Can you share a bit about your journey and what led you to work in water?

I graduated from Florida International University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. As a first-generation college graduate, raised in a hardworking family that came to the United States in pursuit of greater opportunity, my journey has been rooted in dedication, perseverance, and a deep appreciation for the opportunities made possible through sacrifice. Programs such as Upward Bound and Student Support Services provided critical mentorship and guidance during my academic years, and I remain sincerely grateful for the support that helped shape my path.

I began my career in site development, working on residential and commercial projects where I developed a strong foundation in civil engineering design and construction coordination. Over the course of more than 20 years in the profession, I expanded my experience into multiple engineering disciplines and ultimately discovered a true passion for the design of water and wastewater distribution and transmission conveyance systems.

Over time, I became especially interested in developing solutions for complex infrastructure challenges, including building expertise in trenchless installation methods. The combination of technical problem-solving, constructability, and long-term community impact drew me fully into the water sector.

Today, I serve as a Water Resources Professional Engineer, Miami Office Lead, and Senior Project Manager at Wade Trim. I am also honored to have served as Past President and now serving as current State Director of the Florida Engineering Society (FES) Miami Chapter, where I am further developing my leadership and mentorship skills. I am passionate about learning, teaching, and supporting the growth of others within our profession. Serving the engineering community is both a privilege and a responsibility that I value every day.

What does being a woman in water mean to you today?

Being a woman in water today means leading with purpose. It means bringing a thoughtful, collaborative approach to complex challenges while helping redefine what leadership looks like in engineering.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is seeing projects successfully move from planning and design into infrastructure that will serve communities for decades. Furthermore, it has been meaningful to mentor others and watch young engineers build confidence, develop their skills, and step into leadership roles of their own.

Why is celebrating women in water so important?

In engineering, women contribute distinct strengths that enhance technical performance, attention to detail, systematic organization, decision-making quality, and project outcomes. Recognition supports workforce sustainability, encourages broader participation and knowledge in the engineering profession, and reinforces the value of diverse perspectives in technical decision-making and overall team culture.

What is a moment or project you are most proud of?

I am most proud of projects and leadership roles where technical excellence was paired with mentorship and service. Serving as Past President of FES Miami and mentoring through K–12 engineering education initiatives has allowed me to give back to the profession while helping inspire the next generation of engineers.

What advice would you give to young women just joining the water industry?

Have confidence in yourself and trust your abilities. Embrace challenging opportunities without hesitation. Seek out mentors, ask questions, remain curious, and commit to continuous learning. Moreover, trust your instincts and perspective as growth comes from stepping into opportunities even when they feel uncomfortable.

What kind of community do you hope to help build?

I hope to help build a community rooted in mentorship, collaboration, and service. One that supports professional growth, values diverse perspectives, and actively invests in the next generation through education and outreach; strong engineering community lifts others as it advances.

We thank Shari and our Sustaining Partner, Wade Trim, for supporting Women Leading Water and sharing their perspective with our community!