Meet Tahimi Velazquez!
Meet Tahimi Velazquez, a Civil Estimator at Ryan Incorporated Southern in Florida. Originally from Cuba, Tahimi's journey into civil engineering has been shaped by determination, resilience, and a passion for building the infrastructure that connects our communities. From navigating the challenges of immigrating to the United States while pursuing her degree to balancing a successful career with motherhood, she has continuously embraced growth and perseverance. In this feature, Tahimi shares her story, the lessons she has learned along the way, and the advice she hopes will inspire the next generation of women in civil engineering and construction.
Quick facts:
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Location: Florida, US
What inspired her to join this field?
“My journey into Civil Engineering and Construction began when I was 18. I was about to finish high school, and I was still uncertain about which career path to pursue. I remember my parents presuming my grades and encouraging me to consider becoming the first doctor or a lawyer in the family, but something inside me always knew that was not it. One day, I attended a conference featuring speakers from various engineering disciplines. I was truly amazed by all the brain power, dedication, and effort that go into building all the infrastructure around us. I was fascinated by how interconnected Civil is with all other engineering disciplines and its impact on nearly every aspect of the world around us. From that moment on, I knew that I wanted to become a civil engineer.”
What challenges has she faced, and how has she overcome them?
“One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced recently has been finding a healthy work-life balance while continuing to grow professionally and being present for my three-year-old son. Before becoming a mom, working extended hours was never a problem for me. However, after my son was born, coming home late no longer felt right, and I had to reflect on how much I was willing to sacrifice.
To overcome this challenge, I became more intentional with how I manage my time at work. I learned to prioritize tasks more effectively, delegate when needed, and communicate honestly about timelines instead of automatically staying late to finish everything.
Another important step was accepting that, as a working mom, there will be small moments I may miss. Instead of focusing on that guilt, I’ve learned to value the quality of the time I spend with my son and make those moments meaningful. At the same time, I enjoy being able to slowly share parts of my professional journey and experiences with him as he grows. This experience has taught me the importance of balance, boundaries, and being fully present both at work and at home.”
What’s something she is proud of in her career?
“I take great pride in my professional journey, which began with performing material takeoffs and eventually led me to become an estimator for large-scale civil projects. Along the way, I have earned the respect and trust of colleagues and clients through my work ethic, hard work, and commitment. I am also very proud to represent Latin American professionals in a field where diversity and representation continue to grow.”
What does being a Girl in Civil mean to her?
“Being a Girl in Civil means being part of an organization that helps create a stronger presence for women in the construction and engineering industry. It represents the opportunity to break barriers, provide support for other women, and show the world that women have an important place in this field.”
What advice does she give to others entering the field or those needing encouragement to stay?
“Civil Engineering and Construction is, in my opinion, one of the most demanding professional environments, and the early stages will often be the most challenging for those entering the field. In the beginning, you will learn through experience and mistakes, and you will often be the person asking questions that may seem like common knowledge to those who have been in the industry for many years. At times, this can feel discouraging, but it is important to remember that everyone started there. My advice is to never stop asking questions and searching for answers.
Also, make sure you are part of a team and work environment that supports you. Having mentors, supportive colleagues, and people willing to guide you can make a significant difference in your professional journey. With time, your knowledge and confidence will continue to develop. One day, you will be able to drive through town, look at a building or piece of infrastructure, and proudly say, “I was part of the development of that project.” That feeling of contributing to something meaningful makes all the hard work and sacrifice worthwhile.”
“Moving from Cuba to the United States in the middle of earning my degree was another big challenge I faced. The transition required me to pause my studies for two years while I adapted to a completely new environment, learned a new language, and rebuilt stability in my life. I had to work full-time during the day and study part-time at night. There were moments when I felt exhausted and questioned whether I would be able to finish my degree. To keep moving forward, I learned to focus on one day at a time and appreciate the small achievements along the way. I was also fortunate to meet incredible people in the engineering and construction industry who guided, supported, and encouraged me throughout the process. This experience taught me that challenges are a natural part of life and can often seem impossible to overcome at first. However, with determination, perseverance, and sacrifice, even the most difficult obstacles become smaller over time.”
