At the 5th Annual Women Surveyors Summit, I had the privilege of joining an incredible group of 126 women in the field, marking my fourth time attending this empowering event. My first experience was virtual, but this in-person gathering was especially meaningful for me.
Every year, the Women Surveyors Summit is hosted in a different state, and this year’s gathering took place in Pittsburgh, Pa. The event saw a record turnout. This year, our group, Women in Survey—Puerto Rico, initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support women studying surveying in Puerto Rico, enabling them to attend the conference and benefit from this experience.
The summit provided a unique opportunity to cross off a long-time bucket list item I’ve had since I was a teenager: visiting the iconic Fallingwater House designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1935. The chance to explore Fallingwater and learn about its survey and structural design was a highlight of the summit.
Natalie Martinez, a Survey Lead Trainer with the Army Corps of Engineers, discussing her journey with the Corps and how she travels nationwide to train soldiers.
The summit was not just about exploring new places but also about professional growth. With 12 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) offered, it supported our ongoing development as land surveyors. Speakers at the event presented various topics such as project management, working with old deeds and descriptions, high-profile surveys, ethics, and survey history.
The lineup of speakers was exceptional and featured accomplished women who have made significant strides in their fields whether in corporate roles or as entrepreneurs.
The author at Fallingwater House, designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1935
One speaker who particularly stood out to me was Natalie Martinez, a Survey Lead Trainer with the Army Corps of Engineers. Her discussion about her journey with the Corps and how she now travels nationwide to train soldiers was both inspiring and insightful.
The summit also delved into the unique challenges faced by women in surveying. It was valuable to hear women share their personal experiences and the obstacles they’ve overcome. Topics ranged from confidently asking for a raise to making your voice heard in a male-dominated environment. Since communication styles can differ between men and women, we learned that knowing our audience and adapting an appropriate approach is key to effectively conveying our messages.
Attending the summit reinforced the importance of our field and the value of supporting and inspiring the next generation to pursue a career in Surveying. I want to let the younger generation know Surveying is a career for everyone.
The summit was a powerful reminder of the progress and camaraderie within our field. As one of my mentors always says, “It’s not a sprint; it’s a marathon.” And at the end, it is all worth it. I am so grateful to have great leaders who support me going to these events, and I hope to have more colleagues join next year.
Melissa Padilla Cintron, SIT, is a Survey Analyst in DRMP’s Surveying and Mapping/Geospatial Department.