Her Story
About Solveig
Solveig Cantu is a Civil Engineering Team Lead at Bowman Consulting, where she leads engineering initiatives and contributes to innovative land development and infrastructure projects that support community growth. Based in McAllen, Texas, Solveig brings nearly a decade of experience in civil engineering, project management, and land development, with a proven ability to deliver effective solutions through technical expertise, collaboration, and strong client relationships.
Before joining Bowman Consulting, Solveig spent more than seven years with Halff Associates, Inc. as a Land Development Project Manager, where she managed projects involving retail, industrial, and commercial developments while partnering with clients and multidisciplinary teams. Throughout her career, she has developed a deep understanding of engineering design, project coordination, and community-focused development. In her current leadership role, Solveig is passionate about expanding engineering opportunities in the Rio Grande Valley and supporting the growth of the industry in her hometown, with the long-term goal of helping establish and grow a local office presence.
Solveig earned her bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Her career journey has been shaped by the guidance of mentors, the support of her family, and her commitment to creating opportunities for others, especially women pursuing careers in engineering. She believes in the importance of building trust, speaking up, and confidently taking space in professional environments. Inspired by her daughter, Solveig strives to be a positive example of leadership, resilience, and perseverance in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Outside of her professional work, Solveig enjoys spending quality time with her husband and daughter, Peyton. Together, they share a love for traveling, especially cruising and exploring new destinations around the world. They also enjoy gardening side by side, swimming, and relaxing with a great movie as a family. For Solveig, creating meaningful memories with her loved ones and maintaining a strong connection between her personal and professional life are essential parts of her journey.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Solveig
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of my experience, the invaluable guidance and encouragement of my mother, and the unwavering support of my husband, who has been a constant source of motivation throughout my journey. Their belief in me, combined with my commitment to continuous learning, resilience, and hard work, has shaped both my personal and professional growth and inspired me to pursue every opportunity with confidence and purpose.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received came from a mentor in the civil engineering department at the University of Texas. He encouraged me to consider a career in civil engineering, explaining that it could provide a strong foundation for professional success while also offering greater work-life balance if I chose to have a family. His guidance, wisdom, and inspirational example had a profound impact on my career path and continue to influence the way I approach both my professional and personal growth.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to speak up, confidently take up space, and recognize the value of their ideas and perspectives. Believe in your abilities, trust your expertise, and never hesitate to advocate for yourself. Demonstrating confidence, standing firm in your capabilities, and contributing meaningfully in every environment are essential to building a successful and fulfilling career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field today is building meaningful connections and creating a lasting impression in an increasingly competitive environment. I believe the key to overcoming this challenge is staying authentic, leading with integrity, and consistently bringing knowledge, passion, and value to every interaction. By remaining true to myself and my expertise, I strive to build genuine relationships and make a meaningful impact.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are trust, respect, and genuine connection. I believe that building trust with others creates a strong foundation for collaboration, understanding, and meaningful relationships. By fostering an environment rooted in mutual respect and support, we can encourage personal growth, strengthen partnerships, and create positive outcomes for everyone involved.
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