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A Spotlight on a GPI Emerging Leader

By Sarah Smith, PE, Highway Engineer

Sarah (pictured at right with her husband) is one of GPI's emerging leaders. She is an 8-year Highway Engineer supporting the growth and development of GPI's PA transportation design practice. Here is a snippet of her perspective:

What advice do you have for the next generation of women engineers in our industry?

“Don’t be afraid to voice your opinion on wanting to take on more tasks and ask questions. This will take you farther and open you up to opportunities you may have otherwise missed. Also never be afraid to say you don’t know how to complete a task and ask for guidance. Mentors want to help you grow and make sure you’re understanding the work.”

Work quality and satisfaction, what does that mean to you?

“Both are very important to me. The client, contractor, and public trust us with the project we are designing, and I always do my best to accommodate their requests. Once the project is complete, it always means so much to me to hear great feedback on the project from both the client and public. This feedback motivates me to take those lessons learned and use them on my next project.”

What do you love most about your work?

“Seeing my design on paper, actually constructed. It is very satisfying knowing that I helped design a roadway people use every day. Being able to share before and after pictures with my family is also very rewarding since they know how hard I’ve worked to get here and love to learn the history of the job.”