstanding leadership by elevating awareness of the Washington Clean Buildings Performance Standard across McKinstry’s Western Washington businesses and by championing expanded Technical Services consulting nationwide. Through engagement with community groups, industry forums and thought leadership circles, Justin delivers a compelling message that balances opportunity, community perspectives and environmental impact. Justin’s ability to connect vision with execution has driven both measurable business growth and long-term environmental benefit.

“Through his interactions, vision and drive, Justin demonstrates that true leadership isn’t just about guiding a team. It’s about igniting innovation that elevates an entire organization,” said Lauren Fruge, regional director, Technical Services. “I’m honored to work with him and thrilled to have him as a senior leader on my team.”

Isabella Wilke, Project Engineer III – Mechanical, Engineering and Design

As co-chair of McKinstry’s Unity Alliance, Isabella Wilke brought structure, strategy and momentum to the organization’s inclusion-focused efforts. In partnership with co-chair Estee Benson, Isabella helped double the number of Unity Alliance events and more than double active membership to 110 participants.

Isabella led a strategic restructuring of Unity’s subcommittees, improving workload balance, strengthening retention and creating a sustainable leadership pipeline. She also expanded opportunities for the Unity steering committee to engage with senior leadership, strengthening alignment and visibility across the company.

Beyond her work with Unity, Isabella plays a key role in advancing engineering excellence that supports McKinstry’s environmental goals. Her analytical approach, inclusive leadership style and genuine enthusiasm make her a powerful advocate for McKinstry’s mission.

“The recognition for Isabella is very well deserved,” said Seth Davis, vice president and principal of mission critical engineering, Engineering and Design. “The passion she brings to advancing McKinstry’s mission is contagious. Isabella truly embodies purposeful leadership.”

Estee Benson, Business Operations Lead, Engineering and Design

As co-chair of the Unity Alliance, Estee Benson focused on cultivating connection, trust and belonging. Alongside Isabella Wilke, her leadership helped significantly expand Unity Alliance programming and membership. An end-of-year survey showed 100% of members rated their involvement as highly satisfying.

Estee played a central role in planning and delivering the alliance’s first retreat, creating a space where members felt welcomed, supported and empowered. Known for her approach of “calling people in” rather than “calling them out,” Estee helped strengthen relationships within the alliance and increased its visibility and impact across McKinstry.

In her role as Business Operations Lead, Estee is frequently asked to navigate urgent and complex challenges. She tackles obstacles with curiosity, professionalism and kindness, building strong partnerships and fostering trust at every level of the organization.

“I couldn’t be more excited for Estee’s recognition with the Impact Award,” said Michael Frank, senior vice president, Engineering and Design. “Her leadership of the Unity Alliance expanded her influence, confidence and positive impact, and it’s been inspiring to watch her grow her career at McKinstry.”