Today we proudly join the global celebration of Women in Engineering Day! On this special occasion, we gather to recognize the invaluable contributions of women in the field of engineering. With each passing year, we witness a growing number of talented and inspiring women who are breaking barriers, shattering stereotypes, and leaving an indelible mark on the world of technology and innovation. Today, we embark on a journey to explore their remarkable achievements, delve into their experiences, and shed light on the importance of fostering diversity and gender equality within the engineering community. Join us as we celebrate these exceptional women, their pioneering spirit, and their enduring impact on shaping the future of engineering for generations to come.

Meeting Our Engineers

Colleen Flach is a recent graduate from the University of Cincinnati and works in our Cincinnati Office as a project engineer. Colleen received the question, “What sparked your interest in engineering? Can you describe the moment you realized this was a field you’d like to pursue?” To which she responded, “My introduction to the field of engineering occurred in 7th grade through the STEM program at Lakota schools. I took every available STEM class that would fit into my schedule. During my junior year of high school, my teacher took all the female students on a site visit to the Jeremiah Morrow Bridge. They were in the process of fully replacing the Jeremiah Morrow Bridge, which happens to be the tallest bridge in Ohio. We received a tour of the construction site and even had the opportunity to walk inside the bridge, as it has a hollow bridge deck.”

“At the job site, we had the chance to interact with several women transportation engineers from ODOT and consulting firms. It was during this experience that I realized I wanted to be a role model for young women engineers. Navigating the ‘boys’ world of engineering’ can be challenging, but women engineers have all found our footing. Hopefully, one day I can mentor a young woman in this career path!”

Next, we have Leiana Yates, a project engineer at CM for over 2 years (not including her internship 😉). Leiana was asked to describe her job and give us a glimpse into her average day as a project engineer! “As a project engineer, specifically in traffic engineering, my day to day involves working on multiple projects – both on the public and private side of the fence. My work ranges from pulling together projected traffic volumes for a study area to running capacity and queuing analysis for anywhere from one to a dozen intersections at once. I also pull crashes along a corridor and determine what kind of safety improvements could and should be implemented to mitigate known issues. But overall, my average day involves a lot of data analysis, report writing, and collaboration with my team.”

Gina Balsamo is one of our project managers for the Traffic Department and has been with CM for more than eight years! We asked Gina what she thought was the biggest misconception people have about her job, her answer was, “That we only work for ODOT. We have many different kinds of clients outside of ODOT!”

One of our most recent additions is Arafat Ara. Arafat is a project engineer in our Roadway Department. Arafat was asked to describe her experience as a woman in engineering and whether her gender offers a unique perspective compared to male colleagues. Arafat’s response was, “Well, it has always been my dream to become an engineer. However, being a woman in engineering can be challenging at times. Sometimes, you have to assert yourself to make others aware of your presence, which can be difficult. Nevertheless, continuous learning and believing in your abilities are the keys to achieving success.”

Jessica Vanaman is a project engineer in our Bridge Department, with over 2 years of experience. Jessica was asked to offer advice for women interested in engineering and discuss what kind of skills they should pick up. “My advice for women is the same advice for anyone. Show up and work hard. Don’t stress when working with mostly men., in my experience it has been great. I have never felt singled out or treated differently plus there is way less drama. Having an interest in math and science is obviously helpful, but you’ll learn all the specific skills you need on the job.”

Finally, we have Chelsea Cousins, a project engineer in our Traffic Department. We asked Chelsea about her hopes for the future of engineering,, and she answered, “I hope to see more diversity in the field.”

Carpenter Marty Transportation collaborates with WTS Columbus Chapter to empower girls in STEM. Through mentorship, workshops, and hands-on experiences, they inspire and provide opportunities for women to explore the limitless possibilities in these fields. Together, they break barriers and shape the future of engineering for aspiring female innovators.

Together, they ignite a passion for STEM, inspiring the next generation of female engineers to pursue their dreams. Let’s celebrate their efforts and support initiatives that encourage young girls to fearlessly explore engineering, creating a brighter, more diverse, and innovative future for all.