2024 International Women in Engineering Day: Celebrating AEI Women Engineers

"I have always known I wanted to leave my mark on the world. As a kid, I thought I would do this as an inventor. I would use my “mad scientist” brand of genius to make groundbreaking, life-changing technology. As an adult, I realize engineers are the true inventors, and we work every day to create the modern world."

— Bailey Conard, EIT (She/Her), AEI Chapel Hill, Mechanical Engineer

"I’ve always been interested in design and solving problems. Growing up with both of my parents as engineers, I was able to see the different paths someone with an engineering degree could take, and they inspired me to pursue a career in engineering myself."

— Stephanie Sagastizabal (She/Her), AEI Tampa, Mechanical Engineer

"I have always been math and science-oriented and have had a passion for art. This led me to pursue a career in architecture. While in an architecture and engineering vocational program in high school, I realized I was more passionate about engineering. During my senior year of high school, I started working as a designer for a fire protection contractor. This experience opened my eyes to the vast utilization of engineering concepts and cemented my interest in this career. I started pursuing a mechanical engineering degree shortly afterward and a fire and safety engineering degree years later."

— Mildred Munoz (She/Her), AEI Denver, Fire Protection Senior Designer

"Being the first and only woman in a room was a challenge, making me feel out of place. I gradually changed my perspective and viewed this challenge as an opportunity. Just as Sandra Day O'Connor said, you need to first be visible and then put on an impressive show."

— Yijun “Melody” Wang, PE, LEED AP® BD+C, WELL AP (She/Her), AEI Gainesville, Mechanical Project Engineer

"I found it very difficult to pass the electrical engineering Professional Engineer (PE) licensure exam as an architectural engineering graduate. I did not pass the first time, but I stayed persistent and kept taking the exam until I passed. Sometimes, I think we all need to acknowledge that our career is not an easy and super smooth one, but perseverance and commitment will help us grow and learn to solve many problems."

— Krista Murphy, PE, LEED AP® (She/Her), AEI San Francisco, Principal & Office Leader

"I was at the University of Vermont pursuing an engineering degree during the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning I had two years of hybrid classes. It was challenging to do labs, work collaboratively, and keep an interest in education during that time. I tried to surround myself with professors and classmates who were passionate about our classes and took advantage of extra learning opportunities, such as research and composing a thesis, to push through that time."

— Alex Greer (She/Her), AEI Metro DC, Commissioning Engineer

"The field of mechanical engineering is both broad and yet highly competitive. Initially, I struggled to figure out how to tailor my education (which felt mostly manufacturing-focused) to land my dream job. While I knew my engineering knowledge would be valuable, I found it challenging to discover a way to apply it in a field that truly interested me. The biggest factor that helped me find my path was supportive mentorship. Over the years, I've developed friendships with coworkers who, upon learning about my passions, helped me plan my future and set me up for success. Talking with others in the industry gave me insights into the steps I needed to take to achieve a fulfilling career. They have been invaluable resources."

— Jessica Hufford (She/Her), AEI Chicago, Mechanical Engineer

"Recently beginning my engineering career, I have enjoyed all the opportunities to learn here at AEI the most. Everyone I’ve met has been passionate and motivated and has made me feel welcomed while being able to teach and work with me."

— Ashley Pavlov (She/Her), AEI Phoenix, Mechanical Engineer

“I love the complexity and uniqueness of projects I've worked on, such as cleanrooms, labs, supercomputer heat recovery, archival libraries, and hospitals. These diverse opportunities are rare, especially this early in my career. Providing the necessary built environments for these critical spaces is highly rewarding.”

— Michelle Fouard, EIT (She/Her), AEI Seattle, Mechanical Engineer

“I think all young engineers need to see a bit of themselves in their coworkers and leaders ahead of them. As we enhance and promote both our gender and racial diversity as a firm, we will attract more young engineers with a variety of backgrounds and experiences.”

— Krista Murphy, PE, LEED AP® (She/Her), AEI San Francisco, Principal & Office Leader

“Women are as individually unique as men are, so there is no one right answer to this question. Every woman is looking for something different in their career, but if you asked college-aged me this question, I would have said “Create an environment that gives me the opportunity to be a great mom and have a successful career.” I have always known having a family was my number one priority, but I still wanted opportunities to be in an intellectually stimulating and challenging career. Again, it's important to understand that every woman’s key inspiration is different, but my ability to be a mom first has always been the biggest factor in my career decisions.”

— Dana Hodges, PE, LEED AP® BD+C (She/Her), AEI Charlottesville, Project Manager

“Improve visibility of women in engineering. The more people who recognize and acknowledge women as successful engineers in an “atypical” field for women not only empower those already in the field but makes engineering more attainable to interested young women.”

— Bailey Conard, EIT (She/Her), AEI Chapel Hill, Mechanical Engineer

“Hone your communication skills. Engineering is as message-driven as it is technical. The right messaging will move your design from paper to reality.”

— Joanna Pyun, PE (She/Her), AEI San Francisco, Mechanical Project Engineer

“Go for it! Stay focused and work hard, and you will be successful. Use the resources that are available to you, such as your professor’s office hours, study groups, and even YouTube videos. And be sure to learn how to study effectively early on in your educational journey.”

— Cara McGaughran (She/Her), AEI Baltimore, Mechanical Engineer

“For young women considering a career in engineering, I advise exploring the various branches of engineering to find the field that suits you best. Join professional organizations such as ASHRAE, Women in ASHRAE, and the Society of Women Engineers to seek mentorship and support. Commit to continuous learning and, most importantly, believe in yourself.”

— Yanting Xu, EIT (She/Her), AEI Los Angeles, Building Performance Consultant

“There have been a few times where I hesitated to speak up, only to find out later that I was right. Be confident in yourself, and don't be afraid of making mistakes while you're learning.”

— Michelle Fouard, EIT (She/Her), AEI Seattle, Mechanical Engineer