
It Takes a Village: Surviving the Balancing Act
Read the latest column presented in Deep Foundations magazine by the Women in Deep Foundations Committee.
The Women in Deep Foundations (WiDF) Committee was established in 2014, comprising both Women and Men representing all industry stakeholders to support women working in any capacity in the foundation industry. Since issues that affect women in the industry affect other minority or underrepresented participants, the committee welcomes and enjoys a diverse membership. The essential involvement of male committee members fosters understanding and awareness and sharing of experiences to effect real and broad industry change. DFI memberships for students are free and students are welcomed and encouraged to participate in all DFI and WiDF programs.
Lucky Nagarajan
Giken America
[email protected]
Lucky Nagarajan has over 15 years of geotechnical engineering experience and is a General Manager for Giken America, a construction solution engineering company and leading manufacturer of specialty equipment known as Silent Piler. She manages staff and challenging deep foundation projects in the United States, Canada, and South America. Lucky is the Chair of DFI’s Women in Deep Foundations committee, Co-Chair of DFI of India’s Support Committee, and a DFI Trustee. She is the Co-Founder of Metro NYC WIDF and DFI of India WIDF Groups. She serves on ASCE Task Committees “Building a Civil Engineering Team” (TCBCET) and Advisory/Steering Members “Innovative Technologies and Tools in Geotechnical Engineering: (INNC).
To enhance professional development opportunities for women in the deep foundations industry.
The WiDF program creates networking, mentoring, and professional development programs that support career readiness and growth and raises awareness of career opportunities in geotechnical engineering and deep foundations design and construction.
October 31 – November 3, 2023 – Seattle, Washington
February 16, 2023 – New York City
This 5-minute video produced by the DFI Women in Deep Foundations (WiDF) Committee answers the question: “What is the geotechnical field?” The video features dynamic and engaging DFI members as they take you from the office to project sites and through the many roles available in the geotechnical field including designing, supplying specialty equipment, managing, constructing and more.
Pairs young professionals who are new to the industry with seasoned-conference attendees who are familiar, helpful, and supportive companions. Please email [email protected] to participate.
Beaded name tag lanyards worn by men and women as visible signs of support for the WiDF program. The lanyards attract many questions – especially for male wearers – which provide opportunities to open a conversation about and show support for women in the industry. Over 300 lanyards are in circulation now, and proceeds support the WiDF program.
Organized at DFI conferences and include a variety of structured networking activities that encourage meeting new people and learning about other opportunities in the industry. Frequent regional networking receptions are also held.
Encouraging students to explore STEM fields with an emphasis on what WiDF love: the geotechnical field! Resume critiquing, mock interviews, and other programs in the works.
In progress
Professional development skills workshops and a mentoring program aimed at establishing, maintaining, and growing women’s confidence in the industry, improving communication and negotiation skills, providing access to mentors, career path guidance and highlighting corporate women’s initiatives.
In progress
Read the latest column presented in Deep Foundations magazine by the Women in Deep Foundations Committee.
DFI 5-Year WiDF Anniversary Presentation.