Katie McDaniel
Katie McDaniel is the Founding Principal of Cadence Consulting, a certified woman-owned small business based in Herndon, Virginia. With nearly 15 years of experience as a civil engineer, Katie has led projects across diverse market sectors, with a particular focus on public projects that strengthen and serve communities. Prior to founding Cadence Consulting, she advanced through roles at christopher consultants and IMEG, where she gained extensive expertise in project management, team leadership, and client engagement.
Katie’s vision for Cadence is rooted in sustainability, innovation, and inclusion—values that shape her approach to both engineering and business leadership. She is passionate about collaborating with clients and partners to design infrastructure that not only meets today’s needs but also supports future generations. Seeing designs come to life during construction remains one of the most rewarding aspects of her career.
Beyond her professional work, Katie is a dedicated equestrian who recently earned her United States Dressage Federation Bronze Medal. Her love of horses extends to her volunteer efforts, where she supports therapeutic riding programs that create meaningful opportunities for individuals with special needs. She is also committed to empowering women in their careers, volunteering with organizations that prepare women for professional interviews and workforce advancement.
An active member of CREW Northern Virginia and the Society of American Military Engineers, Katie is deeply engaged in advancing women in the industry and inspiring the next generation of engineers. She brings the same passion for mentorship and community impact to her volunteer roles as she does to her engineering practice.
Katie holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech and is a licensed Professional Engineer. She lives in Fairfax County with her husband and their two daughters, where she balances her roles as an entrepreneur, engineer, equestrian and mother with her dedication to service and community engagement.
• Dual Combined Administrator - 2022
• North Carolina Professional Engineer (PE) - 2024
• District of Columbia Professional Engineer (PE) - 2025
• Maryland Professional Engineer (PE) - 2024
• Virginia Professional Engineer (PE) - 2024
• Virginia Tech - BS
• USDF Bronze Medal
• Fairfax County Trails and Sidewalks Committee
• SAME NOVA Post
• CREW Northern Virginia (CREW NoVA)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience, vision, and a collaborative spirit, along with a strong work ethic and openness to learning. I am deeply grateful for the mentors, colleagues, and peers who have guided me, as well as for the opportunities I’ve had to grow and lead. I believe success is never achieved alone, and I value the relationships and experiences that have shaped my journey.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t take yourself too seriously. As women, it can feel like we have to work twice as hard to earn half as much, but what truly carries you through this business are strong relationships and genuine human connections—something that’s easy to overlook in such a technical field.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Never shy away from owning your voice and your accomplishments. Don’t be afraid to take up space—your perspective and contributions are needed, especially as you grow into leadership.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges I'm dealing with in my field today include a highly competitive market, rising client expectations, attracting and retaining top talent, and keeping pace with rapid technological change. At the same time, each of these challenges presents an opportunity—whether it’s reframing client needs, investing in people, or creating the space to explore new ideas and anticipate industry disruptions.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Initiative is one of my core values, and I strive to recognize and celebrate how it shows up uniquely in different people. Alongside that, accountability, respect, and determination shape the way I work, while commitment, security, and family provide balance, meaning and keep me grounded in my personal life.