Opening doors to inclusive engineering: Connico hosts international students

At Connico, we believe the future of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) industries is strengthened when we open our doors to diverse voices and perspectives. In July, we had the privilege of hosting two remarkable students, Balqees from Jordan and Israe from Morocco, through the U.S. Department of State’s TechGirls program. This international exchange initiative, supported by the World Affairs Council of Cincinnati, connects young women from across the globe with hands-on experiences in STEM, helping to empower the next generation of leaders in the field.

Our participation in the program is more than a one-time visit; it’s part of our ongoing commitment to creating space and opportunity for all people to see themselves in this industry. Hosting students like Balqees and Israe reflects our belief that mentorship and early exposure are key to building a more inclusive and innovative future in infrastructure.

This opportunity was made possible by one of Connico’s standout analysts, Veronica Takacs. As a former STEM-curious student and Connico’s first-ever intern, Veronica brought unique empathy and knowledge to host these students, creating an experience that would open their eyes and help guide them toward careers they could love. 

Making STEM dreams become reality

Veronica set out to immerse Balqees and Israe in a realistic two-day experience, offering a glimpse into life as an analyst or engineer. Few mentors would take the time to design such an in-depth opportunity. By going beyond the typical shadowing experience, she gave them a rare, hands-on look at their potential career paths ahead. In her early days, Veronica remembered her shock when learning that most engineers work in an office, answering emails, and drawing shapes on a screen. She led the women through internal coordination meetings, construction plans, and a design team meeting. 

Beyond the day-to-day, it was also important to showcase the more dynamic aspects of her role. Veronica’s crash course taught them about Connico’s team values, facilitated conversations with our longest-tenured female team member, Lisa Heckendorn-Blake, and CDO, Dave Hunley, and included a specially arranged private tour of CVG Airport's Concourse A Apron Rehabilitation project. “Who doesn't love seeing an aircraft whizz around while an excavator chops away at a 19-inch-thick slab of pavement?” Veronica said about the experience.

Designing a life, not just a job

The journey to finding a fulfilling career includes reflecting on what you want out of your life. Instead of simply being a tour guide, Veronica offered the students genuine mentorship, encouraging them to envision their ideal lives alongside their careers. 

Veronica shared a snapshot from their conversations: 

“The field you choose to study is just one of dozens of choices you make when it comes to a career. Not only that, but your career is just one of many pieces of your life. I wanted to show them that their worth as individuals – and as women – is defined by far more than their intelligence and academic ability.” 

By sharing questions to consider, Veronica helped her mentees make informed choices about their careers, taking into account the whole future, not just one piece of the puzzle. 

“Do you prefer flexibility in the hours you work?” asked Veronica. “Do you value a high salary above all else? What city do you want to live in? When you want to start a family, will your employer offer support in that goal? Will your job make it difficult to give attention to family, or vice versa?”

Finding the role – and the company – that understands your worth

One of the biggest influences on the quality of your life and career is the employer you choose. The right organization will align with your values, support your growth, and respect the balance between your professional and personal priorities.

“I may not have my name inscribed on a bridge somewhere, but I am definitely valued by my employer,” Veronica shared with the students. “ I know I will be supported as I navigate through all the stages of life. I was very fortunate to find the best of both worlds: an industry where my intelligence is valued, and an employer where my individuality, learning style, sense of humor, compassion, and all the other things that make me a woman are equally valued.”

Striving to be the best place to work

Career satisfaction isn’t determined solely by the work itself; it’s also shaped by your organization’s culture and values. A great workplace recognizes the whole person, valuing curiosity, empathy, and growth alongside technical expertise.

Connico’s goal is simple: to be the best place to work. That means fostering a culture where every team member feels seen and valued, both within our walls and beyond them. The opportunity to host Balqees and Israe through the TechGirls program provided an immersive look at engineering in action, offering two future STEM leaders a tangible sense of the profession. 

By connecting classroom learning to real-world experiences, we helped spark a deeper understanding of engineering as a career. And, in doing so, we gave our own team the chance to invest in something bigger than themselves – because being the best place to work means opening doors for others, too.