EZGI KOSEREISOGLU TALARICO

Senior Manager / Gilbane Building Company

Ezgi Kosereisoglu Talarico currently serves as Senior Manager, focused on project development in Higher Education, Workplace, Sports, Entertainment and Cultural sectors at Gilbane Building Company in Chicago. Her passion for life long learning and curious nature is evidenced by the multiple roles she's held with the company, from operations on the field, to project management, to preconstruction, and now being a part of the strategy side of the business.  Ezgi helped build Gilbane's Rising Contractor Program, focused on providing opportunities for diverse-owned businesses and also became the first leader of Gilbane's employee resource group empoWer, a group dedicated connect, attract, and inspire women to thrive and excel in their personal and professional lives.

With deep-rooted passion for construction fueled by her architect parents, Ezgi has immersed herself in the industry from a young age growing up on jobsites. With a degree in civil engineering and an MBA from Northeastern University, Ezgi sits as an executive committee member on Northeastern Civil Engineering Alumni Organization where she continues to mentor young engineers on their career paths.  Ezgi and her husband live in Wicker Park and recently started their family, welcoming their baby boy in June of 2024.  

Ezgi joined Professional Women in Construction upon its creation in Chicago, having attended some events within the Boston Chapter.  She was encouraged from industry mentors to join the DEI Committee, given her work within the DEI space in Chicago.  She has been a committee member since 2021, and recently stepped up to serve as co-chair.

What PWC Events do you enjoy attending? "I enjoy the panel events where I get to learn more about other professionals careers."

Tell about an accomplishment or milestone that you are proud of: "I am proud of championing a unique career trajectory for myself as my own goals changed, while staying within an organization that is willing to invest in my journey. There are multiple points where I carved out my own role, raised my hand for a new opportunity or joined teams where there were undefined ROI's set for my position."

Share an important lesson that you have learned during your career: "Don't expect people to read your mind, you have to voice what you want."

How have your career goals shifted or evolved over time? "My career goals shifted from initially having a project focus to now having an organization focus.  Finishing business school, after having a more technical degree in civil engineering, shaped a lot of this. It has led me to a more strategic role within the construction industry which I greatly enjoy and fits within my natural strengths."