October 2011
Mrs. Lena Rivera, P.E., D.WRE is a senior water resources engineer with Camp Dresser & McKee (CDM) in Maitland, Florida, with engineering and management experience in the field of water resources. She has a wide variety of experience in managing and contributing technically to the following types of water resources projects: systems and decision modeling, water supply planning, water quality management, regulatory permit development, ecosystem restoration, groundwater remediation studies, stormwater management, and aquifer storage and recovery (ASR). As project manager, Ms. Rivera has been accountable for client relationships, project schedules, budget control, and project team development and coordination.
Lena is a member of CDM's water resources discipline group and actively fosters exchange of information across the firm in various sub-disciplines such as integrated water resources planning, groundwater, and water quality. She is responsible for coordinating monthly webinars to present and share information on projects, papers, technologies, and markets for CDM's Water Resources Division in the Southeast U.S.
Mrs. Rivera is a Registered Professional Engineer in Florida and an active member of various professional societies. Lena is a current member of the Florida Institute of Consulting Engineers' Water Resources Committee, ASCE's Environmental Water Resources Institute's Environmental Health and Water Quality Committee, and Water Resources Technical Steering Committee of ASCE's East Central Florida Branch. Lena is also a member of the American Water Resources Association and Florida Engineering Society.
Lena received her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering at the University of Central Florida and her Master of Science in Civil Engineering at Duke University. Mrs. Rivera has been a Diplomate since August 2010 and Lena shares with AAWRE on her career path, advice for younger engineers, love for the engineering profession, and her personal inspirations.
Most fun class while in school: I have a hard time choosing just one favorite class, since I really enjoyed my core Water Resources classes (Fluid Mechanics, Hydrology, Hydraulics, Water Resources Design, etc.) at the University of Central Florida. These classes and the relationships that I established with my professors reinforced my interest in the career I had chosen and led the way for me to pursue my graduate degree in water resources engineering at Duke University.
Most fun project I worked on: I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to work on the Lake Okeechobee Fast Track (LOFT) project on behalf of the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). I assisted in the development of a systems model that was used to optimize phosphorus removal for a proposed reservoir and wetland treatment system in support of Everglades restoration.
My source of inspiration: I have been blessed with two amazing parents that are my ultimate inspiration. They have sacrificed everything for our family and they are my role models in all that I do. I also have a loving husband and 3-year old son who motivate me to be the best person I can be each day.
Something I always wanted: I have always wanted to make my parents proud and show them that their struggles to come to the United States were well worth it. You could say that I blended their backgrounds into the career I practice today since my father is an electrical engineer and my mother worked for most of her career in the U.S. at the South Florida Water Management District. I was exposed early on to the engineering profession and to restoration of the Everglades.
Favorite song & artist: My favorite artist is Gloria Estefan and I am particularly fond of her song "Mi Tierra" which really resonates with me since it mentions one day returning to her homeland of Cuba.
My favorite places anywhere: I really enjoy visiting my husband's family in Puerto Rico and I also love traveling to Europe (especially Spain, France, and Italy).
We understand that your greatest inspiration comes from your parents, who overcame a lot to leave Cuba in hopes that you and your sister can have a brighter future and possibilities. Please share with us on where most of your childhood was spent and what was your upbringing like?
LR: We emigrated from Cuba when I was six and then we settled in South Florida (Miami and West Palm Beach). My parents had a very strong work ethic and always strived to provide a better life for us than what they experienced in Cuba. As a result, I had a wonderful childhood filled with many happy memories. Even though they were not familiar with the American culture, they strived to provide us with a bi-cultural upbringing.
How early on did you know and what were the key factors in your decision to study environmental and civil engineering? What was the path like for you?
LR: By the time I was a freshman in high school I had decided that I wanted to pursue a career in environmental engineering. With my mom working at the SFWMD, I was able to interview several civil/environmental engineers and the experience really confirmed that I was heading in the right direction. When I arrived at UCF, I remember reviewing a class schematic for the environmental engineering curriculum and I was very excited to follow that path. I've never looked back from that moment on.
