Maria Angelica Deeb
Maria Angelica Deeb, PE, PTOE, RSP1, PTP, ENV SP is an accomplished civil engineer and transportation professional with over 20 years of experience in infrastructure planning, program management, and project delivery. Currently serving as the Deputy Director of Community Development & Infrastructure at Matrix Design Group, Inc., she leads cross-disciplinary teams to deliver sustainable, data-driven solutions that enhance community connectivity and resilience. MariaAngelica holds licensure in six states (AZ, CO, NM, NV, TX, UT) and multiple national certifications, including PTOE, RSP1, PTP, and ENV SP, reflecting her commitment to advancing safe and equitable transportation systems.
Her academic background includes a Master of Science in Construction Management, a Master in Environmental Planning & Landscape Architecture, a Master of Public Policy, and a Graduate Certificate in Interdisciplinary Transportation Systems—all earned from Arizona State University. MariaAngelica brings a unique, interdisciplinary perspective that integrates technical expertise, policy knowledge, and environmental sensitivity into every project. Her public service career includes nearly two decades at the City of Mesa and the Arizona Department of Transportation, where she led major infrastructure programs, federal grant efforts, and interagency coordination.
An engaged leader in her field, MariaAngelica actively contributes to the profession through leadership roles in ASCE and ITE. She currently serves as President-Elect of the ASCE Arizona Section (2025-2026), Chair of the ITE Mountain District DEI Committee (2024–2026), and ASCE COS Liaison (2025–2027). She is passionate about mentoring emerging professionals, promoting diversity in engineering, and using her platform to inspire others—especially women and underrepresented groups—to lead with purpose, overcome challenges, and build stronger communities through infrastructure.
• Professional Engineer at Arizona
• Professional Engineer at the New Mexico State Board
• Professional Engineer at Texas State Board
• Professional Engineer at Utah
• Professional Engineer at Colorado
• Professional Transportation Planner
• Road Safety Specialist - Level 1
• Professional Engineer at Nevada
• Arizona State University
• Universidad de los Andes
• • Honorable Mention for dedicated service to ASCE 2024 Dale Nelson Engineer of the Year Award.
• Nominee for the 2016 Desert Peak Award for the Partnership between the City of Mesa, the Town of Gilbert, and the Maricopa County Department of Transportation for completing the Power Road: Loop 202 to Pecos Road Street improvement project.
• Awarded the 2019 Engineering Excellence Awards- City of Mesa and Town of Gilbert for developing the IGA “Joint Operation and Maintenance of Baseline and Power Roads”.
• Awarded in 2023, the 2022 Safe Streets for All grant was for developing a Safety Comprehensive Plan.
• American Society of Civil Engineers
• Institute of Transportation Engineers
• Transportation Review Board
• Society of Women Engineers
• Aikido Kokikai Southwest
• ASCE Phoenix Branch
• ASCE Arizona Section
• Institute of Transportation Engineers
• A new leaf
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the unwavering support of my husband and family, as well as the guidance and example set by my parents, who have been my greatest mentors. Both my mom and dad are engineers, and their dedication, resilience, and integrity have deeply influenced my career and values. Their encouragement inspired me to pursue excellence and stay grounded throughout my professional journey.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is: “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” It’s a simple reminder to stay focused on the bigger picture, not get overwhelmed by minor setbacks, and to keep moving forward with clarity and purpose. It’s helped me maintain perspective and resilience throughout my career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is: Don’t be afraid to fail. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn, grow, and build resilience. Stay curious, ask questions, and aim to do better tomorrow than you did today. Progress is built one step at a time, and your voice and perspective are needed in this field.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges—and opportunities—in engineering and AI today lies in building systems that are not only powerful, but also resilient, equitable, and deeply respectful of the people they serve. As we push the boundaries of innovation, we face the responsibility of ensuring that these technologies uplift rather than exclude, adapt gracefully in the face of uncertainty, and reflect the diverse voices and needs of our global community. The real opportunity is not just in creating smarter machines, but in engineering a future where intelligence is paired with fairness, resilience is woven into design, and respect for human dignity is at the core of every breakthrough. In that balance, we find both the challenge of our time and the promise of a more just and sustainable tomorrow.
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 love and respect. I believe in leading with compassion, treating others with dignity, and creating an environment where people feel valued and supported. These principles guide how I collaborate, communicate, and build meaningful relationships both professionally and personally.
