I believe women are born to be leaders. You might not agree, or maybe you’re too humble to admit it. I get it— I’ve been there. I’ve had moments when I downplayed my achievements, wondering if I really belonged in spaces dominated by men. Growing up Catholic, I often gave credit to God for putting me in the right place at the right time. I would say anything before giving myself credit for my hard work and dedication, and I know I’m not the only one who feels that way, especially in this field. I’ve seen many women engineers doing amazing things yet still struggling to take credit. I’m here to tell you to stop.
Let me share a story that has stuck with me for years. At 17, I moved from Colombia to New York City with just a high school diploma and no English. I thought engineering would be the easiest path because I was good with numbers. I wasn’t thinking about being a boss; I just needed a job that would pay the bills one day.
In my first year of college, I took a technical writing class and learned about Emily Warren Roebling and the Brooklyn Bridge. As an engineer and a former resident of NYC, the Brooklyn Bridge has always inspired me. I remember thinking, “She must have been a genius.”
The Brooklyn Bridge and Emily’s Legacy
For those who don’t know the story, Emily Warren Roebling became the unofficial engineer of the Brooklyn Bridge after her husband, Washington Roebling, fell ill. Even though she had no formal engineering training, she took charge and worked with some of the brightest people of the time to finish the project.
After thinking about this story and working with many incredible women engineers, I learned that Emily’s success wasn’t just about her intelligence; it was her resilience and the unique superpowers women have that helped her overcome challenges. Like Emily, we often do what we have to do, even if we don’t realize it at the time.
The Strengths Women Bring to Engineering Leadership
I’m biased, but I genuinely believe that women like Emily show us we have the skills to succeed in engineering fields. Throughout history, women like Emily have demonstrated that leadership and innovation in engineering are not bound by gender. While every individual’s strengths are unique, women often bring valuable qualities to leadership roles—particularly in fields that require precision, adaptability, and collaboration. Recognizing and embracing these strengths can empower future generations to excel! So, what does it take to be exceptional? Trusting the superhero qualities you already have. Here are some of the “superpowers” that contribute to the successes of great leaders:
- Attention to Detail: Careful observation and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Research suggests that women, on average, tend to excel in detail-oriented tasks and active listening, which support this strength.
- Empathy, Collaboration, and Active Listening: Good leaders connect with their team. Empathy can help build trust, encourage open communication, and resolve conflicts, contributing to stronger, more cohesive teams. Effective leadership requires understanding diverse perspectives, emotions, and motivations while fostering teamwork.
- Clear Communication: Strong communicators ensure that teams stay aligned and that ideas are shared effectively. Like Emily, this skill helps ensure ideas are shared clearly, and the team works together smoothly.
- Persistence and Resilience: The ability to adapt to challenges and push forward is crucial in any career. Resilient leaders stay focused on long-term goals, even in the face of setbacks. Our persistence keeps us moving forward, no matter what challenges we face.
- Humility: Humility is a strength, not a weakness. Great leaders understand the value of seeking help and learning from others. A willingness to acknowledge gaps in knowledge fosters both personal growth and stronger teams.
So, Embrace Your Superpowers!
If you’re reading this and thinking you’re not cut out for leadership, I encourage you to think again. Aspiring to leadership success is not defined by perfection but by growth, problem-solving, and resilience. The superpowers you already have are more than enough to make a difference in this field. Success isn’t about avoiding mistakes, it’s about how you handle tough situations and move forward. If pioneers like Emily could overcome obstacles and break barriers in the 19th century, there’s nothing stopping aspiring leaders from reaching their dreams today.
About the Author:
Diana Milian, PE, office director at Pennoni’s Chantilly, VA, office, has nearly 15 years of experience in technical consulting. Diana has experience managing a diverse range of projects of varying sizes, across commercial, residential, and industrial sectors. What Diana loves most about the industry is collaborating with different consultants and playing a role in shaping the next generation of engineers, and she is a strong advocate for young talent and women in engineering. She’s also actively involved in professional organizations like the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association and the Engineers and Surveyors Institute. Outside of work, Diana enjoys DIY projects, painting, and spending time with her family.
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