Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day 2026

Every year on June 23, International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) celebrates the achievements of women engineers worldwide and highlights the many paths available within the profession. This year’s theme, Engineering Intelligence, recognizes the creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving skills engineers bring to their work every day.

To mark the occasion, we spoke with two BETA engineers about what drew them to the profession, the lessons they’ve learned throughout their careers, and the advice they would share with the next generation. While their careers have followed different paths, both emphasized the importance of curiosity, communication, and the confidence to ask questions and advocate for themselves.

Different Paths, Shared Curiosity

Michelle MacDonald, PE, a project engineer in BETA’s transportation and civil/site groups, was drawn to engineering because she enjoys balancing multiple challenges while continuously learning new things. She chose to pursue civil engineering because of the variety it offers, including opportunities to work both in the office and in the field. Her interest in stormwater design took shape during a college internship, where she completed a peak flow analysis for a local site.

Georgia Tentas, EIT, began her engineering journey with an early fascination for buildings and bridges. Strong interests in mathematics and physics led her toward structural engineering, and she eventually built a career designing bridges and water resources structures. Today, she continues to apply that experience to projects throughout the region.

Although their careers have followed different paths, both found opportunities to build careers around the aspects of engineering that interested them most.

Lessons Learned Along the Way

When asked about the most valuable lessons they have learned during their careers, both Michelle and Georgia highlighted the importance of communication and asking questions.

Michelle credits curiosity as one of the most important habits an engineer can develop, noting that “everybody starts somewhere, and sometimes, your questions can offer a new perspective to your project teams.”

Georgia emphasized the role collaboration plays in successful project delivery, explaining that “it is important to have constant communication, especially during the early stages of a project.”

Their responses reflect a common theme: engineering is not only about technical expertise, but also about teamwork, communication, and a willingness to learn from others.

Georgia has contributed to the ongoing Shaker Boulevard Bridge replacement project in Enfield, New Hampshire.

Engineering Intelligence in Action

This year’s INWED theme, Engineering Intelligence, recognizes the many ways engineers apply knowledge, judgment, and problem-solving skills to overcome challenges.

For Michelle, one of the biggest challenges she has faced has been learning to advocate for herself. Over the course of her six years in the industry, she has become more confident in communicating her goals related to career growth, project opportunities, and professional development.

Georgia highlighted the challenge of balancing multiple projects with similar deadlines, a situation familiar to many engineers. Her approach is grounded in persistence and perspective, noting that “the only thing you can do in that situation is take one day at a time.”

Although the challenges they described were different, both responses highlighted the importance of confidence, resilience, and clear communication.

Advice for Future Engineers

When asked what advice they would offer young women considering engineering or other technical careers, both emphasized the importance of believing in yourself and speaking up.

Michelle encourages future engineers to pursue a career that matters to them, advising them to “figure out what type of work you enjoy doing and stick with it, even if you are the only woman in the room.”

Georgia shared a similar message, encouraging young women entering technical fields to “learn to speak up for yourself and don’t be afraid to ask questions.”

As we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day, their experiences serve as a reminder that successful engineering careers are built not only on technical knowledge but also on curiosity, communication, perseverance, and the confidence to continue learning and growing. BETA is proud to recognize Michelle, Georgia, and the many women across our firm who help strengthen the communities where we live and work through their expertise and dedication.