Talented Team: Meet Our 2021 Summer Interns

Ben Statsick

Senior, University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Construction Management

Ben will be joining the Madison Office as a Project Engineer Intern. At UW-Platteville, Ben is a member of the Construction Management Association and Honor Society. Ben grew up in Middleton and is looking forward to working at CG Schmidt this summer, as he is passionate about construction and looks to display his leadership experience in his community. In his free time, Ben enjoys playing golf and waterskiing with his friends and family. 

Caitlin Geurts

Senior, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Strategic Communications and Reporting

Caitlin is returning for her second summer as a Business Development Intern at CG Schmidt. Outside of the office, she serves as the Vice President of External Affairs for the Panhellenic Association at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and organized a 500-person march in April for Denim Day and Sexual Assault Awareness month. Caitlin is looking forward to the completion of the Madison Youth Arts Center, as construction was just beginning when she first arrived at CG Schmidt. In her free time, she enjoys listening to investigative podcasts, audiobooks, supporting her Delta Delta Delta sisters and playing with her kitty Niles.

Joel Baraka

Senior, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Civil Engineering

Joel is returning for his second summer as a Project Engineer Intern at CG Schmidt where he will be stationed at Baraboo Middle School. Joel is an international student and King-Morgridge Scholar who grew up in the Ugandan Kyangwali refugee camp. While there, Joel built the only two-story house in his village, developing a passion for education and engineering. Joel utilized this passion to create 5 STA-Z, a board game that breaks down academic content into smaller pieces better taught through competition and collaboration. He works as the CEO of his startup, My HOME Stars, which seeks to improve and reimagine education delivery in under-resourced communities across sub-Saharan Africa. In his free time, Joel loves reading non-fiction, listening to entrepreneurship podcasts, and playing soccer.

Read more about Joel and 5 STA-Z here: 

UW- Madison student raises $11k for refugee camp where he was raised

Joel Baraka is reimagining education, and every student is a star

UW-Madison student reimagines education through board game designed for Ugandan refugees

Humans of Global Scholars: Joel Baraka

Olivia Flores

Senior, University of Marquette 
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Olivia is returning to CG Schmidt as an Operations Support Intern. During the last three years as an intern  at CG Schmidt, Olivia has tackled a number of projects like preparing hundreds of safety helmets for the official company-wide rollout, assisting with our annual files purge at the yard, and many other operational initiatives.

Ka’Sha Gilbert

Senior, University of Wisconsin-Platteville 
Construction Management

Ka’Sha is joining CG Schmidt as an Estimating Intern, where she will work with the Estimating department at the Corporate Office. At UW-Platteville, Ka’Sha is actively involved in Engineers without Borders and the Black Student Union. Ka’Sha is also a member of the Construction Management Association and Pioneer Rocketry, a collegiate organization focused on high power rocketry. In her spare time, she enjoys dabbling in horticulture and preparing soups and stews in her new slow cooker for the students she supports as their Resident Assistant.

Kyle Perozzo

Senior, UW-Milwaukee
Human Resources Management

Kyle is working in the Corporate Office as a Human Resources and Risk Management Intern. Before joining CG Schmidt, he interned with Noah’s Ark Waterpark and was one of the famous racing sausages for the Milwaukee Brewers. Kyle said the most in-demand sausages were the Hot Dog and Polish Sausage because they were the lightest and easiest to run in, leaving The Chorizo to be the last choice. He said that the winning sausage had the option to leave early for the day, or sit in the crowd and watch the rest of the game. When he is not cheering on the Brewers, Kyle likes traveling; trying new local restaurants; watching and playing sports; and spending time with his friends, family, and dog, Kosmo.

Ricky Ransom

Senior, Memphis University School

Ricky will be collaborating at our Madison office this summer as a PE intern. He is bringing experience as a Construction Project Assistant for The Ransomed Group in Memphis. There, he assisted the team with invoice preparation, creation of weekly labor spreadsheets, and attending project site walk throughs. Ricky is interested in pursuing Engineering at UW-Madison when he graduates high school. During the school year, Ricky is actively involved in student council, French club and the stock market club. In his free time, he enjoys playing baseball, basketball, chess, and video games. 

Vanessa Schwake, VDC

Sophomore, MSOE
Architectural Engineering 

Vanessa will be joining the Corporate Office as a VDC Intern, bringing strong background knowledge of AutoCAD and Autodesk Investor to her position. Vanessa is passionate about building electrical and structural systems, and is actively involved in the Society of Woman Engineers at MSOE. Outside of the office, Vanessa enjoys unicycling, drawing, and water sports.