SME® Trailblazers: Together SME Rises – Elevating Women in Leadership
SME® | Published on March 3, 2025
For over 60 years, SME® has empowered passionate people in the Great Lakes region to build and revitalize our world. With over 400 Team Members, specializing in geotechnical engineering, environmental sciences, and construction engineering and testing, we recognize the historical gender imbalances in our field. We proudly acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable contributions of women who have become leaders at SME and throughout the industry. In the spirit of Women in Construction Week, we are proud to celebrate how Together We Rise.
Our journey to advance women in leadership has never been driven by goals or numbers. It has always been about placing the right people in the right positions. By providing growth and development opportunities, we empower our Team Members to shape their own careers. This commitment has led to an inspiring outcome—a class of women who have ascended through the ranks, driving SME forward, expanding their teams and regions, leading within the industry, and setting a stellar example for future leaders.
When we look around the room at SME, it’s inspiring to witness the remarkable achievements of our women colleagues. Leading the charge, we have Principals, operational Directors, Regional Leaders, Chief Consultants, and more than a dozen Business Unit, Group, and Team Leaders across our expansive three-state region that help drive strategy, lead our Team, and propel SME’s success in our industry. According to recent data, approximately 16-17% of civil engineers in the United States are women, meaning the majority of civil engineers are male. At SME, we are proud to acknowledge that we have at least 20% or more in our key leadership positions and an impressive 76% of our corporate team leaders are female. This significant representation is a testament to the focused effort SME has placed on attracting and elevating our Team into the right seats, capable of doing incredible work. The talent, dedication, and vision that these women bring to our organization, propels us towards a future of unparalleled success and innovation.
These women are not just leaders; they are passionately dedicated to making a difference with the teams, projects, and communities they help lead. Construction Today recently highlighted the role of mentorship and education in driving change and supporting progress for women in the construction industry. “Women who have been traditionally underrepresented in construction benefit from programs that foster connections with experienced leaders, provide hand-on training, and create pathways to leadership.” SME actively encourages career and professional development for all its Team. Through programs such as SME’s Build-A-Practice Program, Leadership Development Program, Women’s Resources Network affinity group, and our Co-op Program, more women can engage and explore their own path. The women in leadership at SME exemplify the culture of ownership that SME fosters, demonstrating day after day that with the right support and opportunities, anyone can rise to prominence and make a lasting impact.
Over the course of WIC Week and throughout 2025, we encourage you to follow along and meet some of the women who are helping lead the way at SME. To kick this series off, let us introduce you a few of the amazing women on our leadership team and share a glimpse into their inspiring journeys:
Laurel Johnson, SME Principal and Team Leader: Laurel’s visionary leadership and deep industry knowledge have been crucial in guiding SME towards new heights. Her ability to lead with empathy and clarity has inspired her team to achieve their full potential. Laurel’s contributions have been vital in expanding SME’s footprint and influence in the region.
Jami Sentz, SME Principal and Chief Human Resources Officer and member of the Executive Leadership team: Jami’s strategic HR initiatives have transformed SME’s workplace culture. Her focus on talent development, employee engagement, and diversity has created an empowering environment where everyone can flourish. Jami’s efforts have been instrumental in shaping a cohesive and motivated workforce.
Tiffany Vorhies, Director of Project Management, Business Unit Leader, Principal (and member of the Executive Leadership team): Tiffany has risen through her early involvement as a construction services professional to Group and Business Unit Leader and now leads our Project Management program of more than 160 project managers. Tiffany’s meticulous attention to detail and transformative project management skills have made her an indispensable asset. Her ability to streamline processes and foster collaboration has led to the successful execution of numerous high-profile projects, such as SME’s partnership with HNTB on MDOT’s Ancillary Project and University of Michigan’s Stadium. Her leadership style is both dynamic and inclusive, driving the Team towards excellence.
Alicia Nicholes, Director of Information Technology: As SME’s Director of IT, Alicia is the technological backbone of SME, working with her Team to ensure that the company stays ahead in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Her expertise in IT infrastructure and cybersecurity has fortified the company’s technological capabilities. Alicia’s forward-thinking approach has been pivotal in driving digital transformation within SME.
Megan Jacobs and Jamie Bates, Regional Leaders: Megan and Jamie’s regional leadership in Lansing, MI and Fort Wayne, IN has been marked by their unwavering dedication and strategic acumen. They have successfully navigated the challenges of growing and managing teams in their specific regions that serve across multiple locations. Their leadership fosters a sense of unity and purpose for the teams they lead. Their efforts have significantly contributed to SME’s regional growth and success.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to nurturing an environment where all our Team Members can thrive, innovate, and lead. The accomplishments of our female leaders serve as a testament to what can be achieved when talent is recognized and empowered, regardless of gender. Join us in celebrating the remarkable women of SME who are shaping the future of our industry and setting the stage for the next generation of leaders.
SME’s Women’s Resource Network is celebrating WIC Week paying it forward to the next generation of construction industry professionals. WRN is donating to local ACE Mentor programs in our service areas. ACE introduces high school students to careers in Architecture, Construction & Engineering, where they are mentored by industry professionals. If you would like to contribute to the program, please check out the following programs. ACE can use both your mentorship and your donations.
Lansing, MI – ACE Mentor Program of America
Detroit, MI – ACE Mentor Program of America
Grand Rapids, MI – ACE Mentor Program of America
Indianapolis, IN – ACE Mentor Program of America
Columbus, OH – ACE Mentor Program of America
Louisville, KY – ACE Mentor Program of America
Stay tuned throughout this week as we celebrate WIC week as an organization and share some of the stories of our women in construction!