Meet the Board: Ricardo Peña

How has ASCE helped you in your career?

ASCE has been a foundation to the understanding of civil engineering. In college it provided resources for studying, engaging conversation from industry professionals, and a community of like-minded individuals that were always happy to help one another. Now, as a professional myself, it helps create a network that shares knowledge and engages in the betterment of the communities we service. Overall it has allowed me to be more connected with my passion to help our infrastructure and learn about how others are achieving the same goal.

What do you love most about being a civil engineer?

I love that the things we design impact the lives of millions of people, most of whom will never know the thought and care behind them. Our work is meant to go unnoticed by those we serve, seamlessly supporting their everyday lives. We create solutions that provide peace of mind, such as clean water, smooth roads, and safe environments for communities to thrive.

When did you know you wanted to be a civil engineer?

I knew I wanted to be a civil engineer when I was around the age of 10 because I would stare out of the window of the car and pay attention to  all the infrastructure on the road and ask my parents constantly about what each sign meant, why some roads went faster than others, why we needed bridges, and what the big towers (Elevated Storage Tanks) where for. Some questions my parents could answer and the ones they couldn’t were the ones that made me even more interested.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I enjoy traveling, watching sports, and cooking!

What would your superpower be?

If I could have super speed like the flash, I would travel everywhere in the world!

Mountains or beach?

Mountains! I enjoy doing something physically challenging and also being able to enjoy the beauty of the nature that’s existed for millions of years.