I’m Yonacary “Cary” Wingard, a civil engineering graduate student at Florida International University and a Project Engineer at Pillar Consultants. I completed my bachelor’s degree in civil engineering through FIU’s Honors College with a 3.87 GPA and am currently pursuing my master’s in structural engineering through the accelerated 4+1 program.
I am actively involved in leadership within American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) at FIU and beyond. I previously served as Vice President of ASCE FIU, where I helped lead a 16-member executive board, organized more than 70 professional, technical, and service events, and supported the growth and engagement of one of the nation’s top student chapters. I now serve as President of Structural Engineering Institute (SEI FIU) and as the Region 5 Representative for the ASCE Student Presidential Group, working with student leaders across the country to strengthen the connection between academia and industry.
My leadership extends into student organizations and community impact. I serve as President of AAVE FIU (American Association of Venezuelan Engineers) and am a member of FIU’s Panther Community Action Board, where I contribute to initiatives that enhance student life and civic engagement.
I have led and contributed to multiple national-level engineering competitions. As Project Manager for the Sustainable Solutions Competition, I guided my team to a 5th-place finish, marking FIU’s first placement in the competition. I also served as Project Manager for Concrete Canoe, leading over 40 students and achieving a top-6 regional finish. Most recently, I contributed to Timber Strong Design Build, where our team placed 3rd overall at the Southeast Student Symposium and made history as the first all-women build team in the competition’s 24-year history.
In addition to leadership and competition experience, I am engaged in research focused on optimizing concrete mix design using locally sourced materials, with an emphasis on sustainability, durability, and performance. My work has been presented at the OURS Spring Showcase and continues to support advancements in sustainable construction practices.
I am honored to have been recognized as one of ASCE’s 2025 New Faces of Civil Engineering – College Honorees and to have received multiple awards for leadership and service, including the FIU Outstanding Service Award. These recognitions continue to motivate me to mentor others, expand opportunities for students, and contribute to the future of the civil engineering profession.