2023 Women in Construction: Kimberly Kilroy, Gale Associates, Inc.

What made you interested in seeking a career in the AEC industry? I was drawn to engineering because I have always preferred math and science to the humanities. When I began college as an undecided engineering major, it was the concrete canoe team that first piqued my interest in civil engineering. I couldn’t fathom concrete floating in water let alone serving as a boat so I joined the team to learn more. This was my first exposure to concrete mix design and the importance of different aggregates and shapes depending on your project goals. By the end of the year I had declared civil engineering as my major. After my undergraduate study I remained in the AEC industry – briefly working in construction material testing and inspections, earning my master of science in civil engineering, and now working as a building enclosure consultant.

How are you involved in community organizations and/or charities? It has become a tradition with a few friends that each year we volunteer as high school science fair judges. This is a great chance to see what the students are working on, to allow them to develop their presentation/public speaking skills along with their understanding of the scientific method, and admittedly an excuse to grab dinner with friends afterwards. I am also a foster for RuffTales rescue. I became involved with the group in 2020 while working from home and am proud to say I have already helped seven dogs find their “furever” home, including Charlie who I adopted last December.