20 Feb Celebrating Introduce a Girl to Engineering (Girl Day) 2025
We are celebrating the 24th Anniversary of Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day (Girl Day)!
Today is a significant day in the engineering community, Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day, or Girl Day, takes place during Engineers Week at the end of February. Established by Discover Engineering (DiscoverE) in 2001, this initiative was created to highlight the importance of engaging girls in engineering – inspiring and empowering them to explore engineering as a career option.
This year’s theme, “Design Your Future,” is about celebrating engineers and engaging students. As we reflect on the accomplishments of engineers past and present who design the world we live in today, we also look to the next generation and how we can inspire young minds to pursue careers in engineering—fields that will be focused on designing the future!
At Thomas & Hutton, we are fortunate to work alongside many brilliant women who are doing just that. In celebration of this day, we are amplifying their voices by sharing the stories and insights of some of our female leaders in engineering.
Katie Cannon, Designer – Water and Wastewater, Augusta, GA
What first sparked your interest in engineering? “My interest in engineering first sparked from a love for math and problem-solving. It is incredible to watch the design and analysis come to life upon completion of construction. It is also rewarding to have an impact on the growth of the community around me.”
If you could give one piece of advice to young women considering a career in engineering, what would it be? “Be confident in your abilities and believe in yourself. Do not be afraid to speak up and take up space. Your capabilities and impacts in this industry and the world are limitless.”
Can you share a project or accomplishment in your current role that you’re especially proud of? “After working under the leadership of many skilled designers over the past few years, I began my first project working as lead designer. I have also recently been selected for a mentorship program with Columbia County Chamber.”
Kayla LaRue, Project Engineer, CFM – Water Resources, Greenville, SC
What first sparked your interest in engineering? “What sparked my passion for engineering was discovering the 14 Grand Challenges. The idea that, as an engineer, I could one day play a role in tackling some of the world’s most pressing issues and make a tangible difference in the lives of countless people was both inspiring and motivating. The potential to contribute to such impactful solutions is what ultimately led me to pursue this path.”
How can we inspire future female engineers—through confidence, curiosity, and resilience? “Stay curious and never stop asking ‘why.’ Engineers are the people who ask questions and challenge the status quo. Let your curiosity lead you to new solutions and groundbreaking innovations. Keep learning, stay curious, and never let anyone make you doubt your potential.”
Megan Cook, Project Manager – Water and Wastewater, Savannah, GA
What first sparked your interest in engineering? “In 2010, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti. My father and a group of doctors went to provide aid shortly after. When he came back, he had countless photos of people bathing, washing clothes, and drinking from the same bodies of water. I knew from that moment on that I wanted to be a part of ensuring people had access to safe drinking water. That was really the launching point for my career as a water and wastewater engineer. The longer I’ve been in the industry and have seen younger women come into the field with their own inspiring stories, the more encouraged I become. They are driven, purposeful, enthusiastic, curious, creative, passionate, and adaptable. I’m so proud to be part of the legacy of women engineers at T&H. From the amazing women who have come before me and shaped my career to the wonderful women who have come after me and whom I’ve been able to mentor, I’m so proud to be a ‘girl’ in engineering.”
Alexa Schiazza, Designer – Water Resources, Greenville, SC
Do you have any female engineers, leaders, or role models who inspire you? “Hillary Aton and Kayla LaRue are two female engineers that I see as role models. And they both work here at T&H! Seeing how much they have accomplished both professionally and personally is an inspiration.”
What first sparked your interest in engineering? “My dad was an electrical engineer for forty years and was so passionate about what he did that I hoped one day I would find that in a career. Electrical engineering wasn’t for me…but the problem-solving aspect of engineering held my interest. When I took an environmental science class in high school and found out that I could mix that with engineering, I knew that was the path I wanted to take!”
Corina Fluker, Designer – Water and Wastewater, Savannah, GA
What first sparked your interest in engineering? “I’ve always had an interest in math, problem solving, and the environment. So, when my father, also a civil engineer, suggested the path to me, it just made sense!”
If you could give one piece of advice to young women considering a career in engineering, what would it be? “Pick something that inspires you! It’s no secret that STEM fields come with challenges, so having some way to remember why it’s meaningful will help motivate you during those tougher times.”
Julie Doyle, Project Engineer – Transportation, Buford, GA
What first sparked your interest in engineering? “My inspiration to become an engineer started with being good at math and the opportunity for in-state tuition at Georgia Tech.”
Can you share a project or accomplishment in your current role that you’re especially proud of? “Every time I drive past a site that I studied and know that a turn lane, traffic signal, or roundabout is there because I identified the need for it.”
This day serves as a powerful reminder that females are vital contributors to engineering. At Thomas & Hutton, we are committed to empowering women in STEM and are honored to share the experiences, stories, and inspiration of our remarkable team members. We will continue to celebrate and promote the achievements of women in science and engineering, with the aim of inspiring the next generation of female engineers.
