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Junior construction management major Lena Mannarelli has been literally building her future since high school. The Louisville, Ky., native started working in residential construction through a high school co-op program and immediately knew she’d found her calling.

“From the moment I first stepped onto a job site, I knew the construction industry was where I belonged,” Mannarelli said. “I loved the hands-on work and the satisfaction of seeing something tangible come together.”

When it came time to choose a college, ������ý��Ƶ stood out among the seven schools she visited across the Midwest. “������ý��Ƶ was the only school where I could truly see myself for the next four years,” she said. “And two and a half years later, I wouldn’t change a thing.”

At ������ý��Ƶ, Mannarelli has found a strong connection between her coursework and her field experience. “I enjoy how many of my classes focus on real-world applications,” she explained. “Our professors emphasize communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which mirrors what we’ll face in the field.” Those lessons came to life during her summer internship with CORE Construction, where she joined the team renovating a $25 million facility for the ISU College of Engineering.

Initially, the scale of the project felt daunting. “From the moment I stepped on site and saw the plans, I was overwhelmed,” she admitted. But she quickly learned the ropes and began taking on more responsibilities, noting that her coursework played a major role in her success because of the real-world applications implemented by her professors. Mannarelli assisted the superintendent and project manager, led trade coordination, and participated in owner meetings. “My experience with CORE confirmed that I’m on the right path to pursue my dreams and do what I love.”

She performed so well that CORE invited her back for another internship next summer. “The most important lesson I learned was the value of being proactive,” she said. “Construction sites move fast, and staying one step ahead helps prevent costly delays.”

When she’s not in class or on a job site, Mannarelli finds another kind of challenge—on the climbing wall. As the head youth climbing coach at First Ascent Peoria, she leads a competitive team of young athletes ranging in age from 10 to 18. “We travel for competitions and have an amazing time learning and competing together,” she said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see my athletes grow in skill and confidence.”

Whether she’s scaling walls or helping build them, Mannarelli approaches every challenge with focus, enthusiasm, and a commitment to excellence. “Construction and climbing both require problem-solving, teamwork, and trust,” she reflected. “That’s what keeps me motivated—and always reaching for the next level.”

—Emily Potts