Her Story
About Marisa
Marisa Higgins is a Senior Mechanical Engineer at Arup with nearly a decade of experience delivering complex mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems for some of the most technically demanding building types in the industry. A graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, where she earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering with a Business Foundations Certificate, Marisa launched her career in 2017 and spent close to five years at WSP USA before joining Arup. Her portfolio spans high-acuity healthcare environments, biosafety and research laboratories, and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities — project types that require both rigorous technical precision and seamless coordination across multiple engineering disciplines. Her contributions at WSP were recognized through the 2020 Emerging Professionals Innovation Challenge, where her team developed an automation toolkit that reduced data transfer time by 90%, as well as a Spot Award for outstanding performance.
Based in Houston, Texas, Marisa is currently leading MEP design efforts on a major hospital project in the city as well as a research laboratory in Louisiana — work that reflects her deepening expertise in mission-critical facilities. Beyond her technical responsibilities, she has taken on an increasingly prominent role in project management and multidisciplinary team leadership, and is actively working with firm leadership to transition into business development. This evolution in her career speaks to a professional who is as comfortable building client relationships and guiding teams as she is solving complex engineering problems, a balance she credits in large part to the strong communication skills she has cultivated throughout her career.
Marisa is an active and dedicated member of ASHRAE, where she has served as YEA Chair for the Houston chapter and currently holds the position of Region VIII Young Engineers in ASHRAE Regional Vice Chair. Through these roles, she has planned networking events, supported chapter leaders across the region, and helped connect emerging professionals to national and international programs. Her commitment to community extends beyond the profession — she has participated in three mission trips to Laredo, Texas, through St. Ann's Catholic Church, contributing to hands-on poverty alleviation efforts. A passionate advocate for women in engineering, Marisa encourages the next generation to seek out mentors, engage with professional organizations, and build the kind of global support network that has been central to her own success.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Marisa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to strong communication skills. Whether working with internal teams or external clients and stakeholders, the ability to communicate clearly and effectively has made a significant difference in how I navigate challenges. Deadlines shift, priorities change, and unexpected issues arise — and being able to manage those situations through open, honest communication has been essential to my growth.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is to get involved in professional organizations as early as possible and be intentional about finding mentors — people who inspire you and who you can learn from. When I joined ASHRAE, I was introduced to an incredible network of women doing similar work all around the world. Those connections have been invaluable. In a field that is still predominantly male, having a strong support network where you can share ideas, gain perspective, and encourage one another makes all the difference.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the ongoing challenges is that the engineering industry remains largely male-dominated, which makes access to mentorship and professional networks especially important for women navigating their careers. At the same time, I see real opportunity in the expansion of leadership roles — particularly in project management, leading multidisciplinary teams, and transitioning into business development. These are areas where I am actively growing, and I believe they represent exciting avenues for engineers who want to broaden their impact.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Clear communication and collaboration are at the core of everything I do — both professionally and personally. I also place a high value on mentorship and the importance of building supportive communities, particularly for women in technical fields. On a practical level, organization and disciplined prioritization help me stay focused and deliver quality work even when circumstances shift unexpectedly.
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