Yenisei Bell

President & Owner, YGB Design Group

Chapter President, NAWIC, Greater New York Chapter #240

Yenisei Bell is a Vice President of Construction and leads her own company, YGB Design Group. She has extensive expertise in both public and private sectors, including luxury multimillion-dollar residential projects, educational projects, and non-profit organizations. With more than 18 years of experience in the AEC industry, her self-motivated and innovative approach, coupled with extensive construction industry knowledge, provides unique perspectives to solving challenges. She currently focuses on construction projects of public interest, significant social impact, and disaster recovery and has worked on major city projects like Build It Back, HRO, and Affordable Housing, where she provided experience in damage assessment and every phase of the project life cycle from preconstruction to closeout. She pursues design & construction excellence and is therefore able to deliver the best outcomes for clients, stakeholders, and the community, with an exceptional ability to implement and drive changes.

 “When I was 10 years old, I had my first glimpse of what my future might hold. It was then that I developed a fascination with construction, inspired by a Hard Hat that I saw on a female Engineer. My uncle played a significant role in introducing me to the field of construction. He is a dual major in Architecture and Engineering and I remember accompanying him to a construction site where I had the opportunity to observe the installation of rebar and pouring of concrete for a cement roof. Since then, my love for construction has only grown stronger.”

Yenisei Bell started her career as an Architect, she worked on design bringing innovative ideas. Always wanting to break the mold, focusing on shaping the design with forward-thinking, demonstrating the importance of architecture as a means of expression of human psychology. She became interested in construction, industrial and interior design, expressive power, and personal study and analysis of color (an aspect that is still a constant in her work), producing award-winning projects.

“I have worked on and generally been around large complex projects and have had the opportunity to consider performance data. Over the years I have come to observe common failings and successful strategies. During this period, I increasingly believed that there was a bigger picture to consider, one that considered complexity, uncertainty, and emergence. When I first decided to pursue a full-time career in the construction industry, I was motivated by my desire to take on leadership roles that would allow me to promote equality, success, and development. However, when I moved to North America, I found myself starting my career as an architectural designer instead. Despite this, I was determined to progress in my field and take on more important roles and projects over time. As a working mother, I was all too familiar with the gender gap and the obstacles it can present. Despite facing these challenges, I persevered and worked hard to advance in my career in construction. I am proud to say that I have achieved a great deal over the years, but I know that it took time, dedication, and a willingness to keep moving forward even when the going got tough.

For me, time is not just a tool for getting things done quickly, it is also a valuable resource that should be used for reflection, analysis, and contemplation. By taking a measured and thoughtful approach to my work, I have been able to achieve my goals and continue to grow and develop as a WIC professional. I wanted to sit at the table where they were talking about success and development. I wanted to advocate and advance the role of women in construction and inspire the new generation to join the industry by setting an example. Championing trailblazers amongst us, fostering inclusion, and driving transformative change in the trades and construction industry. Leaning into innovation has enabled me to create solutions that are helping our youth see and gain an elevated path.”

Yenisei is a strong advocate for equality, diversity, and innovation. She is very passionate and committed to promoting the female presence in the construction industry. “I share my confidence hoping to help others build theirs.”

I wanted to engage with an organization that has support, one-on-one, experience, guidance and promote growth. NAWIC was the answer. Their organization allowed us to densify, share, and learn about how we can look after ourselves now and in the future. And help grow confidence, talk about our challenges, disparity, and our day-to-day struggles. Forge camaraderie and be inspired by other trailblazers. Don’t let the stereotype in this industry dissuade you from being a part of it. I never keep my mouth shut, I will never let myself be unheard, my confidence has been instrumental in growing my credibility. Be confident, be proud. Also, don’t let it harden you. There are days when you’re going to get your feelings hurt but come through it by staying true to yourself. Stay Woman Strong!

Women have always faced negative perceptions in the construction industry. Though women have broken many barriers and made progress in the field, their representation in construction management roles has only increased slightly from 2018 until now. Despite the news about the industry’s efforts to promote gender diversity and recruit more women, the gender gap remains significant. However, the largest organizations are now making more efforts to promote women into leadership positions and inspire young generations to follow in their footsteps.

YGB Design Group, New York, NY

NAWIC Greater New York Chapter #240 - NawicNewYork.com