Meet Tiaja Harley!
Meet Tiaja Harley, a Baltimore-based cost engineer with Clark/Stacy Witbeck, A Joint Venture. With more than a decade of experience managing multimillion-dollar FRA and FTA projects, Tiaja has built a career rooted in precision, structure, and impact. Beyond her technical work, she is also a notary public, entrepreneur, and advocate for financial literacy, creating pathways for others through her platform Notaries + Numbers.
From setting her sights on engineering as early as eighth grade to achieving every one of her career goals in her 20s, Tiaja has proven that resilience and vision go hand in hand. She embodies what it means to be both a leader in civil engineering and a role model for women, mothers, and entrepreneurs balancing ambition with purpose.
In this feature, she shares her journey, the challenges she’s overcome, and her perspective on what it truly means to be a Girl in Civil.
Let’s get to know her story!
Quick facts:
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Location: Baltimore, MD
What inspired her to join this field?
“I’ve known I wanted to be an engineer since 8th grade. I’ve always loved problem-solving, working on real-world projects, and seeing tangible results from my efforts. Civil Engineering—especially in construction management—gave me the opportunity to combine my analytical skills with my passion for infrastructure and making a long-term impact on communities.”
What challenges has she faced, and how has she overcome them?
“One of the biggest challenges has been balancing my demanding career with being a mother and growing multiple businesses. I’ve also faced moments of imposter syndrome in male-dominated spaces. I overcame these by building a strong support system, staying grounded in my goals, and reminding myself that I belong in every room I walk into. Time management and setting clear boundaries have also been key.”
What’s something she is proud of in her career?
“I’m proud of hitting every single one of my 20s career goals: earning two degrees in civil engineering, managing multimillion-dollar FRA/FTA projects, and launching a successful notary business. I’m especially proud of showing other moms and women of color that they can thrive in technical fields and be successful entrepreneurs.”
What does being a Girl in Civil mean to her?
“It means being resilient, resourceful, and revolutionary. It’s about showing up authentically, breaking barriers, and paving the way for the next generation of women in STEM. Being a “Girl in Civil” is both a badge of honor and a responsibility—to inspire, uplift, and represent.”
What advice does she give to others entering the field or those needing encouragement to stay?
“Don’t let the hard days make you forget why you started. Find your tribe, ask questions, and never stop learning. Your unique voice, perspective, and skill set are needed in this field. Engineering isn’t just about math—it’s about leadership, innovation, and impact. You belong here.”
She founded “Notaries + Numbers” to promote financial literacy and side hustle strategies for mothers and aspiring entrepreneurs, aiming to inspire others to pursue their passions and achieve stability.
