Meet the Engineers Behind Known For
A title tells you someone's profession. A statistic tells you how many people share it. Neither tells you what someone is truly known for. This Women in Engineering Week, K+W and KWRE launched Known For—a campaign celebrating eight remarkable engineers for what they're truly known for.
The idea behind the campaign was simple: while conversations about women in engineering often focus on representation, we wanted to start a conversation about recognition.
Today, women make up just 15.4% of the engineering workforce in the United States. Representation has steadily improved over the years, and that's worth celebrating. But increasing the numbers is only part of the story. Creating workplaces where people feel valued for their expertise, character, and contributions is what transforms representation into belonging.
So instead of asking about careers or accomplishments, we started with a different question:
"What don't you want to be known for?"
The answers were remarkably consistent.
No one wanted to be known as "the woman engineer." They did not want to be defined by being the only woman in the room, checking a box, or feeling like they had to work twice as hard to earn the same level of credibility and respect.
Their answers reflected a broader industry reality, but they also pointed us toward something more meaningful.
So we asked a second question:
"What do you want to be known for?"
That's where the conversation shifted.
Again and again, the women we spoke with came back to character. They wanted to be known as dependable teammates, thoughtful leaders, trusted problem-solvers, mentors, innovators, and people others could count on. They described themselves as conscientious, driven, hardworking, curious, compassionate, resilient, funny, fiercely loyal, and committed to making a positive impact on those around them.
Outside the office, those same qualities take different forms. They are runners, hikers, gardeners, travelers, artists, snowboarders, parents, volunteers, home renovators, and lifelong learners. While their interests are diverse, they all reflect the same curiosity, perseverance, creativity, and sense of purpose they bring to engineering every day.
Two simple statements captured the heart of every conversation:
"We don't want to be known as women engineers."
"We're just engineers."
That's what Known For is all about.
It's a reminder that behind every title is a person, and that building a more inclusive profession isn't only about increasing representation. It's about creating a culture where people are recognized for their character, perspectives, and contributions.
Because what we are known for should never be measured by a title or a statistic, but by the character, contributions, and impact we leave behind.
Continue below to look back at our Known For campaign and meet the people behind the work.
Welcome to KNOWN FOR
Ana is KNOWN FOR...
Known for staying active, making things, exploring new places, and being conscientious. Ana moves through the world with her eyes wide open, and she approaches her work the same way: looking beyond what's in front of her, asking what's possible, and making sure it's done right. The curiosity that takes her to new places and the care she puts into her work are why people trust what she builds. Curiosity opens Ana's doors, but the conscientiousness she's known for is what people remember when the work is done.
Erin is KNOWN FOR...
Known for being a mom, watching sports, traveling, and being reliable. Whether at home or at work, Erin is someone people can count on. When she takes something on, it gets done, no follow-up needed and no questions asked. In this industry, that kind of dependability makes all the difference, and Erin has built her reputation on it. In a world full of maybes and we'll-sees, Erin is known for being reliable, every time, without exception.
Lauren is KNOWN FOR...
Known for home renovations, reading, mentoring and being driven. Lauren doesn't just see potential, she builds it. It's why a weekend project becomes a fully renovated room, why the people she mentors thrive, and why the projects she takes on finish strong. For Lauren, the list of goals never ends, and neither does the drive she's known for.
Nicole is KNOWN FOR...
Known for yoga, running, enjoying live music, and being funny. Equal parts grounded and hilarious, Nicole brings lightness to the hard days and energy to the good ones, on the mat, on the road, and in the middle of a tough project. In an industry that runs on deadlines, she's the teammate who keeps things steady and makes everyone laugh while doing it. She brings the kind of energy that keeps projects moving forward, lifts those around her, and makes even the busiest days feel a little lighter. Plenty of people are funny. Nicole is known for turning laughter into momentum.
Stephanie is KNOWN FOR...
Known for weightlifting, being a mom of boys and dogs, and working hard. Stephanie knows that the most meaningful things are built methodically, consistently, and with full commitment, and that's exactly how she approaches her work. She pours the same relentless grit into her projects as she does into her family and her workouts—all heart, zero shortcuts. Strength, for Stephanie, has never just been about muscle. It's about character, and hers runs deep. Hard work isn't just what Stephanie is known for. It's what she's made of.
Sabrina is KNOWN FOR...
Known for hiking, gardening, snowboarding, and being a team player. Sabrina understands the value of patience and showing up for the long haul, on the trail, on the slopes, and throughout her life. It's a quiet kind of strength, rooted in patience, perseverance, and follow-through. She's known for being a team player, and she proves what that means every day: making the work shine and the people around her stronger. Anyone can be on a team. Sabrina is known for being the one who helps hold it together.
Kristina is KNOWN FOR...
Known for being a mom, an innovative engineer, a friend, and for being passionate. Passion is the thread that runs through everything Kristina does. It's there in the way she turns tough problems into innovative solutions, in the love she brings to her children, and in the loyalty to her friends that never wavers. She has spent her career proving that excellence isn't a cliché, it's a commitment to the people and the work that matter most. The innovative solutions are what Kristina is known for. The passion behind them is what sets her apart.
Rachel is KNOWN FOR...
Known for being a runner, a wake surfer, a cat mom, and for being fiercely loyal. Rachel stands by her people. She celebrates your wins, helps carry the load when things get tough, and never lets you face a challenge alone. That's why her team trusts her. When challenges arise, Rachel doesn't step back, she steps in. Some are known for what they do. Rachel is known for being fiercely loyal, fully committed, and steadfast in her support of others.
We Want to Be Known For Being Just Engineers
They didn't want to be known for the statistics, the percentages, or the conversations about representation. They are the moms, the athletes, the creators, the travelers, the mentors, and the friends who show up every single day and give their all to the people they love and the work they do. They're not women engineers. They're just engineers, known for being conscientious, reliable, driven, funny, hardworking, passionate, fiercely loyal, and the kind of team players who make the work stronger. These are the engineers of Kier + Wright and KWRE, tackling complex challenges, and propelling our communities forward.
Join a team where your strengths are recognized, your growth is supported, and you'll be known for what makes you unique. Apply today at kierwright.com/careers
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