Where Women Build, Industries Change: Amy Trahey’s Mission to Put Women at the Forefront of Engineering
Recognition from within the industry often carries a deeper significance than public accolades. Amy Trahey, founder of Great Lakes Engineering Group, recently received an award from WTS International, originally named the Women’s Transportation Seminar. For her, the moment reflects a powerful acknowledgment from women across the engineering space who, much like her, understand the demands of the field and the importance of visibility within it.
“I’ve received many awards over the years, but this one meant the most because it came from women in engineering,” Trahey shares. To her, this distinction signaled validation rooted in shared experience and understanding of the challenges, expectations, and persistence required to navigate the profession.
Her advocacy is shaped by a broader awareness of how access and exposure influence career paths long before professional decisions take shape. She acknowledges that engineering remains an unfamiliar or inaccessible option in many environments, particularly where daily survival takes precedence over long-term ambition. Trahey often points to the reality that not every young person grows up with the opportunity to imagine a future in technical fields.
She says, “Some people are focused on getting through the day. They’re not thinking about becoming an engineer because that possibility hasn’t been presented to them.” In her view, the absence of representation and guidance continues to narrow the pipeline, limiting who enters the field and who feels equipped to succeed within it.
Trahey also notes that cultural dynamics within engineering, especially in construction and infrastructure, have historically created environments where women question whether they belong. She believes that accounts of misconduct and intimidation within industry organizations are the leading cause of limiting participation and retention.
“These realities can shape perception and reinforce hesitation among women who are considering entry into the field,” she says. Within that complex landscape, Trahey prioritizes accountability and systemic change.
She highlights the value of women in the industry, noting how they hold both cultural and practical importance. Emphasizing their ability to balance multiple roles, adapt quickly, and deliver results under pressure, she argues that this perspective strengthens teams and problem-solving.
At Great Lakes Engineering Group, that insight becomes part of her larger commitment to equity. In her view, cultural transformation depends on influence across the entire workforce, particularly among those who will go on to lead teams, firms, and projects. “We’re not about supporting just one or the other group. We’re all industry peers, and we’ve got to celebrate each other,” she says.
Trahey’s work consistently reinforces the value of diverse perspectives in shaping outcomes. According to her, engineering solutions benefit from a broader range of insights. “Women bring a different level of awareness and efficiency,” she explains. “There’s a focus on getting things done, while also understanding the people involved.” The combination of technical execution and relational awareness strengthens both process and outcome, contributing to more effective and inclusive project delivery.
Connection remains a central theme, not only defining her philosophy, but the very ethos of her company. Trahey states, “No matter what social group you belong to, it doesn’t matter. We have a connection, and that brings me back to the core of my work. Bridges connect people, places, systems and communities; they’re the link.”
Trahey sees mentorship and outreach to play a critical role in expanding opportunity. She highlights the importance of persistence, particularly among young women navigating uncertainty or limited access to resources. She notes how the path into engineering can demand resilience, yet it remains attainable with the right support and determination.
“Stay focused on what drives you and put in the work,” she says. “That’s what changes the outcome.”
According to her, industry momentum has begun to shift, supported by broader conversations around equity and inclusion. Increased participation in scholarships, mentorship initiatives, and professional organizations signals progress. These developments contribute to a more inclusive environment, though sustained effort remains essential to maintaining that trajectory.
Trahey’s leadership illustrates how change takes shape through consistent action. Recognition from WTS highlights the influence of her work, yet it also reinforces a larger objective, ensuring that the next generation enters engineering with greater access, stronger support systems, and a clearer sense of belonging.
Engineering shapes the world, but its future will be defined by the people who build it. Amy Trahey’s leadership demonstrates that true change comes from creating opportunity, demanding respect, and lifting others as you rise. As she models inclusion, equity, and determination, she strives to ensure that the next generation of women can enter engineering not just with ambition, but with confidence and support. Her vision ultimately lies in reshaping an industry from the inside out, proving that diverse voices strengthen every project, every team and every outcome.
“I want young women to see that it’s possible to build, to lead, and to leave a mark on the world,” she says. “No matter where you come from, no matter the obstacles, you can get it done, and you can do it with integrity, power, and grace.”
