19. Everything is Interconnected w/ Joanna Smith, Engineer and Entrepreneur

Ms. Smith is from New York City and holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Morgan State University and a M.S. in Civil Engineering with a concentration in geotechnical engineering from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. She is a well-traveled geotechnical engineer and has worked in Wiesbaden, Germany; Cancun, Mexico; Jamaica W.I.; Washington, D.C., and currently works in New York City as a geotechnical engineer with AECOM. Upon working with AECOM for 3 years she has led a variety of geotechnical engineering projects which include roads and bridges, airport facilities, port and marine facilities, and rail. She works with a diverse group, represented by different ethnicities around the world such as Chinese, Egyptian, Brazilian, Polish and German. She has worked on various boards and committees such as the handpicked National ASCE Technical Program Planning Committee, The Ground Improvement Deep Foundation Committee, and the Women In Deep Foundation Committee. On a local level she leads internal meetings to collaborate the skill sets and visions of entry and mid-level engineers. She leads a Ministry team, LEGACY, where they sing, play instruments, visit the sick and shut in, and lead community initiatives. As a public speaker, Ms. Smith represents her brand, AECOM’s brand, and her supporters by fostering the mindset that diversity and inclusion will bring stronger relations, companies, and most of all a powerful future. Unity is power and it is only through unity that power will manifest. Her goal to empower minorities from all walks of life to be a part of the equation and have a voice within STEM fields and leadership roles. Ms. Smith is excited to work with the Diversity and Inclusion committee to bring these ideas to fruition. Closing Word: “You Matter” by Eric Thomas; Website: https://www.joannagsmith.com/ ;Social Media: Instagram @joannasmiththeartist @daleysmithmusicinc Facebook: Joanna Smith