Managing Director Ana Casas, based in Miami, joined host Kelsey Weeks to discuss how regional cross‑collaboration and adaptability have shaped her career and client outcomes in Ankura’s Construction Disputes & Advisory practice. A civil engineer with more than 20 years of experience, Ana focuses on construction engagements across Latin America, advising on project controls, risk management, contract administration, and dispute resolution, with a particular emphasis on international arbitration.
Ana describes cross‑collaboration as a defining theme of her career, noting that working across teams, disciplines, and regions builds enterprise thinking, broadens networks, and creates a more holistic view of complex projects. Early roles in the United States, Colombia, Mozambique, and Mexico exposed her to different functions and cultures, helping unlock leadership and consulting opportunities later on. Today, that mindset underpins her work on large, multi‑stakeholder and turnaround engagements, where she partners with colleagues from finance, information technology (IT), transformation, human capital, economics, and construction to strengthen analysis and outcomes for clients.
Reflecting on this year’s Women in Construction Week theme, “Level Up, Build Strong,” Ana links leveling up to saying yes to challenging assignments, reaching across disciplines and geographies, and drawing on courage to step outside comfort zones. Her advice for those looking to deepen collaboration is direct: Do not be afraid to ask — for opportunities, for involvement, for clarity — and, in difficult moments, focus on common ground rather than differences.
Ana’s story highlights how women leaders in construction are using cross‑regional experience, technical depth, and collaboration to build resilient careers and stronger project outcomes.
To hear more about her journey and practical guidance on regional collaboration, listen to the full conversation hosted by Kelsey Weeks.
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