Guest Column - Urban Engineers
A Word From...
Jennifer Waters, PE, Associate Vice President, Office Manager - Philadelphia
As a female engineer in the transportation industry, I attribute my success in overcoming “roadblocks” in career advancement to continuing education, participation in professional societies, leveraging industry knowledge and, most importantly, working at a supportive and inclusive company that promotes family/life/work balance.
After graduating from Penn State with a degree in environmental systems engineering, I became entrenched in my work in Urban Engineers, providing sustainable environmental solutions to complex infrastructure projects. While progressing through my career, I utilized Urban’s tuition reimbursement program to earn a master’s degree in engineering management from Drexel University and I also become a licensed Professional Engineer in several states.
My board-level involvement and participation in professional organizations has been vital to developing leadership skills and making meaningful industry connections. In addition, as a strong advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), I co-founded the Urban’s Women’s Professional Network, which is an internal resource group at Urban provides professional guidance to women at Urban through mentoring and networking.
In my new role as Urban’s Philadelphia Office Manager, I provide leadership in all areas of project management, business development, training, mentoring, and other tasks necessary for firm growth in the region. I credit my success to the family culture at Urban. It was my allies, mentors, and sponsors that I have worked with over the years that encouraged my continued education and leadership roles in projects and professional societies.