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Celebrating Women in Engineering

By Simpson Gumpertz & Heger

August 2, 2023

Celebrated annually on 23 June, International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) is a time to celebrate the achievements of women engineers. Recognized internationally, this event plays a crucial role in raising awareness about women engineers and showcasing the exciting career prospects available. This year, we celebrated our team members all month long. Take a look at the amazing women that are integral to SGH’s success.

What advice do you have for your younger self?

We asked our women engineers to share the advice they’d give their younger selves. Here are their responses.

Liz Washburn: “Focus on following your curiosities and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Sometimes just one conversation can open a door to a new opportunity."

Myrto Kambouris (pictured with Samantha Corbel and Erica Inmacolato): "It takes 10% talent and 90% hard work. To pursue a career in a field that intrigues you, even if it doesn't come naturally, you have to dedicate yourself to the hard work of learning the ins and outs. Expose yourself to many different aspects of the field and learn what you are passionate about."

Rebecca Lubrano: “Don’t get discouraged that your entire life plan isn’t already clear. The future starts one step at a time, so just keep figuring out the right next step. You’ll be amazed how they all play into an amazing career over time!”

Dara Karac: “You are much more capable than you think, and you can have it all!”

Giuliana Zelada: “As women in the engineering and construction world, we can get various messages about how we should be or behave to succeed. Be you and trust in you, always and in all circumstances.”

Melissa Roth: “If you’re interested in a certain industry, consider location when choosing schools. Colleges and universities often build their curriculum around the local economy. For example, Boston schools may prepare engineers for the pharmaceutical industry while Texas schools may focus on oil and gas.”

Giuliana Stovall: “Be authentically you! And always find ways to lift others up.”

Lauren Feinstein: “Everybody learns on the job and nobody expects you to know everything when you first start. When you look back, you’ll realize how much knowledge you’ve gained over the years. And the best part is you’ll get to pass along everything you learned to new engineers to help them grow.”

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What was it like getting started as a woman in engineering?

Carolyn Searls spoke about navigating the industry, developing her career, and becoming SGH’s first female principal.

Who is your hero?

When asked about who they look up to, SGH team members showed that they’ve been inspired by many people in their lives.

Anna Burhoe: "Emily Hopps [SGH Principal] is an outstanding engineer and an even better leader and mentor."

Krissia Ortiz: “I am my hero. I dared to pursue a male-dominated field in another country from the one I was born, I worked hard to obtain my master’s degree in structural engineering, and every day I choose to be an example for those around me.”

Ida Annah Ryan, the first woman to earn a Master of Science degree from MIT. Mark Webster said she was a “groundbreaking architect and designer with an impressive resume, both politically and professionally.”