2019 Women in Construction: Jennifer Howe, Principal, Vice President, Director at SMMA

Designation: PE, LEED AP

How many years have you been in your current field? 24

What were your biggest fears when you started out in your profession? As a young woman in engineering, I was concerned that I might not be taken seriously or given the same opportunities as my male peers were given. Although there are always outliers, my experience at SMMA has been quite the opposite. I have been challenged throughout my career to accept new opportunities, and have been supported in my endeavors by senior leadership. We each bring a different perspective to any challenge, and my team encourages both men and women to challenge themselves so they can ultimately grow and flourish in their careers.

Who are three women – living or dead – that you would like to have drinks with and why?

1. Emily Roebling: I won an Emily Roebling scholarship to attend Rensselaer, enabling me to afford school. Folks talk about the Brooklyn Bridge and her husband and son’s roles without recognizing the importance of her role.

2. Women of NASA (Hidden Figures): Their focus and determination to be amazing engineers regardless of being in a male-dominated industry and facing segregation inspires me.

3. Ruth Bader Ginsberg: She said: “Women will only have true equality when men share with them the responsibility of bringing up the next generation.” This culture shift truly allows women to focus on career growth and aspirations.