Her Story
About Kayla
She is a civil and environmental engineering student with experience in stormwater management, environmental engineering, research, teaching assistance, peer mentoring, project management, and women-in-STEM community leadership. She currently works as a Civil Engineering Intern at ISG and also supports Iowa State University’s Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering department as a peer mentor, research assistant, and teaching assistant. Her background includes coordinating women-in-engineering events, facilitating student leadership discussions, and gaining construction project experience through Evans General Contractors.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kayla
01What do you attribute your success to?
I think it's the risks I've taken to be where I am today. My family grew, moved around as I grew up, and they ended in Houston, Texas... I took the big risk of moving across the country to go to school at Iowa State University... family was very supportive... Without their support from my friends and family, I wouldn't be where I am today... the risk factor is something that I've never been really scared of... My intuition, my gut, and kind of just going with it. Backed up by the support of my friends and family.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
She always encouraged everyone just to be themselves. And find a way to use your strength in your career field and in your everyday life... She really deep dived into everybody's personalities, and how to actually use that as a resource and find your place in the world.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I think it's good to take notice that it's going to be a difficult journey. And to use that to your best. To go in with everything. And say yes to every opportunity that comes your way. Yeah, and kind of find where you belong, and just keep working.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Beauty, in the way that every time I try to leave my house... take a breath in and experience why I'm here... Take the small moments as they come, because they'll lead to bigger ones. Another value I appreciate is challenge... fully challenge myself and to take on new risks and difficulties to continue to keep growing.
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