By Marsha D. Anderson Bomar, Ph.D., AICP, ENV SP, F.ITE, NAE, F.ASCE
Albert Einstein once said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution.”
As civil engineers, we often view ourselves as problem solvers. Indeed, we are. But I believe we are more than that. Einstein’s words urge us to move beyond formulas and frameworks and embrace imagination as a critical part of our work. We must take his message to heart and ask ourselves, “How can we do better?”
Throughout history, renowned civil engineers have been more than technicians and tacticians; they’ve been visionaries. Today’s world demands the same of us. We each can help shape the future by combining technical knowledge with creativity and bold thinking.
As a transportation professional, I envision a future in which traffic congestion and pollution are relics of the past, and infrastructure incorporates smart, clean, efficient systems that contribute to energy generation and community well-being. What can you imagine in your corner of civil engineering that transforms lives and advances society?
ASCE plays a vital role in this evolution by offering technical resources and support drawn from a global community of diverse, skilled, and innovative professionals. As our profession and organization grow to include the broader infrastructure community, we have the power to lead the way toward a better future.
As I begin my term as ASCE president, one of my top priorities is to strengthen our talent pipeline and address the challenges facing our workforce. We can achieve this by launching initiatives that focus on education and career development. I’d like to start by restructuring our committees to ensure they’re properly staffed and empowered to act effectively.
To address today’s workforce, I want to refine licensure pathways to be both rigorous and relevant for the engineers of tomorrow. At the same time, we must broaden access to engineering careers and open doors for underrepresented groups, including women and people of color.
Our future depends on inspiring the next generation. I envision a vibrant, inclusive pipeline of talented individuals eager to join our profession. But to get there, we must share our stories, highlight the importance of civil engineers, and make our value visible not just during crises, but every day. We solve problems that improve people’s daily lives. And that’s worth celebrating!
We must also explore how ASCE can better support outreach and engagement. From early education through college, we must expand STEM outreach, modernize engineering education, and support graduates in transitioning into meaningful careers.
Stronger engagement, especially with students and younger members, will be key. Together, we can build resources, networks, and culture to keep people inspired and involved throughout their careers. Your engagement is essential to this effort. I hope you’ll join me. Let’s lift each other up, share ideas, and answer our calling as civil engineers to serve and create lasting impact. Let’s walk, run, roll, and imagine how we can make this a better world for all people.
As Nelson Mandela reportedly said, “It always seems impossible until it is done.” So let’s get it done — together.
Marsha D. Anderson Bomar, Ph.D., AICP, ENV SP, F.ITE, NAE, F.ASCE, is the commissioner emeritus for the City of Atlanta Department of Transportation. She is the 2025-26 ASCE president.
This article first appeared in the November/December 2025 issue of Civil Engineering.
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