FOUNDATION DRILLING
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graduate school programs. The success of women at the company is also attributed to the rising tide effect. As Wendy Mathieson explains, The high caliber of engineers at Shannon & Wilson and the challenging projects we work on function as a rising tide that lifts us all to be better. Women are now proudly represented in positions at all levels of Shannon & Wilson, from vice presidents to mid-level staffto junior team members. Women serve on the Board of Directors, manage staff, lead transportation mega-projects, and are present in all aspects of engineering and construction. Jessica Randolph reflects that having women visible at all levels of the company has created a feeling of opportunity and a realization that the glass ceiling does not exist. Shannon & Wilson has provided a supportive work environment for women, including tackling job site issues and accommodating family leave. Kathryn Petek tells us, I am so proud of how Shannon & Wilson supported balancing my family and career goals. They supported me when I chose to reduce my work hours when my children were young while continuing to provide outstanding project opportunities and technical challenges that I love. Whether at construction sites or in project design meetings, the phenomenon of being the only woman, or one of the few women, continues in our industry in many settings. While the only woman feeling often still exists, all will agree that it is easier when the phenomenon does not reflect the company culture. Shannon & Wilson ices include technical women's groups that provide an opportunity to share successes and challenges and connect with one another. Formal and informal mentoring is also encouraged at all levels to support technical and non-technical issues, including career advancement and work- life balance. Support for women at Shannon & Wilson starts at the top, as President Greg Fischer describes Shannon & Wilson recognizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all facets of our business, and we are committed to supporting our team of technical women for the shared growth and success of all. From our Board of Directors to our top management line, women at Shannon & Wilson are guiding our engineering practice, as well as our business. The talented women who work at Shannon & Wilson and their contributions are a part of the companys continued success. The following profiles highlight several Shannon & Wilson female engineers and their tips and advice for fellow women in construction. Monique Anderson served for a decade as Shannon & Wilsons project manager for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) SR 99 replacement project, which included the demolition of the Alaskan Way Viaduct and construction of a new tunnel under Seattle by the infamous Bertha tunnel boring machine. Monique is currently leading Shannon & Wilsons staffaugmentation program for the WSDOT State Geotechnical ice which includes numerous ish passage and bridge replacement projects. Project designs and construction commonly involve small- to large-diameter drilled shaft foundations and anchored walls. Building on her own career, Monique encourages women to Seek out and build relationships at all levels. Building relationships with fellow peers, with senior leadership, and with clients not only helps make projects successful but provides opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and friendship that better our personal and professional lives." Kathryn Petek first watched drilled shaft construction at the Washington State Convention Center Expansion as an intern back in 1999. She gained an immediate excitement and appreciation for the heavy construction and has been hooked ever since. Kathryn now serves as one of Shannon & Wilsons deep foundation experts and is currently involved in Oregons Abernethy Bridge project which is constructing some of the biggest drilled shafts in the country. Kathryns advice to young engineers is to Aim high. Seek out challenging projects. In this, we are pushed to rethink our understanding and learn new things. We interact with new people and technologies and our horizons expand." Kristen McFarland joined Shannon & Wilson in 2020, bringing two years of previous experience. Kristen loves the mix of her time spent in the field observing foundation construction and ice work digging into engineering calculations and managing
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