Geoprofessional Women's Group

Geoprofessional Women's Group

Summary:

The GBA Geoprofessional Women's Group (GWG) podcast features a panel of women with 5–30+ years of experience discussing the group's founding, purpose, and vision. GWG aims to address ongoing isolation, retention, and leadership gaps for women in the geoprofessional industry. Panelists discuss mentorship, career pivots, work-life balance, imposter syndrome, and the power of cross-firm networking. The group, already 40 members strong, aspires to become a recognized resource for women's leadership in the AEC industry.

Takeaways:

Women still frequently face isolation, even as industry gender gaps narrow

Dedicated peer networks improve retention more than internal firm resources alone

Mentorship across career stages benefits mentors and mentees equally

Career pivots are normal and do not represent failure or wasted experience

Parenthood builds transferable leadership skills, not career liabilities

Imposter syndrome often signals growth, not inadequacy

Women tend to understate accomplishments; visibility requires intentional practice

In-person connection builds trust virtual meetings cannot easily replicate