2025 Women in Construction: Danielle Leonor, PE, Kimley-Horn

What is one project or achievement in your career that you are most proud of, and how did it impact your organization or community? I’m most proud of the Atlantic Park Project in my hometown, where we converted an old parking lot into a vibrant mixed-use facility. This project included a surf park, concert venue, retail space, and residential units, inspired by the historical Dome’s architecture. The transformation provided new recreational, entertainment, and living opportunities, fostering a renewed sense of pride and community. The experience I gained has empowered me to tackle similarly scaled projects in densely developed areas of the Northeast, adapting modern design techniques to enhance longstanding communities.

Who or what has inspired you most in your career, and what advice would you share with the next generation of women entering the A/E/C industry? When I entered the AEC industry, a lot of the senior staff were male. I was lucky that some of my best mentors and advocates early in my career were men who trusted me to speak up, gave me a seat at the table, and encouraged me to lead. Seeing other women rise alongside me in civil engineering, supporting and learning from each other, has also been inspiring. To the next generation of women entering the A/E/C industry, my advice is to seek supportive mentors, believe in your voice, and lift each other up. I am excited to see what the new wave of women in our industry will do.

What’s your favorite way to recharge or get inspired outside of work? I love travel adventures. Experiencing new cultures and discovering places refreshes my mindset.

Do you have a hidden talent or a surprising fact about yourself that most people wouldn’t know? I worked at a winery for a year, gaining extensive knowledge of Virginia wines and winemaking.