Korina Padilla is a Denver native and first-generation Mexican American with a career in the engineering and construction industry dating back to 1999. With extensive experience in civil engineering, surveying, and Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE), she brings a unique combination of technical expertise, industry leadership, and a passion for building meaningful professional relationships.
Korina currently serves as the SUE Program Manager at Synergy Solutions, where she is leading the development and growth of the company’s SUE program in Colorado. Her responsibilities include strategic planning, business development, client relationships, technical oversight, and building partnerships that support safe, efficient, and successful infrastructure projects. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with engineers, contractors, utility owners, municipalities, and transportation agencies on complex infrastructure projects across Colorado and beyond.
In 2025, Korina was invited to speak at the SUE Association’s Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., where she presented on defining career paths and creating opportunities for professional growth within the SUE industry. She is also actively involved with WTS Colorado and WTS International, supporting professional development and the advancement of women in transportation and infrastructure.
Beyond her technical career, Korina brings a strong background in nonprofit leadership and community engagement, including six years as the Statewide Latin Engagement Manager for Girl Scouts of Colorado. Her experience in community outreach, mentorship, and relationship building has shaped her belief that education, access to resources, and strong professional networks are essential to long-term success.
As a member of the Colorado Contractor Academy Board of Directors, Korina is passionate about supporting small and minority-owned businesses and helping create pathways to success within Colorado’s construction industry. As a first-generation Mexican American who has built her career through hard work, perseverance, and meaningful relationships, she understands the importance of having access to the right resources, mentorship, and opportunities.
Korina believes that talent and determination should not be limited by a lack of connections or access to industry knowledge. Through her involvement with Contractor Academy, she hopes to help bridge those gaps by connecting businesses with the education, relationships, and resources they need to compete, grow, and thrive. For Korina, serving on the board is about more than professional development. It’s about opening doors, strengthening the construction community, and helping others build lasting success.
Korina is also an American Red Cross Certified First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor and a dedicated community volunteer. Outside of her professional commitments, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, camping, hiking in the Colorado Rockies, and playing the violin.
Her guiding belief is that meaningful change begins with people willing to take the first step, and that lasting success is built by helping others move forward along the way.
