Engineering touches every part of our lives — from the devices in our pockets and the bridges we travel across, to the clean water systems and environmental protections that sustain our communities. Engineers Week is an opportunity to celebrate the people behind these innovations and inspire the next generation of problem-solvers.
This year’s theme, Transform Your Future, reminds us that engineering isn’t just about shaping the world, it’s about shaping opportunities, unlocking potential, and imagining a better future for ourselves and for the generations to come.
Engineers Week is more than a celebration of a profession. It’s a movement to show young people that engineering is creative, collaborative, and, most importantly, open to everyone. When students see people who look like them solving real-world challenges, they begin to imagine a future in STEM that feels possible and within reach.
Kleinfelder Class Standouts: Then & Now
To bring this year’s theme to life, we’re taking a fun look back with a collection of yearbook throwback photos from some of our engineers across the company. These snapshots remind us that every expert started as a curious kid whose early passions helped shape the professionals they are today.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Engineers Week is also an opportunity to spotlight the many ways Kleinfelder employees help cultivate future STEM leaders. Across the company, our staff participate in community events, classroom visits, mentorship programs, and hands-on learning activities that help students see STEM careers up close.
Here are just a few recent examples:
Maia Lipschutz – Dinner with a Scientist (Sacramento, CA)
Maia, a wildlife biologist in our Sacramento office, recently presented at Dinner with a Scientist, an annual event hosted by Tuolumne County Schools at Columbia College in Sonora, CA. The program brings together 5th–8th grade students and professionals from diverse scientific fields for interactive presentations and shared conversations over dinner. Her participation helped spark curiosity in wildlife biology, ecology, and environmental science among local students.
Ed Murawski – Hardee County Science Fair Judge (Florida)
Ed served as a judge at the Hardee County High School Science Fair on January 15. With more than a decade of experience volunteering at science fairs, Ed reflected on how consistently impressed he is by students’ creativity and drive. He noted that some projects show such promise that he truly believes these young innovators “will do something great for humanity.” His message to other professionals: If you’re a scientist, engineer, or technical expert, volunteer. You will walk away inspired.
Aliza Danker, Melissa Stayner, and Christina Nishimoto – Tech Trek STEM Luncheon (San Diego, CA)
This team hosted a luncheon for the American Association of University Women’s Tech Trek Alumni Group, a program that follows 8th-grade girls through high school to encourage their growth and confidence in STEM. Representing the fields of water resources engineering, structural engineering, and geotechnical engineering, their session offered career insights, mentorship, and real-life stories from women thriving in technical roles. Aliza said that growing up, her mother always told her, “You can do anything you put your mind to,” so she wants to continue to share this message with young ladies in STEM and show them that they are capable of pursuing any field that they want to.
Andrew Wallace – Duke University HESP Program Speaker (Durham, NC)
Andrew recently spoke to Durham High School students through Duke University’s Health and Environment Scholars Program (HESP). He led discussions on sustainability, water management, and real-world environmental problem‑solving and was impressed by the thoughtful questions and insight the students brought to the conversation. Andrew expressed his gratitude for the chance to connect with these emerging leaders and support a program dedicated to shaping the future of environmental stewardship.
Transforming the Future Together
When our employees volunteer their time, share their expertise, or simply tell their stories, they help students see themselves as future engineers, scientists, planners, and innovators. This week — and every week — we’re proud of all the ways Kleinfelder staff contribute to building the next generation of STEM talent.
Celebrating Engineers Week means celebrating you … your passion, your curiosity, your dedication, and your impact. So here’s to the people transforming our communities today, and to the future engineers who will transform tomorrow!