Her Story
About Autumn
I’ve been in civil engineering for over five years, specializing as an HR Business Partner at Civil Science, an employee-owned company. My background is in psychology — I originally studied to become a therapist because I’m passionate about helping people grow and achieve their potential. I began at Civil Science as a part-time receptionist and quickly recognized how much I valued the company’s collaborative culture. Seeking to make a meaningful impact, I transitioned into HR, where I now partner with leaders to develop talent, drive organizational strategy, and implement initiatives that strengthen engagement, performance, and culture.
What drives me most is seeing people succeed and thrive, growing into the best versions of themselves while building a strong sense of community across the organization. I believe that when people are empowered and supported, both they and the company succeed.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Autumn
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to pushing past hesitation, fear, and self-doubt. Early in my career, I had to learn not to question myself so much and to step confidently into the driver’s seat of my own growth. Sharing ideas, speaking up, and challenging the status quo have been critical. Rather than accepting “this is how it is,” I focus on asking, “How can it be better?” and then taking action to propose solutions. Being unafraid to make things better, offer ideas, and take initiative has been essential in helping me reach where I am today.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Time passes whether you act or not. You can either be closer to where you want to be or stay in the same place. Real growth comes from taking initiative, stepping into opportunities, sharing your perspective, and offering solutions. It’s easy to follow the path as it’s laid out, but true progress happens when you step forward, contribute your ideas, and challenge the status quo in a thoughtful way.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is simple: just do it. Time will pass whether you act or not, so you might as well be closer to where you want to be. Don’t let fear or hesitation hold you back. Failure is not a stopping point but an opportunity to learn and try new things. Seek out experiences, ask questions, and be willing to say, “I don’t know this, help me understand it better” or “I want to make this better.” Having a voice, being curious, and taking ownership of your growth are essential to building a successful life, both personally and professionally.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in our field is balancing the needs of the business with the needs of employees. Organizations are evolving rapidly, and HR must help teams adapt while maintaining engagement, development, and a strong culture. At the same time, this presents a huge opportunity. We can shape the employee experience in meaningful ways, foster growth, and help people reach their full potential. For me, the most exciting part of HR right now is being able to create systems, programs, and processes that not only support employees but also drive organizational success and long-term impact.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both work and life are integrity, growth, and community. I strive to be honest and accountable in everything I do, continuously learning and improving, and fostering meaningful connections with the people around me. These values shape how I show up each day and the impact I aim to create, building environments where people are empowered, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.
Keep Exploring
More Influential Women · Utah
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.