By Marsha D. Anderson Bomar, Ph.D., AICP, ENV SP, F.ITE, NAE, F.ASCE
Throughout history, civil engineering has been a male-dominated profession. However, representation within the field has slowly improved. And according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women now account for approximately 17.2% of the overall civil engineering workforce. While visibility has increased, further progress remains critical to address ongoing gender disparities within the profession and reduce workforce shortages.
It starts with attracting talent. As we move along the path, one of the biggest challenges to advancing gender equity in civil engineering is retention. Women are entering the field and achieving professional success; however, the profession continues to experience a “leaky” pipeline. Despite increased visibility and diversity initiatives for the civil engineering profession, many women leave the field at midcareer due to factors such as workplace culture, limited advancement opportunities, family responsibilities, and other systemic barriers.
Throughout my career, I’ve seen significant progress for women in civil engineering and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Many women have broken barriers and become trailblazers, including Emily Roebling (an ASCE notable civil engineer), Nora Stanton Blatch Barney, F.ASCE, Elsie Eaves, P.E., M.ASCE, and Pat Galloway, Ph.D., P.E., NAC, Pres.04.ASCE, ASCE’s first woman president.
I am honored to have served as the first female president of the Institute of Transportation Engineers in 1994. While support was strong, some resisted change. One tradition, a presidential reception, was denied because it was considered the “president’s wife’s event,” and I didn’t have a wife. Turning that obstacle into an opportunity, I hosted the first Women’s Power Lunch, a tradition that lasted 25 years and has since evolved into a standing committee with impactful programs.
That experience shaped my commitment to equity and inclusion. Now, as ASCE president, I’m focused on transforming education and workforce initiatives and on partnering with entities within the Society, such as MOSAIC (Members of Society Advancing an Inclusive Culture), to amplify outreach. I regularly discuss the value of ASCE with students and younger members throughout their careers.
As one of the largest professional civil engineering organizations in the world, ASCE leads efforts that reflect the evolving workforce it serves. The Society provides resources to support women and advance equity in civil engineering, including MOSAIC, the DEI Community of Practice, DEI and workforce resources, and programs like ASCE Mentor Match. ASCE also partners with organizations such as the Society of Women Engineers and participates in initiatives like the Women of Color in Engineering Collaborative. Now, with two recently installed members of the National Academy of Engineering, we are pursuing a more formal relationship with the NAE Engineer Teen program.
Beyond these resources, ASCE celebrates the contributions of women shaping the profession today. Through feature articles in Civil Engineering magazine and the Civil Engineering Source, and curated special journal collections, the Society highlights women’s experiences, achievements, and challenges in civil engineering. In 2006, ASCE also released Changing Our World: True Stories of Women Engineers by Sybil E. Hatch, P.E., in which I am honored to be included as one of the featured engineers.
While meaningful progress has been achieved, advancing gender equity in civil engineering demands sustained dedication to strengthening the talent pipeline and empowering women at every stage of their education and careers. Through its programs and initiatives, ASCE continues to lead this vital mission. But true transformation requires each of us to build on the Society’s efforts. By doing so, we can create a profession that is more inclusive, innovative, and resilient for generations to come. Please join me on this journey, and let’s connect on LinkedIn if we haven’t already.
Let’s continue the dialogue!
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 March/April 2026 issue of Civil Engineering.
