WIE Week 2025 | Conversations That Build

This Women in Engineering Week, we took a moment to listen—to the voices, experiences, and insights that continue to shape who we are and where we’re going. Across Kier + Wright (K+W), team members shared personal stories, reflections, and insights on mentorship, leadership, and the cultural shifts needed to create a more inclusive and supportive environment. Each voice highlighted the impact of dialogue, representation, and advocacy in building stronger teams and a stronger future. Follow along below as we highlight the voices that build confidence, drive progress, and remind us what’s possible when everyone has the opportunity to lead.

Conversations That Build

Our insights come from our employee resource group GROW (Giving Resources and Opportunities for Wisdom). GROW began as a space for women to connect, share experiences, and support one another through the challenges they face in a traditionally male-dominated field. Today, it fosters connection, mentorship, and leadership for all K+W team members, while honoring its roots in advancing opportunities for women in our industry. At K+W, elevating women strengthens our teams, and listening to their voices strengthens our culture. Learn how we’re building a workplace where every voice feels empowered at kierwright.com

Alexie’s Story | Building Confidence Through Mentorship

Alexie shares how mentorship and encouragement helped her grow into her voice as a professional. Her story highlights that confidence and professionalism are learned skills, especially in a field that can feel intimidating for new engineers. Through the right support and encouragement, she reminds us, anyone can find their voice and use it to make an impact. Support. Encouragement. Mentorship. This is how confidence is built.

Michael’s Perspective | How Diverse Voices Drive Innovation

Different perspectives solve bigger problems. Michael reflects on how diverse viewpoints contribute to stronger teams by encouraging everyone to approach challenges through fresh perspectives. By fostering open dialogue and valuing a range of experiences, we create more human-centered engineering solutions. This mindset helps shape the future of our industry.

Peter’s Message | Driving Cultural Change in Engineering

If we want a stronger industry, we need to change the culture behind it. Peter calls for bold action, reminding us that creating a truly inclusive and supportive environment requires a culture-wide shift. For women to thrive and lead in engineering, the industry must evolve and welcome their contributions at every level. Reform starts with all of us.

Mark’s Call to Action | Advancing Equity in Leadership

Equity in leadership does not happen by accident, it happens by action. Mark highlights the importance of advocacy and representation in leadership. He envisions a future where female leadership is not the exception, but the norm. Representation is not just a goal, it is the foundation of stronger, more inclusive teams, and it benefits us all.

Jennifer’s Story | Fostering Safe Spaces for Growth

Support creates safe spaces and safe spaces create growth. Jennifer shares how authentic leadership, vulnerability, and support can foster truly inclusive environments. Her story reminds us that when leaders and teams show up with trust and openness, they create spaces where everyone can contribute fully and thrive. Programs like GROW help us keep these conversations going and foster the connections that build trust across our teams.

Rod’s Philosophy | Equal Respect Unlocks Potential

Treat everyone with equal respect and watch what is possible. Rod’s message is about more than fairness; it is about belief. He reminds us that equal opportunity, driven by courage, grit, and respect, empowers anyone to succeed. When we see each person’s potential, not their background or title, we unlock what is truly possible for our teams.

Marilynn’s Reflection | How Courageous Conversations Build Culture

Courageous conversations change companies. Marilynn reflects on how an internal effort to foster dialogue and connection became a turning point in building trust across the firm. Initiatives like GROW have helped spark these conversations and open space for deeper connection. Creating a culture of courage and connection is not easy, but through honest conversations and intentional support, we can strengthen relationships and drive positive change across our industry.

Karen’s Journey | Overcoming Doubt + Leading with Confidence

Doubt can be loud, but it does not define you. Karen’s journey is one of personal growth and leadership. By facing imposter syndrome head-on, and through the support of her peers, she learned to own her accomplishments with confidence. Her story reminds us that belonging starts with making space for all voices and helping the next generation of leaders rise.

Voices That Build the Future

This week, we listened. Through each story, one message came through clearly. Conversations build more than connection, they build culture and foster growth. As we wrap WIE week, we carry forward the themes that surfaced in every voice we heard. These lessons continue to shape how we lead, mentor, and collaborate across our teams.

• Empowerment. Confidence is built, not born.
• Belonging. You are not alone in the doubt.
• Representation. Equity starts with visibility.
• Perspective. Diversity strengthens design.
• Reform. Culture must evolve.
• Equality. Respect opens opportunity.
• Support. Inclusive spaces spark growth.
• Connection. Dialogue drives change.

Be part of a team where voices are heard, leadership is fostered, and careers thrive. Apply today at kierwright.com/careers

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