Yelena Rivera, P. E. Named Outstanding Young Civil Engineer

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), New Orleans Branch, has named Yelena Rivera, P.E. Outstanding Young Civil Engineer for 2019. Ms. Rivera was recognized for her tireless dedication to the engineering profession and for her work in advancing the goals set forth by ASCE at a special awards luncheon held on July 19th, 2019 in New Orleans.

Since 1995, the ASCE New Orleans Branch has annually recognized an Outstanding Young Civil Engineer. Recipients must be 35 years of age or younger, a member of ASCE Louisiana Section and a licensed Engineering Intern or Professional Engineer. The candidates are evaluated on their involvement in ASCE, service to the advancement to the civil engineering profession, service to the community outside of the field of engineering, technical accomplishment and other evidence of merit or character.

Summer Engineering Intern Kiara Horton works closely with Ms. Rivera in Fenstermaker’s New Orleans office and reflects on what it’s like to work with her. “Yelena has been an inspiration to me since the very first time I walked through Fenstermaker’s doors. As one of the first people I interacted with, it was comforting to see a woman engineer. Especially hearing her back story I was truly inspired. Additionally, she greeted me with such hospitality that I instantly felt at home. There have been many instances where Yelena has taken her time to explain things that I don’t understand and to give me advice either for school or bettering myself as an engineer. Even the smallest of conversations has made a great impact. I’m fairly quiet in the office and I don’t often say how much I appreciate her but I’m glad I have this opportunity to do so.  As I’ve grown to know Yelena, I can honestly say that she is a wonderful, intelligent and hardworking engineer who deserves everything that comes her way.”

New Orleans Operations Leader Newell Schindler, Jr., P.E. recognizes Ms. Rivera’s remarkable accomplishment. “Yelena is a well-deserving recipient of this outstanding award. She has tirelessly volunteered her time for the advancement of the engineering profession. She is a great team member and is a pleasure to work with. She is perpetually in great spirits and extremely organized with innate managerial skills. She is always eager to accept new challenges and a key ingredient to our client success and repeat business. I am sure this is just a stepping stone to her bright engineering future.”

We celebrate Ms. Rivera for utilizing her expertise, leadership skills and dedication to promote the integrity of the engineering profession and serving as a mentor to other  young engineers.

Ms. Rivera with family and co-workers on the day of the award luncheon. Left to right: Lauren Ortego, Newell Schindler, P.E., Kiara Horton, Ludivine Rivera (Ms. Rivera’s mother), Chris Roussel, Yelena Rivera, P.E., Moises Rivera (Ms. Rivera’s brother), Hector Rivera (Ms. Rivera’s father), Justin Guillot, E.I., Raymond Reaux, P.E.

Ms. Rivera with ASCE New Orleans Branch President Rob Delaune, P.E.