K+W Civil Engineer Joins ASCE SF YMF Leadership
Kier + Wright civil engineer Cristina Pedroncelli has been elected the American Society of Civil Engineers San Francisco Younger Member Forum’s 2020-2021 Leadership Council treasurer.
ASCE’s Younger Member Forum program supports the interests of civil engineers ages 35 and younger. The SF YMF Leadership Council is responsible for hosting events, holding meetings, and providing resources that benefit the professional development of San Francisco Bay Area professionals beginning a career in civil engineering.
Pedroncelli, a California-licensed civil engineer with five years of land development project experience, joined Kier + Wright’s team in January of 2020. During her professional career, she has managed the design of on-site and off-site improvements for wineries and large-scale industrial developments. She earned a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from UC Davis in 2015 and achieved professional civil engineering licensure in 2018.
“I have personally benefited from access to YMF resources,” said Pedroncelli, who looked to her local ASCE YMF for study and test prep guidance while pursuing her PE. “I look forward to helping the SF YMF deliver resources to aspiring professional engineers here in the Bay Area.”
Pedroncelli is no stranger to participating in professional organizations. For four consecutive years, she served as an officer on ASCE’s Redwood Empire YMF leadership council. In 2018, she was elected president of the Toastmasters International Airport Business Center chapter in Santa Rosa.
“When I join an organization, I like to help it grow and improve. Participating in leadership is an excellent way to make a positive impact,” she said.
Pedroncelli joined her local Toastmasters and YMF chapters shortly after graduating college. She credits both organizations with helping her build a professional network, learn about employment opportunities, and develop invaluable professional skills at a critical point in her career: the beginning.
Her advice to college graduates entering the workforce with a civil engineering degree? Get licensed—and get involved.
Pedroncelli prioritized professional licensure after college. She made every effort to stay on track to earn her license as early as possible. Just three years from her graduation, she achieved this goal.
“Organizations like the SF YMF provide opportunities to learn from leaders who are influential in the industry—they also help you connect with others who are working toward successful careers,” she said.
Establishing connections with engineers on a similar professional path and learning all that you can from professionally licensed mentors, she notes, is especially important for women in engineering.
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions,” she advises.
She also encourages women in engineering to pursue leadership opportunities in organizations relevant to their desired career path.
“Professional networking organizations are so beneficial. You never know what connections you will make—and there are many leadership roles and officer positions out there—you just have to go for them!”
Visit the SF YMF website for more information about the forum, its leadership and opportunities to get involved.