Kirsten A Fawcett

I’ve always been fascinated by how things are built—how ideas take shape and transform the spaces around us. That curiosity naturally led me to pursue a career in civil engineering, a passion that first took root in high school thanks to my mother’s encouragement. She often reminds me of how, unlike other children who played by breaking apart their toys, I would design and construct small-scale housing communities for my Barbie and Cabbage Patch dolls. It’s now a running family joke that my first “developments” were built right in my bedroom. My mother recognized my unique interest early on and introduced me to a STEM program that opened my eyes to the possibilities of engineering. That experience set me on a journey through Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and ultimately into the field I’ve grown to love.

During my five years at Embry-Riddle, I immersed myself in a wide range of engineering disciplines—from geotechnical to environmental engineering. Balancing multiple jobs while pursuing my studies instilled in me a deep appreciation for hard work, discipline, and perseverance. Those lessons have remained the foundation of my professional growth and continue to shape how I approach challenges in my career.

Just prior to graduation, a chance interview with the founder of my current company (LTG) changed the trajectory of my path. I transitioned into transportation engineering, where I now serve as a Senior Transportation Analyst. In this role, I work closely with developers to navigate the complex process of traffic concurrency approvals across local, county, and state agencies. I manage multiple client relationships, estimate project impact costs, and ensure that infrastructure development supports safe, sustainable, and efficient community growth—continuing to build on the same passion for design and problem-solving that started all those years ago.

I often struggle with "imposter syndrome," afraid I might give the wrong information or provide an incorrect answer to a client or manger, questioning my own expertise before anyone else can. After expressing this in conversation someone said, "You have to trust yourself the way you want the clients and bosses to trust you. Sometimes, that means admitting you may not have an answer they seek but they know you will do everything you can to find it for them."

I encourage young professionals—especially women in STEM—to speak up and own their expertise. Confidence doesn’t appear overnight; it’s built through experience. Every project you take on, every challenge you overcome, and every success you achieve strengthens the foundation of your career. Believe in your abilities and don’t be afraid to share your ideas—your voice and perspective matter.

Equally important, remember to maintain balance between your work and your life outside the office. Make time for the things that bring you joy, whether that’s volunteering in your community, traveling, or exploring new hobbies. Those experiences not only enrich your life but also shape your perspective, helping you grow into a more well-rounded engineer, leader, and individual.

Like any career, mine has come with its share of challenges and opportunities. Learning to navigate complex traffic regulations, coordinate with multiple agencies, and balance competing project priorities demands patience, adaptability, and persistence—but it also expands my expertise and deepens my understanding of how infrastructure impacts communities.

As a woman in engineering, I’ve also encountered the subtle but real pressures of proving my capabilities in a traditionally male-dominated field. While the industry continues to evolve toward greater inclusivity, those moments have motivated me to speak up with confidence.

Overcoming these challenges has not only strengthened my technical and leadership skills but also shaped my approach to problem-solving and collaboration. Each hurdle has been an opportunity to grow—reinforcing the importance of resilience, curiosity, and commitment to both professional excellence and community impact.

The values that guide me—both professionally and personally—are rooted in community, communication, and balance. You should have a community amongst the team you work with, a team that has your back. The community support is integral in a positive work space. That's where communication comes in too, being able to communicate constructively with your team on the good, the bad, and the ugly helps provide a safe environment for career growth. Balance feels like the most the obvious, it ties the professional and personal sides together - because you need to find your balance between both sides to succeed in both.

Outside of work, I try to live with the same enthusiasm and sense of purpose that I bring to my career. I’m an avid Disney enthusiast, love taking road trips, and have recently discovered a passion for line dancing. These interests keep me grounded and connected—they remind me that fulfillment comes from exploring, connecting with others, and continually learning, both inside and outside the workplace.