Beyond Engineering: A Spotlight Article on Mary Pitman, PE

By: Wahnetah Carty

Career professionals are often told they can make a difference in many ways outside of their jobs but are rarely given guidance on how to get started. As a career advisor, part of my role is to help young professionals understand which associations and events they can get involved in.

Getting involved offers many benefits, including networking opportunities, professional development, and a deeper understanding of the industry. There are many inspiring examples of individuals who have made a meaningful impact through active participation in their communities. One such example is Mary Pitman, PE, a Project Manager at Pennoni.

Throughout her career as a civil engineer, Mary has recognized the value of engaging in both her community and professional associations.

How do you impact people and communities on a daily basis?

At work, I have the opportunity to contribute to different housing solutions, which are incredibly meaningful to me. I also make it a point to step back and understand the broader context of the work I’m doing. I am involved in different associations that help me stay connected.

I love mentoring younger engineers. It’s especially important to me. I think about when I was in their shoes and what would have benefited me, and what bigger picture information would help me become a better engineer.  

I always aim to provide practical insights into how the world works. People bring more than just their design skills to the table. They carry a range of life experiences. Recognizing this as part of their reality is key, and that’s where mentoring truly makes a difference.

What sparked your interest in getting involved in different industry organizations?

I have moved around so much that I felt that getting involved in an association would help me get a lay of the land and gain institutional knowledge for that city. I have been involved in various associations over the years.

Currently, I am the Vice President of the Prince William County Chapter of Northern VA Building Industry Association (NVBIA). I started volunteering in a subgroup, and it grew from there. 

I was also a speaker for Find Your Voice: Introduction to Public Speaking, an event that the Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) held this past year. It was nice because I remember what it’s like being the only woman in a room full of 40 engineers.

What advice would you give women in our industry?

Honestly, a lot of it comes down to surrounding yourself with supportive people. That’s why I joined Women in the Building Industry, a subgroup of NVBIA. Making those connections with other women was so important.

The first time I worked with a woman was when I moved to Northern Virginia. It was refreshing to see how candid she was about her experiences and how she balanced everything. That’s why exposure matters. What we think is normal is shaped by what we see.

So, go out there and build that sense of community. Diversity in the workforce is something I really value. I don’t want to be stuck in an echo chamber.

I remember what it was like coming from a different culture. When the group is more mixed and diverse, it becomes more collaborative, and less ego-driven. It fosters a culture where you can make mistakes without feeling like you’re failing. There’s less pressure to always be perfect.

A lot of it is about surrounding yourself with the right environment. Your energy should be focused on learning your craft and growing your career.

What career advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell my younger self not to be so rigid. Life isn’t just step 1, 2, 3, then retire. That mindset caused a lot of internal angst, and I think I may have burned out.

I actually took a break from engineering and volunteered at the Japanese American Museum in San Jose, CA. Volunteering was an eye-opening experience. Managing different personalities and learning to talk to people about why they feel a certain way; that taught me a lot. I realized I was providing a solution.

A big part of the experience was about communication and coordination. That made it incredibly meaningful, even though at times I felt bad about myself or unsure of my place. It helped me see that solutions don’t always have to be technical. Being open to more possibilities can lead you in unexpected and fulfilling directions.

How does diversity play a role in your everyday life?

When it comes to diversity, specifically in recruiting, I think it’s about being open to hiring people from different backgrounds and taking a risk even if they aren’t totally aligned. You are never going to get someone who has everything.

It’s also a lot of recognizing your own biases and trying to make yourself aware of them. For example, I was very lucky in grad school to take a Bias Literacy class for attorneys, engineers, and medical professionals, where I learned about how women are perceived.

It took me taking that class to understand my own personality and how I contributed to misogyny, and I had to unlearn a lot of stuff about how I reacted to the world.

I am so fascinated by people’s history and stories. I try to make a concerted effort to connect with people on a personal level. I am working with people and spending more waking time with them than my family. Why wouldn’t I want to connect with them?

Key takeaways

Building meaningful relationships and lasting connections are very important to your career. You never know how it will shape your journey for the better. Learn how your own journey affects others, and make sure to work at a company that aligns with your values.

If this spotlight resonates with you and you have a story to share, DesignForce would love to hear from you.

You can reach out to me at wc@designforce.me!