By. Naomi A. Tillett, P.E., M.ASCE
Women In Civil Engineering: My Story
Looking back at my professional career, which now spans just over 20 years, the female element has become ever so present and strong. It’s been an amazing experience to witness the transformation of the work force matrix and noticing the increasing number of leading roles assumed by women in civil engineering. This article is based entirely from my point of view and experiences, yet motivated by the recent mentorship opportunities encountered at Madrid Engineering Group, Inc.
My decision to choose a career in civil engineering was sparked in the late 1970s watching my father use an assortment of interesting tools and gadgets to repair truck engines, air conditioning systems and other pieces of machineries. So by the time I graduated from high school I was accepted into the college for engineering in Puerto Rico. I experienced being the only female in class, and a few times, there would be as many as 5 girls. A culture shift was well on its way, especially when I was ready to enter the work force. I was very blessed to have a strong, intelligent and supportive mom, along with the guidance of several open minded mentors that helped develop my passion for civil engineering.
The 20th Century Surge
As I was researching for this article, it was apparent that the contribution of women in civil engineering began to surge at the turn of the twentieth century. The ASCE website has a section called Profiles: Engineers of the Past, I encourage you to find out about the copious contributions other women have provided to civil engineering. One that I would like to mention, as she will forever be tied into one of America’s landmark known as the Brooklyn Bridge, is Mrs. Emily Warren Roebling. She studied mathematics and science, and in 1899, she obtained a law degree from New York University. Following the death of her father-in-law, Brooklyn Bridge designer John A. Roebling, and her husband Brooklyn Bridge chief engineer, Washington Roebling’s failing health, she became integral in seeing plans for the Brooklyn Bridge carried out: Every day, she went to the site to convey her husband’s instructions to the workers and to answer questions. She kept records, answered the mail, and represented her husband at social functions.
In addition to conveying her husband’s messages, she also began studies of her own on the technical issues, learning about strength of materials, stress analysis, cable construction, and calculation of catenary curves. When delays and cost increases led some to propose that Washington Roebling be removed as chief engineer, she delivered an address before the American Society of Civil Engineers, resulting in Roebling’s continued leadership of the project. When the Brooklyn Bridge opened in 1883, she rode with President Chester Arthur across bridge.
So as I go about my daily routine and realize just how far we’ve come, I’m also reminded of my humble beginnings and look forward to helping the next wave of young professionals reach for their dreams and show them how many things are yet to be accomplished as a civil engineer.
