DRMP is honored to celebrate International Women in Engineering Day each year and shine a spotlight on the value our women engineers and planners bring to DRMP and the A/E/C industry. This year’s theme is “Make Safety Seen” to celebrate the work women in the industry do to support lives, livelihoods, and communities every day. In a two-part series, we’ve profiled four women on our staff from various career backgrounds whose work makes a significant impact on improving the safety of our communities. In their journey to become engineers, these women have broken down barriers in a male-dominated industry and pushed through cultural and gender challenges to achieve success and pave the way for others. This is Part 2 of the series. Part 1 published on June 21.
How did you choose your profession?
What barriers have you overcome throughout your career?
Erica: I was in college, and I interviewed with a construction company. A few friends of mine from class also interviewed with this company. I learned they intended to hire two people, and because only two men applied, they were guaranteed to be chosen—they were not even considering extending an offer to any of the women applicants. I was disappointed and a little angry. However, I found a position that I thoroughly enjoyed with another company. For the most part, I have found being a woman to be a huge advantage. Being a female in a predominantly male industry allows me to stick out in the crowd. When I was in college, being a woman helped me obtain scholarships. Now, I think that I’m easier to remember in a crowded room. Although, I’m very proud that this fact seems to be changing as I continue to encounter more and more women in the A/E/C industry.
Megan: I’ve been fortunate that my personal career journey has been filled with supportive colleagues and great mentors. Your work becomes a large part of your life. I believe it’s important to find a work place where you feel supported and enjoy the people you work with. I work with a great team that values and shares in the success of our group and works in support of each other, both professionally and on a personal level. As a mom of two, it’s a continual effort that goes into achieving a balance with being my best both at work and as a mom. I am grateful to work both with a team and for a company that supports me in all areas of my life.
What’s the most rewarding project you’ve worked on?
Erica: Honestly, the most rewarding thing about my job has nothing to do with any specific project. I chose this profession because I was drawn to helping people. It didn’t take long for me to realize that some folks aren’t too pleased or feel very helped when we are reconstructing their roadways and impacting their neighborhoods. So, I had to change my frame of mind to still connect to that greater purpose of helping people. The most rewarding thing I do is provide leadership for our Construction Services team. I am so proud of our team and constantly amazed that we have been able to find so many kind-hearted people who are working hard to learn and grow—people who genuinely care about their teammates and our clients. The most rewarding aspect of my career is watching my staff be fulfilled personally and professionally.
Megan: The most rewarding project of my career thus far has been the Suncoast Parkway 2 project, a new alignment, limited access roadway that I’ve provided structural design for throughout a large portion of my career. I began working on Suncoast as an Engineering Intern (EI) not long after joining DRMP. I was able to gain experience with all phases of design while working on the project. When the project advanced to construction, I also had advanced in my career and managed the post-design phase. Attending the opening ceremony for the road was an exciting milestone and being able to see the full cycle of the project. I am now Structures Engineer of Record for the two following design sections. It’s exciting to continue working on the corridor. It’s been a great project. I am proud of our bridge designs, and I feel fortunate to have been able to work on it during all different stages of my career.
