City Engineer shares career advice for women in engineering and law enforcement

During a recent meeting celebrating Women's History Month, Clearwater officials highlighted the importance of empowering women in traditionally male-dominated fields, particularly engineering and law enforcement. The discussions centered on personal experiences and advice from female leaders who have navigated these challenging career paths.

One speaker, a city engineer, shared her journey, emphasizing the need for women to trust in their abilities and to remain confident in their pursuits. She noted that women make up only 17% of the civil engineering workforce, a statistic that has seen little improvement over the decades. Her message was clear: women should not shy away from asking questions, staying engaged, and actively participating in their professional communities. She encouraged aspiring engineers to seek mentorship and to connect with STEM programs in schools, highlighting the importance of giving back to the community.

In the realm of law enforcement, another speaker, who oversees recruitment at the police department, expressed her enthusiasm for seeing more women apply for positions. She urged women to pursue their education and to believe in their capabilities, reinforcing that they can perform just as well as their male counterparts. The speaker also addressed the emotional challenges of leadership roles, advising women to find areas of work that resonate with their passions to make the sacrifices worthwhile.

Both speakers underscored the significance of building strong support systems and networks, which can provide encouragement and guidance throughout one’s career. They stressed the importance of being true to oneself and maintaining personal standards, rather than comparing oneself to others.

As Clearwater continues to celebrate Women's History Month, the insights shared during this meeting serve as a reminder of the ongoing need for support and encouragement for women in all fields, particularly those where they remain underrepresented. The city’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment is evident, as it seeks to empower the next generation of female leaders.