On this episode of the 21st Century Engineer, we welcome trailblazer Eileen Vélez Vega, PE, MSCE, a civil engineer and aviation specialist who made history as Puerto Rico’s first female Secretary of Transportation and Public Works.In conversation with Dr. Dennis Truxillo, Eileen shares the realities of leading public infrastructure projects in the wake of Hurricane Maria, the COVID-19 pandemic, and economic restructuring — and what engineers and consultants need to understand about value-based pricing, government partnerships, and designing for long-term sustainability.They also dive into:What it really takes to stay in the AEC industry as a Latina engineer and working momWhy engineering firms must rethink support systems for womenHow to advocate for maintenance budgets in political environmentsWhy good consulting isn’t cheap — and shouldn’t beHow Kimley-Horn’s “Lift” program supports women in engineering careersPlease subscribe and help spread the word.