March 7, 2025
International Women's Day: Jennie Shield, MEM
Celebrating the power of women in shaping a sustainable future! This International Women's Day, we honor the engineers, scientists, and change makers driving innovation in environmental solutions. We wanted to take a moment to feature one of the incredible members of the Great Ecology team, Jennie Shield, MEM, our Western Regional Director.
What inspired you to pursue a career in career in the environmental space?
For me, it has always been about the people. The environmental field is filled with individuals who bring an inspiring blend of passion, technical expertise, and dedication to their work. Being surrounded by such driven professionals motivates me to keep learning, growing, and contributing to meaningful change. Their commitment to solving complex challenges and making a positive impact keeps me engaged and excited about the work we do every day.
How do you think women specifically can drive positive change in the sustainability and environmental sectors?
In my experience, women are incredibly adaptable—a quality that makes us uniquely positioned to drive positive change in the rapidly evolving sustainability and environmental sectors. Our ability to navigate complex challenges, embrace innovation, and bring diverse perspectives to problem-solving allows us to lead transformative solutions.
Can you share a project or accomplishment you're particularly proud of in your career?
One of my proudest accomplishments is my decision to pursue a graduate degree while working full-time. Balancing both was a challenging but rewarding experience that pushed me to grow both personally and professionally. I’m especially proud that I had the confidence to take on this challenge and the perseverance to see it through, proving to myself what I’m truly capable of.
What initiatives do you think are essential to encourage more women to join and thrive in STEM fields like environmental engineering?
Encouraging more women to enter and thrive in STEM fields requires a multi-faceted approach. First, we need to highlight the diversity of career paths available, showcasing the wide range of opportunities beyond traditional roles. Representation matters and increasing the visibility of successful women in STEM through mentorship, networking, and storytelling can help break down barriers and inspire the next generation.
Additionally, workplace policies that support flexible work arrangements and promote work-life balance are essential for retention and career growth, for women and men alike. Fostering inclusive environments where women feel valued, heard, and supported—through leadership development programs, equitable pay structures, and family-friendly policies—can make a significant impact. By creating a culture of belonging and opportunity, we can ensure that more women not only enter STEM fields but also thrive and lead within them.
