Women's History Month 2024 - Heike Shipton

I have been working for the City of Lake Oswego as a Civil Engineer in the Capital Improvement Projects group for just under two years. Most of my work consists of managing projects in the field of roadway/transportation. Starting with soliciting consultants, moving along from preliminary to final design and then managing the construction phase.

While I was studying Civil Engineering in Germany, I thought it would be a great experience to go and study abroad for a year. I heard of my acceptance into the study abroad program while backpacking through New Zealand. There, I met an American traveler who told me Oregon is a beautiful state, so this is how I chose Oregon. One year turned into forever.

The biggest influences in my life have always been smart, competent, personable people who know how to have honest conversations, work hard and get things done. No matter if women or men. Being in such a once male-dominated profession, I really admire women who have joined the workforce many decades ago and who have persevered in through many adverse conditions. Examples that come to mind are Marie Curie, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Angela Merkel. These women stayed true to themselves and their core values, common sense and what is right for humanity. Angela Merkel was a competent leader with a fact-based approach. She stayed true to her principles and pragmatism even when her decision was not always popular.

What advice would I give young women or my younger self? Be yourself and do not think of yourself as a woman but a competent, capable individual. Find out what you are good at and what motivates and excites you and follow that path. Find a mentor to guide you along the way and always keep on learning. Build strong relationships as it turns out to be a small world within most professions.  

Photo: Heike and her family enjoy hiking, traveling and exploring the world. This photo was taken on a beautiful day in the Gorge.