Hello Susanne,
Thank you for your post about SEI. I have a story to share with you.
When I started my career in Chicago, Illinois, the ASCE Illinois Section had a Structural Group. My coworker was a member of the core committee and she encouraged me to join. The Structural Group needed someone to focus on growing their scholarship program for college students. (The same student was applying for it from year to year.) This was my initial role. Over the years, our Structural Group converted to a Structural Engineering Institute (SEI-IL). I eventually progressed in my roles and served as Chair.
Along the way, I met some wonderful colleagues, heard some great presentations, and watched students grow from college to starting their careers. I was also able to grow my own leadership skills, as well as my professional network. Through ASCE SEI, I had an opportunity to coordinate a series of lectures with government clients and technical professionals. Thankfully, I was able to tell my story to ASCE in my application for the ASCE New Faces Program. I am sure that involvement in ASCE SEI helped me to achieve this goal. I was able to start a network on the east coast (where I now reside) due to the people I met nationally as well.
I am very grateful to ASCE SEI and especially my coworker, Zaida Morillo, for her nudge to join the organization years ago!
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Jameelah Ingram P.E., M.ASCE
Washington, D.C.
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