Not long ago the typical image of an engineer included a recurring description - older, white male. This image is rapidly changing. ASCE and the engineering community have placed a high value on diversity in the field, valuing the unique contributions and skill sets along with broad professional experiences. Promoting diversity in the field of civil engineering will enable us to enhance the image of the professional and encourage students of all backgrounds that they can be civil engineers too!

What can your Section/Branch do to enhance the image of the profession?   

Nominate a co-worker or colleague for the National Engineers Week Foundation’s (EWEEK) New Faces of Engineering recognition program for 2010! ASCE is now accepting applications for this program designed to highlight the accomplishments of engineers (ages 30 or younger) from diverse backgrounds who are making a positive impact on the world. One individual from ASCE, as well as one from each of the Foundation’s sponsoring engineering societies, will be selected by the EWEEK Diversity Committee as their discipline’s “New Face.” This individual will be featured in a full-page ad in USA TODAY during Engineers Week (Feb. 14-20) 2010. ASCE’s top 10 qualifying individuals will be named our New Faces of Civil Engineering. The nomination deadline is Oct. 5, 2009. Nominate your “New Face” today!

What can your Section/Branch do to showcase diverse images of civil engineering to students – our future civil engineers? 

Encourage your Section/Branch members to participate in local outreach events, especially those members from diverse backgrounds. If you typically rely on the same individuals to handle local classroom presentations and career fairs, find ways to motivate others to participate. Post outreach events in your newsletter, send emails and talk about volunteer recruitment at your local meetings. Also consider recruiting volunteers for local outreach events sponsored by our diversity partners: the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE).

It’s so important that students see all images of civil engineers. You can make such a large impact with your actions. 

What has your Section/Branch done recently to promote diversity in the field?

Shana Gipson
Senior Coordinator, Diversity and Pre-College Outreach