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Diversity in Civil Engineering
In the U.S., February and March mark Black History Month and Women’s History Month, respectively. ASCE is proud to count among our global membership of over 140,000 those African-Americans and women who have reached the highest levels in the Society, including recent Past-Presidents Delon Hampton, Pat Galloway and Kathy Caldwell. During these months, ASCE will salute these distinguished civil engineers on our homepage.
At the Younger Member level, it is encouraging to see the cultural diversity among our Younger Member Group leaders as well. We are the engineers who will shape our profession in years to come, and reflect the reality of our ever-changing society.
Currently, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 4 percent of civil engineers in the U.S. identify as Black/Africa-American, while 7 percent identify as women. In light of representing the communities that we serve, these statistics demonstrate the urgent need for Younger Members to stay the course in our chosen profession, and reach out to the next generation of civil engineers.
Every February, Younger Members across the country participate in National Engineers' Week activities. This is a great opportunity to demonstrate to your local community that there is a home in civil engineering for everyone, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or other cultural aspect by which we are defined or may choose to be defined. To explore ways to get involved, check out ASCE’s Tips for Engineers Week 2012 page.
So are you ready to change the world? Come celebrate with us and encourage future civil engineers to get involved!
Clement Chung, P.E., M.ASCE, Chair
Eastern Geographic Member
PS The Committee on Younger Members congratulates all those selected as New Faces of Civil Engineering for 2012, especially those active with their local Younger Member Groups.