Women’s History Month: The Women Who Built the Path and the Women Carrying It Forward
March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize the women who have shaped our industry and expanded opportunity through their work. In the fields of engineering, architecture, and construction, that history is built on both pioneering achievements and the continued progress being made today.
One such instance of pioneering and progress in our industry is a woman named Emily Warren Roeblingwho was a central figure in the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge. Despite never being formally recognized as an engineer, Roebling stepped into a leadership role when the project’s chief engineer could no longer oversee the work. Her hands-on coordination, technical learning, and day-to-day project oversite made her a critical component of the projects success as she helped guide the Bridge to completion in 1883.
Today, women at GPD continue that legacy as recognized professionals leading projects, advancing design, and shaping communities across the built environment.
Ashley Ford
"It’s encouraging to see so many working moms in this profession. Earning an engineering degree and becoming licensed isn’t easy, and it’s rewarding to see more women recognized as equal partners at work and at home, with respect for the effort it takes to be successful and to continue growing in this career."
"As the only woman in my graduating class at the University of Akron in the Surveying Program, my biggest piece of advice is to not let that intimidate you from pursuing this career. Going into it, I expected there might be setbacks or that some peers wouldn’t be as accepting, but I was pleasantly surprised. Throughout my time in the program and at GPD, I found it to be very welcoming and supportive. I’ve rarely been made to feel like a minority in this field, and I feel incredibly lucky for that; especially knowing that wasn’t the experience for women before me. Because of that, I would encourage other women to be confident, take that step, and not let assumptions hold them back."
Katie Szpak
Land Survey
Ashley Hefner
"I have been incredibly fortunate to work with many women in various leadership and engineering roles throughout my career. Seeing women in those roles provides a comfort in knowing there is a seat at the table for women. These women have charted their own courses, which made me realize the breadth of career options just within the water industry alone."
Ashley Hefner, PE
project manager | Water
Becky McAdams
"Progress has been tremendous since I started in 1992. I truly feel women have every opportunity that men have in this profession, especially here. What is valued is the different strengths and leadership traits each individual brings. Being self-aware and adding value to the team through your unique strengths is where real progress comes from."
Becky McAdams, NCIDQ, LEED® AP
Vice President of Operations
Alicia Villers
"Be unapologetically yourself. Wearing a nice outfit or having a kind smile does not diminish your technical knowledge or capability. If someone chooses to underestimate you because you’re “too feminine,” let that be their mistake, and then prove them wrong with your expertise."
Alicia Villers
Roadway Designer/Construction Coordinator | Public Works
Sabrina Dale
"While she’s not in my field, my mom has been my greatest inspiration. When I was torn between two different career paths, she took the time to sit down with me, recognized my potential, and encouraged me to pursue the path I’m on today. I’m incredibly grateful for her guidance—without it, I wouldn’t be working for such a great company."
Sabrina Dale
Project Manager | Power
Abby Rainieri
"Stay passionate and motivated to keep yourself engaged as you learn the work architects do and how we do it. (Almost) everyone has imposter syndrome; know you can always cultivate confidence along the way. Oh…and get licensed!"
Abby Rainieri, RA, ALEP, LEED AP
Manager of planning and design | Education
Jessica Burlett
"Apply your strengths to the industry. Women do not need to alter their personalities to succeed in a male-dominated field. Femininity has added value and can positively influence workplace culture and leadership styles. Softness is not a weakness—it can be a strength. Your gender does not define your success; your passion, authenticity, and commitment are what truly make you stand out."
Jessica Burlett
Subsurface Utility Service | Land Survey
Theresa Taras
"Over the last 15 years in civil and transportation engineering, I’ve seen a positive shift in how women are viewed and valued across the industry. Today, it’s not uncommon to see women leading major projects, departments, and entire organizations. Looking ahead, I hope future generations won’t feel pressure to prove themselves simply because of their gender. My advice to the next generation entering the field is to trust yourself, take up space, and speak up. Your perspective is valuable, and diversity leads to stronger solutions."
"“Designers such as Jessica Walsh (graphic design) and Leanne Ford (interior design) inspire me because of the creative way they approach their work. Both are well‑known in their fields and aren’t afraid to try something new or different. They lead with vision and strategy and are passionate about creating thoughtful, successful solutions.”
Caroline Moore
Associate Design Manager | Retail/Commercial
Women like Emily Roebling helped prove that women belong in architecture, engineering and construction, even when they were not formally recognized. Today, the women of GPD carry that progress forward.
