Women Who Build

Crafting Excellence in Louisiana

A respected leader in New Orleans construction, Yamila Bertoniere focuses on quality, inclusivity and the long-term legacy of the trades.

By John Wyatt, Editor, Tanja Kern, Strategic Content Editor

Yamila Bertoniere
President, Jason Bertoniere Inc.

From the moment she first stepped onto a job site at age 20, she knew the wall and ceiling industry was more than just a career—it was a place where skill, precision, and dedication could build something lasting. Over the years, she has grown alongside the industry, learning not only the technical craft of her trade but also the art of leadership, business management, and strategic decision-making. Her journey has taken her from hands-on work in the field to overseeing operations, quality control, scheduling, client relations, marketing, and financial management; roles that allow her to shape the business holistically.

Her reputation in New Orleans speaks volumes. Known for reliability, honesty, and exceptional quality, she has been involved in some of the city’s largest and most prestigious projects. Today, her name (and the company she helps lead) is synonymous with excellence in walls and ceilings. Yet, what truly sets her apart isn’t just the impressive projects she has completed, but her unwavering commitment to the people around her. She has implemented proactive wellness programs and peer-support initiatives, ensuring that every crew member feels safe, respected, and valued.

Looking ahead, she envisions an industry that continues to raise the bar, embracing new materials, systems, and technologies to deliver safer, more precise and higher-quality work. She has witnessed the industry transform culturally, particularly with the growing presence of women. Where once opportunities for women were limited to administrative roles, she now sees women thriving in project management, operations, safety, and leadership. Reflecting on the past 20 years, she marvels at the progress: mentorship, inclusivity, and recognition of diverse talent are creating a stronger, more dynamic workforce than ever before.

What she loves most about the wall and ceiling industry is its ability to create a lasting legacy. It allows people to grow from skilled laborers into entrepreneurial leaders, building not just structures, but businesses and communities that endure. And yet, she dreams even bigger: stronger workforce development, more mentorship, and continued progress toward inclusivity so that the next generation (regardless of gender) can thrive and raise the industry’s standards even higher.

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John Wyatt is editor of Walls & Ceilings magazine, bringing more than two decades of experience with BNP Media. He joined the company in 2000 as an associate editor, contributing to both Walls & Ceilings and Roofing Contractor before assuming the role of editor in 2008. In addition to his work with the brand, Wyatt collaborates across BNP’s architecture, engineering and construction (A/E/C) portfolio, supporting related publications and initiatives. He can be reached at 248-205-6659 or wyattj@bnpmedia.com.

Tanja Kern covers economic trends and the intersection of architecture, design, and construction for Walls & Ceilings, with an emphasis on the forces reshaping the industry. She develops and amplifies content that connects construction professionals with the intelligence they need to compete and grow.

With more than 20 years of experience, Tanja has written for national business, consumer and trade publications. She holds a Master of Science in magazine publishing from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. She can be reached at kernt@bnpmedia.com.