Women in the Infrastructure Industry: Overcoming Challenges and Driving Change

Hi Everyone,

We need more young women in civil infrastructure! ?? I recently had the opportunity to meet Mackenzie App, an inspiring young professional in the civil infrastructure industry, particularly focused on assisting municipalities with water and wastewater challenges. With a family background in the sector—her father Mike App boasts nearly 30 years of experience—Mackenzie's journey is marked by resilience and innovation.

Her career path not only honors her family's legacy but also showcases her commitment to making a mark in a field where women have been traditionally underrepresented. Despite facing industry-specific challenges, Mackenzie's experiences highlight a positive shift towards a more inclusive environment, supported by many of her male colleagues.

Mackenzie's insights into the evolving nature of business development in the infrastructure sector are particularly noteworthy. She recognizes the significant impact of digital technologies, such as LinkedIn and virtual meetings, in reshaping professional networking and project collaboration. At the same time, she is acutely aware of the ongoing challenges like budget constraints and competition, advocating for innovative solutions and proactive asset management.

Her emphasis on the importance of building strong relationships with engineering firms underscores a key strategy for success in this dynamic industry. Mackenzie's story is not just a personal success tale but a reflection of the changing landscape of the infrastructure industry and the increasing involvement of women in shaping its future.

Episode Recap:

Welcome to the Infrastructure Hot Seat podcast, where we discuss the pressing issues surrounding infrastructure in America. In today's episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Mackenzie App, the East Coast Regional Manager for M.E. Simpson Co., Inc. . Mackenzie shared her insights and experiences as a woman in the infrastructure industry, shedding light on the challenges she has faced and the opportunities for growth and change.

The Journey into Infrastructure

Mackenzie's journey into the infrastructure industry was influenced by her father, who has been a water wastewater professional for nearly 30 years. Despite initially being hesitant to follow in her father's footsteps, Mackenzie found herself naturally drawn to environmental sciences in college. She explains, "I really didn't want to get into the industry…but I came out and here I am." Her upbringing and exposure to the industry from a young age provided her with a unique perspective and a solid foundation for her career.

The Changing Landscape

The infrastructure industry is currently undergoing significant changes, with new regulations and emerging technologies shaping the way cities and utilities operate. Mackenzie highlights the importance of staying up-to-date with these changes, stating, "We're at a big turning point with so much new regulation going on…it's a hard learning curve for me or anyone else in the industry." As the industry adapts to these changes, it presents both challenges and opportunities for professionals like Mackenzie to make a meaningful impact.

Navigating the Male-Dominated Industry

Being a woman in a male-dominated industry comes with its own set of challenges. Mackenzie acknowledges that while there have been instances of inappropriate behavior, they are the exception rather than the norm. She emphasizes, "Luckily, it is not the majority of men or individuals in this industry…everyone's there to really just have a good time, meet, connect, catch up." Mackenzie's positive experiences with the majority of her male colleagues demonstrate the industry's potential for inclusivity and collaboration.

Building Relationships and Overcoming Obstacles

As a business development professional, Mackenzie understands the importance of building relationships with potential customers and partners. She highlights the changing landscape of networking, with platforms like LinkedIn becoming increasingly valuable for ongoing conversations and connections. Mackenzie explains, "It's just kind of adapting with how things are changing and turning more digitally…you're not having those big sit-downs." While face-to-face interactions are still valuable, digital platforms offer new opportunities for continuous engagement and relationship-building.

The Budgetary Challenge

Budget constraints have always been a significant hurdle in the infrastructure industry. Mackenzie notes that budgets are slowly recovering from the impact of the pandemic, but there are still challenges ahead. She highlights the potential impact of earmarking on utilities' budgets, as state and local representatives allocate funds for specific projects. Mackenzie emphasizes the importance of capital planning and proactive investment in innovative technologies to optimize budget allocation and ensure long-term sustainability.

Overcoming Competition and Embracing Collaboration

Competition is a natural part of any industry, and the infrastructure sector is no exception. Mackenzie takes a collaborative approach, recognizing that there is space for everyone in the marketplace. She states, "There's a space for everyone here…there's no need to poo-poo someone because you think that you're better than them or your product is better than them." Mackenzie's focus on collaboration and partnership highlights the industry's potential for collective growth and innovation.

Engaging with Engineering Firms

Engineering firms play a crucial role in infrastructure projects, often acting as gatekeepers for decision-making processes. Mackenzie acknowledges the challenges of engaging with engineering firms, particularly in larger utilities where finding the right point person can be difficult. However, she emphasizes the importance of building relationships and finding common ground. Mackenzie explains, "We all get to win again…hopefully, down the road, we can be partners on a project."

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The infrastructure industry is at a pivotal point, with new regulations, emerging technologies, and changing demographics shaping its future. Women like Mackenzie App are driving change and overcoming challenges to make a meaningful impact in the industry. By building relationships, embracing collaboration, and staying ahead of the curve, professionals in the infrastructure sector can navigate the changing landscape and contribute to the development of sustainable and resilient communities.

As Mackenzie aptly puts it, "I think the next five years are going to be really exciting and a really pivotal point…we should all be excited, prepared, but excited."

To connect with Mackenzie App and learn more about her work in the infrastructure industry, you can reach her at [email protected] or connect with her on LinkedIn.

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At Bidcurement, we're revolutionizing the civil infrastructure landscape, not just by highlighting remarkable individuals like Mackenzie, but also by reinventing procurement and media strategies.

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Chad Smeltzer

CEO Bidcurement & The Infrastructure Network

Host The Infrastructure Hot Seat Podcast