Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day at Arora and JWI

International Women in Engineering Day is an opportunity to recognize the women who are helping shape the future of our industry. Across Arora Engineers (Arora) and JWI, women are leading projects, solving complex challenges, mentoring future professionals, and helping deliver infrastructure that impacts communities every day.

The women across our organizations play a vital role in advancing our industry, contributing diverse perspectives, technical expertise, and leadership that strengthen both our teams and the projects we deliver.

For Jenn Hocevar, PMP, leadership is rooted in collaboration and accountability.

“Leadership in engineering requires aligning multidisciplinary teams, establishing clear direction, and helping projects move forward successfully. Leveraging my PMP background, I take a structured approach to coordination and problem-solving, especially on complex efforts like Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure projects. As a woman in engineering, I value the opportunity to contribute to a collaborative and inclusive environment. At the end of the day, strong teamwork and shared accountability are what make all the difference in delivering successful outcomes.”

Jenn’s work reflects the growing importance of cross-functional leadership as the engineering industry adapts to emerging technologies and evolving client needs.

The impact of mentorship is another theme shared by many women throughout the profession. For Kaitlin Spomer, Senior Project Engineer, EIT, strong female role models have helped shape her career journey.

“I have had amazing female mentors so far in my career and they have taught me to be confident in the work I do and have challenged me to be the best I can be.”

Recently, Kaitlin had the opportunity to celebrate a significant milestone with the Chicago Transit Authority Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Program. After years of planning, coordination, and construction, she attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the project and witnessed firsthand the successful opening of the new stations.

Reflecting on the accomplishment, Kaitlin credits the dedication of the entire project team for helping the effort reach major milestones and deliver lasting improvements for the communities it serves.

For Allison Graves, Director of Buildings and Places, engineering is about much more than technical expertise alone.

“The true measurement of your engineering experience is not about how perfect your calculations are but how well you worked with the entire team to build something amazing. Being a woman in engineering, especially in construction, is special to me. Having the opportunity to not only showcase my technical and leadership skills in an office environment but also in the field provides endless challenges to learn and grow.”

Her experience reflects the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and continuous learning—qualities that are essential to delivering successful projects in both office and field environments.

For Tammy Lynn Downey, BA, MA, FMA, RPA, Vice President of Facilities Management, engineering and facilities management are ultimately about helping people solve problems.

“For me, it’s always been about helping our customers succeed. Turning complex challenges into real solutions is what makes this field so exciting as it continues to evolve and advance.”

Her focus on customer success demonstrates how engineering and facilities management can create meaningful solutions that improve operations, enhance facilities, and support long-term organizational goals.

As we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day, we recognize the many women across Arora Engineers and JWI who continue to advance our industry through leadership, innovation, technical excellence, and collaboration. Their contributions strengthen our teams, support our clients, and inspire the next generation of engineers and industry professionals.

Together, we remain committed to fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, opportunities are accessible, and every team member can contribute to building a stronger future.

Interested in joining our team? Explore open roles!