Celebrating Engineers Week: Kleinfelder’s Commitment to STEM Education

February 19, 20240

Engineer’s Week (February 18 – 24, 2024) is not just a time to celebrate the achievements of engineers; it’s also an opportunity to inspire the next generation of technical professionals. At Kleinfelder, our dedication to STEM education goes beyond this week—it’s a year-round commitment ingrained in our culture.

In recognition of Engineer’s Week 2024, we’re sharing a few examples of how Kleinfelder employees make a difference in STEM education.

Happening this Week

On Thursday, February 22, Scott Rathfon, Bill Conway, Kristin Conway, Steve Penoza, Kate Ford, Alex Schmidt, Jon Hermes, and Sonia Marichic-Goudy will attend the annual Delaware Engineering Society (NSPE-DE) Engineers Week Banquet to support engineers and projects throughout the Delaware area. During the banquet, NSPE-DE will recognize the 2024 Delaware Young Engineer of the Year, Government Engineer of the Year, and Engineer of the Year, along with scholarship recipients and projects receiving ACEC awards. Kleinfelder/Century is proud to be a bronze sponsor of the event.

Through ASCE San Diego’s Younger Member Forum (YMF), San Diego staff will be participating in the following outreach events this week: On Tuesday, February 20, Geotechnical Group Manager Janna Bonfiglio will be a panelist on an interactive Q&A Panel with industry leaders, discussing topics such as leadership, the future of civil engineering, career development, and more. On Saturday, February 24, Josh Olmedo, Nicolas Cedeno, Alex Pickering, Aliza Danker, Anna Thompson, Ciara Atencio, and Martin Valerocasas, will volunteer at “Engineering Day at the Mall” in Chula Vista – an event intended to introduce younger students to STEM through simple interactive activities.

Building Excitement for STEM in K-12

  • Climate Resiliency Planner Julia Maron, introduced middle schoolers to the diverse world of science and engineering, highlighting planning as a potential career path.
  • Senior Engineering Geologist Michael Cook ignited curiosity in elementary school students by showcasing fascinating minerals, fossils, and rock specimens during Muscoy Elementary School’s Career Day.
  • Program Manager Sonia Marichic-Goudy participated in a roundtable discussion at Padua Academy, an all-girls high school, educating young women on various types of engineering career paths.
  • The Kleinfelder-GTS Concord, CA office hosted “Take Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day,” allowing children to explore STEM through fun, hands-on activities.
  • Senior Program Manager Andrea Traum helped first and second graders understand the wonders of earth science through interactive lessons on erosion.
  • Senior Civil Engineer Walt Hoey and Senior Transportation Designer Sean Duphily served as mentors for the Razor Steel Robotics, a high school robotics team, guiding them towards success in statewide and national competitions.

Mentoring and Guiding Future Engineers

  • CoMET Manager Ben Baugh and Operations Manager Kelly Daniel presented a lunch and learn to the University of Texas at Austin’s ASCE student chapter, offering real-world insights and career advice.
  • Civil Engineer Brooke Paccione returned to her alma mater to share her expertise with students through a guest lecture on Environmental Site Assessment.
  • Kleinfelder staff from Sacramento and Bay Area, CA offices volunteered at the H. Ray Taber Drill Seminar, providing valuable guidance and support to graduate and undergraduate civil engineering and geology students.
  • National Service Manager for Laboratory Testing Chris Pollack partnered with Cal State University Sacramento to offer students laboratory tours, while Senior Principal Geotechnical Engineers Tim Williams and Steven Wiesner deliver guest lectures, exposing students to practical applications of construction management and geotechnical engineering.

Passionate about STEM Education

These are just a few examples of how Kleinfelder staff are actively involved in shaping the future of STEM. By sharing their knowledge, experience, and passion, they are inspiring the next generation of engineers and problem-solvers who will build a brighter tomorrow.

Join us in celebrating Engineers Week and inspiring the next generation!

“Whether encouraging discovery and sparking interest in STEM subjects with younger kids or serving as a mentor and advocate for teens and young adults interested in pursuing STEM education, our involvement in STEM programs as engineers and scientists is crucial to fostering a diverse pipeline of future leaders, problem solvers, and innovators in the AEC industry.” 

–Andrea Traum, Senior Program Manager

“It’s never too early to engage children in what it is we do here at Kleinfelder and hopefully spark an interest in STEM subjects to lay the foundation for our future workforce.” 

–Mark Cabral, Area Manager

GIRL DAY

As part of Engineers Week, Thursday, February 22, 2024 is Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day, or Girl Day. It’s a time when volunteers, educators, and others act as role models, facilitate engineering activities, and show girls how engineers change our world.

We’re proud to highlight Kleinfelder Project Manager Karibia Baillargeon and why she feels it’s important to mentor young girls and encourage the pursuit of STEM education. Press play to hear from her!