Recognizing Careers and Contributions for Women in Mining and Landfills
Grace Herrmann, PE, Project Engineer, and Amy Isenberg, Marketing Manager will moderate the panel session titled “Dirt, Diamonds, and Dumpsters: Careers You Didn’t See Coming” at WE25, the annual conference hosted by the Society of Women Engineers taking place in New Orleans, Louisiana on October 23 through 25, 2025. Adrienne Thibeault, PG, Senior Geologist, will also be present to discuss several engineering positions and a construction observer opening that DBS&A is actively recruiting for. Learn more about career opportunities at DBS&A and throughout the GLA companies here.
In the panel session, representatives from the New Mexico Abandoned Mine Land Program, Waste Connections, and Freeport-McMoRan will discuss how modern landfills and mining operations rely on cutting-edge engineering, environmental science, and technology to ensure safety, efficiency, and sustainability. This session explores the technical side of these industries, highlighting how women drive innovation in waste containment, methane capture, geotechnical engineering, and site remediation. Learn about careers in landfill design, mining operations, environmental monitoring, and regulatory compliance. Discover how advancements in GIS mapping, leachate management, and waste-to-energy systems are shaping the future of sustainability. Through real-world experiences from industry professionals, this session will provide insight into the challenges and opportunities in these fields and how women are making a lasting impact. Whether you’re interested in engineering or environmental science, this session will help you understand the technical skills and career paths that keep these essential industries running.
Learning Objectives include:
- Identify career opportunities in landfills and mining.
- Recognize the contributions of women in these fields.
- Describe the educational pathways and certifications available to these industries.