Q&A with Stephanie

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we recognize the achievements of women and their impact across all industries. We spoke with Stephanie, our president, to share her insights on career growth, leadership, and the influence of women in our field.

What and who was your biggest influence to go into engineering?

I started out in what are typically described as more left-brained pursuits, through graphic design and cooking. My father convinced me to use my strong math skills and try my hand at engineering/consulting. I was hired as a CAD operator at D.L. Adams Associates, earned my BS in Electrical Engineering at night, and worked my way up through the company. Now, as President, I hope that I have made my father proud of where the company he founded is now and I am proud to continue his legacy. This career has been fulfilling and has also allowed me the opportunity to continue my interests in art and cooking when I’m not busy at the office.

What advice would you give your younger self? 

Embrace change and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself.

Was there a pivotal point in your career that shaped the leader you are today?

At some point I realized that I wasn’t just satisfied with the status quo. I saw that there was an opportunity to improve certain established processes and I wanted to see the impact those changes could have on our business.

Who are the women who have inspired you throughout your career?

There weren’t many women in our industry when I started and I’m happy to say that has changed considerably. There were; however, several women architects that have really inspired me. These are professionals that I’ve worked for and with over many years and I’m in awe of their strength, leadership, resilience, and compassion. They have provided me with a wealth of information and support.

What skills or qualities do you believe are essential to being successful in this business?

I am encouraged by the many STEM programs that have been emerging in public schools. In our industry, it is important to have a good understanding of mathematics, science and technology – those get your foot in the door. Beyond that, having a well-rounded education that you can continue to develop, including economics, writing, marketing, the arts, etc., will only further your options. Ultimately, the ability to provide creative and insightful solutions for our clients are just as important as having proficiency in engineering.

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