International Women in Engineering Day 2021: Meet Lupe

Today is International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), a day to celebrate and inspire girls and women in engineering careers. To mark the occasion, we've spoken to our Construction Manager Lupe who gives us an insight into her role, explains what unique contribution women bring to the industry and her advice to girls thinking of a career in engineering. 

Tell us a little about yourself and your role on the project:

I have 14 years of experience in civil engineering projects in different roles as a Construction Manager, Deputy Project Manager and Design Coordinator. I have a MSc in Civil Engineering and Master’s in Management Development from IESE Business School. After working on different international construction projects, I joined the trams team in October 2020. I am very proud of working here as a Construction Manager, overseeing the south section of works on the Trams to Newhaven project.

What does a day look like for you on the Trams to Newhaven project?

A day on the trams project is always different and I really like it! I spend time looking ahead at the construction programme, analysing our progress in different terms and looking to optimise our works. There are also many meetings with the SFN team, City of Edinburgh Council, Turner & Townsend and the Swept Path Contractor, where we find different ways to overcome the problems and coordinate between our stakeholders.

What made you decide to enter a career in the engineering industry?

My parents had a design company. I grew up listening about projects, civil and environmental works. Probably thanks to their influence, I’ve always been keen on engineering. I decided to study civil engineering when I was 16 years old and I always had clear aspirations that I wanted to work in the construction industry.

What unique contribution do women bring to engineering?

Women bring a different approach to delivering construction. We shine with our capabilities of showing empathy, team building, high productivity, analytical and multitasking skills. In addition, many studies show that gender equality teams provide better results in all terms, from quality, productivity and, of course, to increase the economic profit and diversity agenda within the workplace.

What is your advice to women and girls thinking about a career in engineering?

This work offers lots of satisfaction. Your work within the industry has a tangible result and effect on society. If you are interested in civil works, you should not allow gender stereotypes to stop you from entering the world of engineering.

What can the engineering industry do to attract and retain more girls and women into the industry?

The industry has taken significant steps in the last decades introducing many women in different positions. However, it should still progress in some respects, like giving more opportunities to bring women to top management positions and helping to break the glass ceiling. I also think that should be open for labouring positions. Just as an example, one of the best crane drivers I worked with was a female. She was amazing at installing bridge beams!

Join the conversation on our Twitter using the hastag #INWED21.