2022 Women in Professional Services: Juhua Yang, LERA Consulting Structural Engineers

In the last 12 months, what was your TOP career highlight? I worked on the renovation of the Newseum in D.C. into a collaborative learning environment for Johns Hopkins University. I helped manage our team at LERA from the design phases through the construction. I was proud to witness the topping out ceremony and use my professional skills to give this building a new opportunity.

In the last 12 months, what ONE award were you most proud to receive? I was mostly proud that I was recently selected to represent LERA for a client project interview with the architectural and mechanical teams. As a young project manager, it was a very rewarding experience for me. It helped expand my network, gave me different perspectives, and an appreciation of what others do to make the business successful.

In the last 12 months how have you helped your industry grow through professional creativity, innovation and leadership? The construction industry plays a critical role in the global carbon emissions. Through my work at LERA and our commitment to SE2050, we are always on top of new technologies on eco-friendly materials, and advanced concrete construction, and work closely with local concrete supplier to achieve more sustainable buildings.

What advice would you give the next generation of women in your industry? Find good mentors and learn from them, in return, share your knowledge and help others succeed. Always follow through with your commitments and understand the impact of your work on others. Be willing to take on new assignments and roles, even if they are outside of your comfort zone.