Celebrating Ingenuity + Empowerment

With March being both Women’s History Month and one that commemorates the movement for women’s rights through International Women’s Day, there is no better time to highlight the amazing women within ISG. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, in 2016, 24% of architecture occupations were held by women, and 14% of engineering occupations were held by women. Since 2015, 28.8% of ISG new hires were female and over 30% of upcoming hires fall into the same category. This outpaces the American Society of Mechanical Engineers reports by nearly 15%.

In honor of talented leaders within the firm and March celebrations, we compiled inspirational and empowering words of wisdom from but a few of ISG’s professional women across multiple disciplines and offices. Here’s what they had to say…

How have you been empowered in your career?

• Being encouraged to engage in projects outside of my direct field of study allowing me to learn new skills.
• Being told that my skills and focus industry are “game changers.”
• Understanding my strengths and weaknesses, and being able to multi-task.
• Receiving words of approval and encouragement from coworkers, family, and friends that are direct motivators. Never underestimate the power of being surrounded by positivity.
• Winning projects and leading teams at a scale I have never done before.
• Accomplishing something greater than myself.
• By having true mentors who took their time to guide me in my professional development.

What woman from history (personal or public figure) is most inspiring to you and why?

• Jane Jacobs is a woman I am continually inspired by. Not only was she a significant female figure in planning; she is often referred to as ‘the most influential urban thinker of all time.’ She wasn’t afraid to take risks, and her unfaltering advocacy and determination helped make planning what it is today.
• Rosa Parks.
• My sister, she fought and beat cancer.
• Michelle Obama and Ellen DeGeneres as they always handle themselves with class and treat others with respect.

How have you encouraged other females to achieve their goals?

• Sharing opportunities with other females both inside and outside of the industry. Similarly, sharing the same opportunities with male acquaintances. I’ve never felt that gender was a hindrance to achieving my goals.
• Being a mentor and standing by female peers, supporting their decisions and drive.
• Encouraging female peers to never give up, communicate their vision/goals, and take a step back to reflect and relax in tough situations.
• Identifying and talking about personal weaknesses and struggles- we are never alone and can accomplish anything.
• Focusing on being driven and positive.

What career advice would you give to a student today?

• Work hard and never stop learning; continue to challenge yourself and take initiative to seek out new opportunities.
• Have respect and humility, for yourself and others; these two characteristics can be extremely impactful.
• Be confident in your abilities, ask questions, take notes, and listen.
• Demonstrate that you’re willing and able to learn.
• Surround yourself with encouraging and positive people.
• Don’t be afraid to be the positive person in the workplace; it can really impact not only yourself, but the entire office.
• Dress for success.
• Be humble. There are energy takers and givers in this world…be an energy giver.
• Find a career you are passionate about.

Thanks to the many ISG professionals who continually inspire the firm and industry, lead by example, and make a truly positive impact.

Article Acknowledgements and Contributors

• Alyssa Campbell, AIA, LEED AP, Architect – St. Louis, MO
• Amanda Donnell, Civil Engineering Designer – Storm Lake, IA
• Amanda Prosser, PLA, ASLA, Senior Landscape Architect – Minneapolis, MN
• Jennifer Jahr, NCIDQ, WRID, IIDA, Interior Designer - La Crosse, WI
• Danielle Propst, Planner – Des Moines, IA
• Lori Waldschmidt, Business Administrator – Green Bay, WI

Hashtag: #wmnhist #IWD2017 #EmployeeOwned #Empowerment #WomenLeaders

Resource Links:

• http://womenshistorymonth.gov/
• https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?src=bkmk
• https://www.asme.org/

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