Maria Luchey
Maria Luchey is a highly accomplished civil engineer and Project Manager specializing in roadway design, with over a decade of experience in transportation engineering. Growing up, Maria was inspired by her father, a mechanical engineer, whose guidance and passion for problem-solving sparked her own interest in engineering. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of South Carolina-Columbia in 2011, and an internship with the South Carolina Department of Transportation during college helped launch her career. Since then, Maria has progressed from intern roles to leadership positions in state and federal transportation agencies, including the Georgia Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Transportation, where she honed her expertise in project planning, design oversight, and execution of complex roadway projects.
Currently, Maria serves as Project Manager for Roadway Design at Keck & Wood, Inc., where she leads design initiatives, manages multidisciplinary teams, and ensures that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and with lasting impact for communities. Known for her “gentle leadership” style, she empowers her team to learn and grow, encourages creative problem-solving, and views mistakes as opportunities for development rather than setbacks. She is deeply passionate about mentoring the next generation of engineers, helping them navigate a field that is often male-dominated and challenging for immigrant women, like herself. Maria finds fulfillment in seeing her projects come to life and make a positive impact on the communities they serve.
Outside of her professional life, Maria is a devoted mother of three, and she takes pride in maintaining a strong work-life balance while excelling in a demanding career. She credits her husband, a successful business owner, as both a mentor and source of confidence, while her personal interests reflect her love of creativity and exploration—she enjoys traveling, immersing herself in different cultures, DIY projects, long walks, and connecting with nature. Committed to giving back, Maria supports the Hope Organization for domestic violence survivors and seeks to make a positive difference both in her professional work and her community.
• University of South Carolina - BSCE
• American Society of Highway Engineers
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, the support and guidance of my parents, hard work, and maintaining a clear vision. Moving to the U.S. at the age of 12 and becoming a mother at 15 presented significant challenges, but these experiences taught me resilience, determination, and the ability to navigate complex situations. They shaped my drive to push through obstacles, remain focused on my goals, and achieve success both personally and professionally.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to believe in yourself. Trusting my abilities and having confidence in my decisions has allowed me to take on challenges, embrace growth opportunities, and navigate my career with resilience and purpose.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering my industry to be confident, trust their abilities, and never underestimate themselves. Keep pushing forward, stay persistent, and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve something. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, and always advocate for yourself and your ideas.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field today is the ongoing shortage of engineers. This scarcity increases competition for skilled talent, places greater responsibility on existing teams, and requires creative approaches to recruitment, retention, and mentorship. At the same time, it presents an opportunity to invest in developing the next generation of engineers, provide leadership and guidance, and shape a more diverse and capable workforce for the future.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are maintaining a healthy work-life balance, having flexibility, and being recognized and respected for who I am. I strive to create environments—both professionally and personally—where integrity, respect, and understanding guide interactions, and where I can contribute fully while honoring my own needs and priorities.