Taking place annually on June 23, International Women in Engineering Day celebrates the achievements of women engineers. R/M is extremely proud of all our women who make community possible with their work every day.
Meet a few of our women in engineering
Violet V. Razo P.E.
Project Engineer
What is your role at R/M?
As a project manager, I do a lot of design for municipal projects such as utilities and street improvements. Once construction starts, I oversee that process from beginning to end.
Why did you decide to go into engineering?
Growing up, my dad was an engineering tech when we lived in Mexico. He would take me to project sites and I loved seeing all the equipment. In middle school, I took drafting classes where I started to really like drawing and drafting, which made me interested in engineering. I chose to do engineering because I was good at math and love problem-solving for others.
What is your favorite part about your job?
My favorite part is design. I like to start from a blank drawing, design the project, and see it come to life in the construction phase.
What advice do you have for a woman who is interested in engineering?
If engineering is something you are interested in, then work hard to make it happen. There will be many highs and lows throughout your education and career, but don’t let the first obstacle discourage you. There is so much room for women in the field and the work is rewarding.
Debbie l. Anderson
GIS Analyst
What is your role at R/M?
I spend the majority of my time maintaining utility data for municipalities, not only on the websites we host, but also for clients whose websites we don’t host. I also do analysis work, exhibits, and train new staff.
Why did you decide to go into GIS?
Ever since I was a child, I loved traveling and was fascinated with maps. I went to school for geography where my professor saw my interest in maps and geography. He encouraged me to apply for my first job where I did a lot of mapping of the region. I got really lucky being able to do something that I love.
What is your favorite part about your job?
As far as GIS, my biggest joy is when our clients have their “Aha!” moment. They see how much easier it is to access their community’s data. I love teaching others how to use GIS to the best of its ability.
What advice do you have for a woman who is interested in GIS?
I think they should go for it! If you like helping people and making them happy, then it’s an easy thing to do in this field. If you like solving puzzles and thinking outside the box, you can be really valuable in the world of GIS.
Juliana Brustolin
Project Engineer – Outland Design
What is your role at R/M?
I work mostly with the Outland Design team, so I primarily work in agricultural engineering. Our team works really well together, so we all do a little bit of everything including writing design reports, overseeing construction, and permitting.
Why did you decide to go into engineering?
I have always loved science, so it was important to me to pursue a career where I could be immersed in that field. During my senior year of high school, I became very interested in controlled indoor agriculture because of research NASA had recently done at the time. This sparked my interest in any and all innovation regarding agriculture. I had the opportunity to study Agricultural Engineering at Purdue University, which is a great program.
What is your favorite part about your job?
I really enjoy doing the behind-the-scenes work, like writing design reports. Taking care of the little things that make the farms thrive is some of my most rewarding work. I also like traveling to our client’s farms where I get to meet new people and see different parts of the state.
What advice do you have for a woman who is interested in engineering?
Being a woman in the field is not a disadvantage. Your uniqueness makes you stand out within this industry, so don’t be too intimidated to voice your expertise!
Elizabeth M. Brown
Construction Review Technician
What is your role at R/M?
Performing erosion control inspections - I do illicit discharge inspections and report writing. I also do construction inspections when necessary. Recently, I have become more involved with GIS maintenance working with Debbie.
Why did you decide to go into engineering?
It all started in fourth grade when I got introduced to Destination Imagination. This program piqued my interest in engineering and solving engineering problems. My mom was in the manufacturing engineering field when I was growing up and inspired me to pursue a technical career.
What is your favorite part about your job?
I like being able to spend time both in the office and in the field. Our clients are awesome, so working with them on projects is always a pleasure. I love working with the DPWs.
What advice do you have for a woman who is interested in engineering?
Use everything you do as an experience to propel yourself in your career. Experience in this field comes from asking questions, so don’t be afraid to do that. The people in your organization want you to succeed so use them as a support system. Always be yourself!
Tiffany M. Alkinburgh
Environmental Scientist
What is your role at R/M?
I do a lot of permitting, MS4 compliance, water quality monitoring, and assist with wetland delineations.
Why did you decide to go into environmental studies?
I have always enjoyed the outdoors because, growing up, we went on a lot of camping trips. Later, I began college with an undecided major when I took an introduction to environmental studies course. I found it fascinating and remember thinking to myself, “Wow, I didn’t know you could do this for a living!”
What is your favorite part about your job?
That’s a hard question because I like everything about it! If I have to pick something, I would say collaborating with my team members and other coworkers is my favorite part. I find it so rewarding to work together on projects and step in to assist others when needed.
What advice do you have for a woman who is interested in environmental studies?
Take a variety of classes and explore all the possible career options to find your niche. Get to know other people in your field with similar aspirations, whether it be somebody with more experience who can serve as a mentor or classmates. Lean on them for support!