We know you attended the University of Central Florida for your Bachelors in Environmental Engineering and earned your Masters in Civil Engineering at Duke University. How did you enjoy your studies and what did you think of the curriculum?
LR: I thought both programs really prepared me for the challenges that I would face in consulting. I was fortunate to have had two professors serve as mentors throughout my undergraduate and graduate careers (Dr. Debra Reinhart at UCF and Dr. Miguel Medina at Duke University). I also graduated from the Honors Program at UCF, which allowed me to complete my core coursework in a smaller, more focused classroom environment.
You achieved some great honors and scholarships in academics- among them the President's Honor List; Dean's Honor List; Florida Bright Futures Scholar, NASA/KSC Space Scholar, National Recycling Coalition Scholar, and Bethesda by the Sea Church Scholar. Is there a particular one out of these that was most challenging to earn or you personally cherish?
LR: I am especially fond of the NASA/KSC Scholarship since it enabled me to attend UCF under a full scholarship and paved the way for two summer internships that I completed at Kennedy Space Center. As part of this scholarship I was also assigned a faculty mentor, which is where I first connected with Dr. Debra Reinhart. After all these years, she continues to be one of my mentors and a close confidante.
You have worked on some vital projects in the state of Florida such as the Lake Okeechobee Fast Track project and Kissimmee River Watershed TMDL, and the Blind River Restoration project in Louisiana. Is there a particular project that truly stands out or is memorable to you personally? And why?
LR: In addition to the LOFT project, another especially memorable experience was serving as the project manager for the Kissimmee River Watershed TMDL project. Since the Kissimmee River forms the headwaters of the Northern Everglades ecosystem, this project supported Everglades restoration. This was a technically complex, fast-track project, which required the coordination of approximately 30 staff across 7 offices. This project was recognized at a regional and national level by CDM for outstanding performance and quality management.
Can you tell us about some of your work and current project(s)?
LR: I just completed a multi-year assignment to develop three Regional Water Plans in support of Georgia's statewide water planning process. I'm currently working on the development of an integrated systems model that will be used to evaluate the timing and phasing for implementation of planned alternative water supply projects for Seminole County, Florida.
You have worked mainly in the private sector for most of your career. What would be your personal advice that you would give to a young engineer in school that is looking to start a career in the private sector?
LR: My best advice to a student interested in a consulting engineering career would be to first pursue internship opportunities within the field prior to graduation. In your senior year, obtain Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification and make preparations to complete a Technical Masters degree. I stress these last two points since this will give you more job opportunities with future employers and show your commitment to your chosen career path. After obtaining a Masters degree, pursue certification for your Professional Engineer (PE) license and specialty certification (such as the D.WRE) as soon as you are eligible.
You are one of the first founding 600 Diplomates of AAWRE- how did you hear about the program and what were the main factors in your decision to pursue the D.WRE?
LR: There was never a question in my mind that I would be pursuing specialty certification in water resources. I applied for the Diplomate status as soon as I completed my 10 years of work experience. CDM is a strong proponent of specialty certifications for their technical staff and it was a natural next step in my career.
What types of services or initiatives would you like to see AAWRE pursue?
LR: I would like to see AAWRE encourage younger engineers that meet the qualifications to pursue Diplomate status. At this point there is a perception that joining the Academy (AAWRE) is reserved for technical professionals with a long-standing career.
It seems you have been actively involved with committees through ASCE, EWRI, and the Florida Engineering Society. How busy do your roles keep you and how important do you think it is for professional engineers to get actively involved and participate in professional societies and organizations?
LR: I see my involvement with professional societies as complimentary to my technical responsibilities. As a result, I have gravitated toward societies that offer opportunities for involvement in the field of water resources.
