Emtec Consulting Engineer’s Tara Dollinger and Karyn Bravo have been recognized by New York Real Estate Journal in their “Women in Construction” spotlight. Both Tara and Karyn are valuable assets to our organization and we are proud to see this recognition. Below are their responses:

Tara Dollinger, Mechanical Engineer

In the past year, what project or accomplishment are you most proud of?

My proudest accomplishment from last year was being an integral part of the design team for the new affordable senior citizen residence located in Wyandanch Village. The project provided a great experience collaborating with other design professionals to meet project requirements, and I gained a better understanding of how many parties are involved in the building process. It was inspiring to hear about the years of planning and determination it took to put this project in motion. And it was rewarding to hear community members speak highly about Wyandanch transitioning from an underserved community to a safe and vibrant place.

How can AEC companies recruit more women?

I believe that creating a fair, honest, and cooperative work culture is the best way to recruit more women. Being a minority within the field, women will unfortunately experience a few associated hardships throughout their career. One of the most vital roles for combating this is to create an environment that does not tolerate discrimination, and to adequately support women if these experiences do arise. I have been blessed to have such a supportive team, and I am hopeful that I can become an advocate for the next generation of female engineers.

Karyn Bravo, Mechanical Engineer

In the past year, what project or accomplishment are you most proud of?

Working on projects that have significant impact on our local communities is something that I am truly passionate about. Specifically, working on the Hampton Inn and Suites in Downtown Huntington was a major accomplishment. This former town hall was redeveloped into a beautiful hotel to accommodate the growing needs of the town.

How can AEC companies recruit more women?

I believe when companies invest in their employees, and provide their employees with opportunities for growth, it will naturally recruit more women. Highlighting employee achievements and recognizing them in the industry also exemplifies the values of a firm and makes the more desirable to work at.