Bechtel participated in The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) annual conference hosted this year in Chicago, Illinois. Our continued partnership with SWE highlights Bechtel’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the engineering and technology sectors.
This year at the conference, the Bechtel Group Foundation provided a $150,000 donation in support of the SWENext Club. This contribution further strengthens our commitment to establishing SWENext Clubs at Houston's Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy (YWCPA) and Young Women’s Leadership Academy (YWLA). The ongoing collaboration aims to expand SWENext Clubs to more local schools, furthering STEM interest and career development in the communities where Bechtel operates.
During the three-day forum, attendees heard from Catherine Hunt Ryan, Bechtel’s Manufacturing & Technology President, who was a keynote speaker at the event.
Catherine Hunt Ryan, Bechtel Manufacturing & Technology President, sharing her keynote address during the Society of Women Engineers annual conference.
Reflecting on the message in her keynote address, Catherine Hunt Ryan, Bechtel Manufacturing & Technology President, shared the following:
“Today, the future is ours to build. We are the ones who now have the chance to imagine things differently, and to shape a new legacy. And whatever happens next, one major change is already becoming clear. Unlike the physical world that we inherited, the structures of tomorrow are going to tell the story that women were here.”
“Every building project starts with a why. A problem to be solved. A challenge to be overcome. I believe the choice to become an engineer also starts with a why. Anyone who is attracted to this field wants, at some level, for their work to have purpose and make a difference in the world. I’m here to assure you that whatever kind of change you want to make, construction has a place for your passion. And that’s just as true for a mid-career professional as it is for someone who is starting out.”
Today’s growing demand for women in STEM represents an opportunity to foster inclusivity within the construction industry, Hunt Ryan said.
"We are witnessing one of the biggest construction booms in modern history. According to a 2024 World Economic Forum report, over the next 40 years, the world will build the equivalent of an entire New York City every single month. Some of those projects have the potential to influence and improve people’s lives in ways that would have been hard to imagine just a few decades ago. These future projects will demand a greater range of talent than ever before. And that is creating the kind of jobs and career opportunities where women can make their mark.”
Catherine Hunt Ryan’s full comments are available in a blog on bechtel.com.
Additionally, Ailie MacAdam, Bechtel Mining & Metals President, was recognized with the Distinguished Global Leader Award. This award honors a leader who fosters a supportive workplace for women and demonstrates leadership in professional and community organizations worldwide.
“For more than fifty years, we have proudly supported the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) in their vital mission,” said Ailie MacAdam, Bechtel Mining & Metals President. “Our enduring partnership with SWE strengthens our efforts to promote progress and inclusivity within our industry, driving meaningful change for future generations. This award serves as a reflection of our dedication to empowering women in engineering. By collaborating with SWE, we celebrate our achievements, learn from one another’s experiences, and advocate for greater diversity and inclusion in our field.”
Since its founding in 1950, Bechtel engineers have been among the first members of SWE, decades later we continue to strengthen our partnership. Bechtel is dedicated to supporting SWE and its mission to empower women in engineering and leadership. Learn more about Bechtel’s more than 50 year partnership with SWE and the impact we make together at www.bechtel.com.