We understand that you were featured on the cover and interviewed for a lead story on Women in Engineering in March 2008 of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers magazine. What was that like and how did you enjoy being featured for Women in Engineering?
LR: I considered it a great honor to be recognized for my achievements and represent my culture and heritage in such a positive light. While at UCF, I served as Vice President for the student chapter of SHPE and was thrilled when SHPE approached me about this article. I really welcomed the opportunity to reach out to others who may have had similar challenges to overcome.
According to the National Science Foundation, women represented slightly more than 11% of all employed engineers in 2004 and in 2006, women only made up 9% of all practicing civil engineers, according to ASCE. Yet in September 2009, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign saw its highest number of freshmen women enrolled in civil and environmental engineering- an unprecedented 32 percent for an incoming class. How do you feel about the state of the engineering profession today and what would be your personal pitch to girls and females in K-12 schools to get them interested in Civil Engineering?
LR: I'm part of a growing trend in the civil engineering profession as females continue to graduate and enter the workforce. I often share my insights of the profession with female students in the hopes of encouraging them to pursue engineering. I tell them that their hard work will be rewarded with bountiful opportunities to make improvements in our future and everyday environments.
We understand also that you serve as an Engineering Alumni Career Panelist, Employment Preparation Mentor and have participated as a career panelist at UCF's Expanding Your Horizons program, which serves to educate and encourage middle-school female students to consider engineering as a career choice and Introduce a Girl to Engineering program, which aims to promote and increase number of women engineers in engineering. What is your advice to a female student going into engineering studies and coming out of college that is looking to excel in her career as a professional engineer?
LR: I think it is very important to have multiple mentors who support your goals and can set an example on how to succeed in school and also once you enter the workforce. In addition to the mentors I had in school, I have had multiple mentors at CDM. Two specifically that should be highlighted are Mr. Lee Wiseman who has provided me with constant technical and personal mentorship as well as Mr. Michael Schmidt, who I have learned Client services skills from and how to motivate and lead project teams. Additional advice would be to demonstrate a positive attitude toward learning new skills and completing each task to the best of your ability. Also, be sure to treat everyone with respect and provide value wherever you can. Become involved with activities both in the office and in professional societies so that you can expand your network and take on leadership opportunities that will expand your skill sets.
And we know you have been an active alum for both of your alma matters- serving as a Technical Recruiting Liaison for Duke University on behalf of CDM's College Relations Program, an active member of the Duke Alumni Admissions Advisory Committee, interviewing prospective high school students for admissions into Duke University. What are some of the key attributes you look for personally in the students for Admissions in this process and in the interviews?
LR: I look for an individual that strives for excellence and has a very strong work ethic. Additionally, someone who is a real go-getter and demonstrates leadership capabilities. I also look for personality traits such as congeniality and nimbleness and someone who is engaging.
In your March 2008 interview feature with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, you stated that you are motivated by the motto: "Creer es poder, y el que no sueña no llega." Can you tell us the meaning of this and explain its significance to you?
LR: Loosely translated this sentence means that "Believing is achieving and if you don't dream you won't get there!" My mother always shared this advice with me growing up and it has become a mantra for me. You have to visualize your goals and be focused on their implementation. My parents went through very discouraging times during their 13-year struggle to leave Cuba and they never gave up. I carry this motivation with me in all that I do.
If you can share, what is your personal philosophy or vision on leadership and for being successful?
LR: Always treat others the way you would like to be treated. Be respectful and loyal to all who have helped you along the way and have a humble spirit. Share your knowledge and learn to listen to those who offer you advice. Try to not compare yourself to others, but rather be the best person you can possibly be. I firmly believe that what is meant for you no one can take away.
What are some of your goals for the next year?
LR: I would like to continue managing and adding technical value to complex projects that involve large local and multi-office teams to complete. These types of assignments really highlight my project management, technical skills, and interpersonal strengths. On a more personal note, I hope to continue to grow as a mother, wife, and daughter and foster the various relationships that bring me joy in life.