DCCM proudly supports International Women in Engineering Day, a global initiative that encourages women of all ages to explore opportunities within the engineering profession.
Each year on June 23, International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) celebrates the achievements of women engineers worldwide and the opportunities engineering creates for future generations. Started by the Women’s Engineering Society, INWED has grown into a global movement recognizing diversity, innovation, and inclusion across the engineering sector.
The 2026 theme, Engineering Intelligence, brings together organizations, educators, industry leaders and communities to showcase the expertise and leadership women bring to engineering every day. At its core, the message is clear: a stronger, more innovative future is built through diverse perspectives and shared opportunity.
Despite continued progress, women remain underrepresented in engineering disciplines. This gap highlights the importance of not only inspiring women to enter the field but also ensuring they are supported throughout their careers.
About the Role
As a Construction Service Area Manager, Lara Ready, EI, plays a critical role in connecting people and project outcomes.
“As the area manager, I oversee the workforce—currently nine people—and handle the associated administrative responsibilities,” she explains. “I also serve as a resource for systems like SiteManager, Advanced Work Packaging, and Final Construction Records closeout, while managing day-to-day work on major construction contracts.”
Her work requires a constant balance of leadership and technical expertise, ensuring projects stay aligned from both an operational and compliance perspective.
Each day begins with a clear priority: safety.
“The first thing every morning is checking maintenance of traffic,” Lara says. “Safety in the work zone is important not only for the traveling public, but for the people working inside it as well.”
Behind every active job site is a level of preparation many don’t see.
“The general public would be surprised at how much work happens behind the scenes,” she adds. “Before construction even begins, there’s coordination around scoping, right-of-way, permits, design, funding and contracts.”
Path into Engineering
Lara’s journey into engineering began with a strength in mathematics, but her career path evolved from there.
“I excelled in math and originally thought I’d become a teacher,” she says. “But I decided to pursue another STEM field and chose civil engineering.”
Her early career started in estimating for a contractor, where she built a strong foundation in project understanding and cost analysis.
“I learned a lot in that role, but after about a year I realized I wanted to move out of estimating,” she explains. “That led me into construction engineering, where I spent more than 25 years developing my career.”
A defining moment came when she began teaching certified technician classes early in her tenure.
“That experience really confirmed I was in the right field,” she says. “I enjoyed seeing people understand how classroom material translates to real work in the field.”
Impact of Her Work
Figure 1
Lara’s role plays a key part in ensuring projects run smoothly from start to finish as she is currently leading the Construction Inspection services on the La Porte I-94 Pavement Restoration and Bridge Rehabilitations (Figure 1).
“My responsibility is to manage the flow of information for a contract,” she explains. “From contractor questions to schedule issues, I rely on experience to make informed decisions when challenges arise.”
Her expertise is especially valuable in the closeout phase of projects.
“With my time spent in Final Construction Records, I’m able to successfully close out contracts and ensure everything is documented and complete.”
She also takes pride in the broader impact of her work, particularly on large-scale initiatives.
“One accomplishment I’m especially proud of is being part of the implementation of AASHTOWare Project,” she says. “I helped create manuals, develop training videos, and teach teams across the state. It was a significant effort, but very rewarding.”
Field Experience
Working in the field brings unexpected challenges, something Lara has experienced firsthand.
“One of the most challenging situations I faced was when several helicopters landed on a closed section of the interstate,” she recalls. “Armed agents approached us and asked who was in charge. When my crew pointed to me, I became the primary contact.”
She later learned the situation involved a search for escaped convicts in the area, an experience she describes as unforgettable. Moments like this highlight the dynamic nature of the job, where adaptability and quick thinking are essential.
“Problem solving is the most important skill in engineering,” she says. “It takes time and experience to develop, but it’s what allows you to handle situations like that effectively.”
She also emphasizes the importance of listening.
“You have to listen to understand, not just respond. That’s how you actually solve problems.”
Despite the challenges, her favorite part of the job remains the tangible results.
“I enjoy being part of a team and seeing the finished product of your work,” she says. “There’s a real sense of accomplishment in that.”
Women in Engineering
Reflecting on her experience as a woman in the field, Lara is candid about both the challenges and progress.
“It was very challenging entering this industry as a minority,” she says. “While there has been positive change, there is still room for growth.”
Early in her career, she was often the only woman in the room.
“Whether it was meetings or job sites, I was usually the only woman present,” she explains. “Now, you see leadership roles filled by qualified people from many different backgrounds.”
Her experiences have also shaped her resilience, including moments that required both determination and support from peers.
“I spent several months navigating campus on crutches during college, with most of my classes on the second floor of a building without an elevator, and to make matters more complicated, the only women’s restroom was downstairs near the office” she recalls. “I was fortunate to have supportive classmates who helped along the way.”
Career Advice and Looking Head
Lara offers straightforward, experience-driven advice for young women entering engineering:
“Treat everyone with respect. It’s a small industry, and your paths will cross again,” she says. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions, because people are willing to share their knowledge.”
She also emphasizes the importance of preparation and resilience.
“If you choose this field, you will face additional challenges as a woman,” she adds. “You need to be prepared and develop a thick skin.”
Strong communication is another critical factor.
“You need to be a confident communicator,” she explains. “Whether you’re working with a designer or someone in the field, you have to convey ideas clearly and effectively.”
What continues to motivate her is the opportunity to support others.
“I enjoy teaching and mentoring our staff,” she says. “And I’m excited to see how this industry evolves, especially as my daughter begins her own career in the same field.”
Engineering Intelligence in Action
International Women in Engineering Day is both a celebration and a call to action. Through the lens of Engineering Intelligence, it reinforces the importance of diverse perspectives, collaboration and strong leadership in shaping the future of the industry.
Lara Ready’s career reflects the expertise and leadership that define women in engineering today. Her story highlights both the progress that has been made and the continued opportunity to grow a more inclusive and supportive profession.
At DCCM, this day is not only about recognizing one voice but celebrating all the talented women across our engineering team who contribute their knowledge, leadership, and innovation every day. From the field to the office, their work strengthens our projects, our culture and our future.
As we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day, we recognize and thank the women across DCCM whose contributions continue to move our industry forward.
Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive future in engineering.
