Thousands of people act as role models and educate girls about how engineers change our world – including some of our remarkable female engineers here at RETTEW.
Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day is an annual worldwide campaign to engage girls in engineering. Thousands of people–engineers, educators, and others–act as role models, facilitate engineering activities, and educate girls about how engineers change our world.
More exposure to engineering helps girls develop an interest in the field, build their confidence in problem-solving skills, and create a STEM identity. We hope that more girls begin to understand they have a place in engineering a better world.
Our engineers are role models for future generations. Get to know some of them!
Rosanne Rodgers
Regional Manager/Transportation Group Manager
Pittsburgh, PA
How were you introduced to engineering? I was introduced to engineering in high school. The engineering field was strongly suggested as a great future for females with an aptitude for math and science.
Who or what inspired you to enter the engineering field? My older brother was in college pursuing a Civil Engineering degree. I asked a lot of questions about his internships with a coal mining company and an agency performing dam inspections. When he graduated there were a variety of job opportunities for him to choose from, so I followed in the same field.
If you went to college, what path did you choose and why? I went to Penn State due to its solid reputation in engineering studies. I chose Civil Engineering because it had such a broad range of opportunities.
What is your favorite part of your job? I enjoy working together on a team to deliver projects successfully to clients, and then seeing the final constructed projects.
Why do you think it is important for women to become engineers? I think diversity in the engineering field brings all ideas and perspectives to the table.
Elizabeth Helsel
Engineer in Energy and Environmental Engineering Group
Lehigh Valley, PA
How were you introduced to engineering? My mom was a nuclear engineer, so I always knew it was a career option.
Who or what inspired you to enter the engineering field? I always liked my math and science courses and that I was able to use those skills to solve problems in the real world. I’ve also always been passionate about the environment and renewable energy.
If you went to college, what path did you choose and why? I ended up majoring in Environmental Engineering at Wilkes University. I wanted to end up in the renewable energy field and knew this was the path to get me there.
What is your favorite part of your job? Having the opportunity every day to work on different, industry-leading projects.
Why do you think it is important for women to become engineers? Women have different perspectives and approaches to problem solving, which makes them valuable teammates and leaders.