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Decisions at the ballot box influence policies that support engineering standards and public safety.The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) is pleased to recognize thirteen talented professionals who recently completed the Society’s Emerging Leaders Program. This diverse group of young professionals was selected from around the country to take part in an intensive, unique enterprise designed to equip them as leaders in the engineering field.
Meet Your 2024 NSPE Emerging Leaders
- Arjun Bir, P.E.
(Atlanta, GA) - Joseph Breder, P.E.
(Moorestown, NJ) - Dr. Carlos Cabrera
(Indianapolis, IN) - Arnold Eng, P.E.
(Los Alamos, TX) - Khalid Hachil, P.E.
(Hauppauge, NY) - Tyrenny Hidy, P.E.
(Lakewood, CO) - Jared Keller, P.E.
(Holidaysburg, PA) - Scott McNally, P.E.
(Marietta, GA) - Jacy Nichols, P.E.
(Greenville, SC) - Tyler Payton, P.E.
(Gallup, NM) - Joshua Peeler, P.E.
(Charlotte, NC) - Rachel Prato, E.I.T.
(Pipersville, PA) - Shweta Rao, P.E.
(Fort Worth, TX)
Arjun Bir, P.E.
Arjun Bir is a Building Enclosure Consultant and Structural Engineer at Raymond, where he excels in combining technical expertise with leadership acumen. With a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology, graduating with Highest Honors, Arjun brings diverse experience in engineering projects and recently earned his P.E. license. His professional journey is marked by his dedication to promoting inclusivity and collaboration within his teams, emphasizing the importance of empathy, active listening, and recognizing the strengths of each team member.
Arjun’s leadership philosophy centers on empowering others and leading by example with integrity and resilience. He has successfully led engineering projects, a non-profit, a startup, and two published academic trials. Through the NSPE Emerging Leaders Program, Arjun aimed to deepen his self-awareness, enhance his strategic thinking, and build a network of like-minded professionals. His goal is to develop as a well-rounded leader who can make a positive and lasting impact on both his career and the lives of those around him. Arjun's commitment to personal and professional growth drives him to continuously seek opportunities that foster his development as a leader in the engineering field.
Joseph Breder, P.E.
Joseph Breder, a seasoned Mechanical Engineer at STV, Inc. who believes that effective leadership is crucial for team success. With a background in mechanical engineering and HVAC systems, Joseph understands the importance of providing resources and support to achieve project goals. He emphasizes the significance of leading by example, demonstrating the qualities he expects from his team members, and fostering an approachable environment where strong listening skills are valued.
Joseph is committed to learning from industry leaders to enhance his own leadership qualities and mentorship skills. As a licensed Professional Engineer, he is dedicated to providing guidance and feedback to new engineers entering the field, ensuring their professional growth and development. Through the NSPE Emerging Leaders Program, Joseph aimed to further hone his leadership abilities and contribute positively to his team and the engineering community as a whole.
Dr. Carlos Cabrera
Dr. Carlos Cabrera, an Associate Professor and Dean of the School of Engineering at Ivy Tech College, brings over a decade of leadership experience to the table. With a doctorate in engineering and a background in electrical engineering focusing on power systems, Carlos has held key roles such as Chairperson of the IEEE Broward Section and Vice Chairperson of the IEEE Florida Council. Currently serving as an ABET Commissioner and Program Evaluator, he is committed to upholding quality education standards in engineering programs.
Carlos sees leadership as a commitment to inspiring, guiding, and empowering individuals toward meaningful goals, rooted in resilience and adaptability. He aims to leverage the NSPE Emerging Leaders Program to foster personal growth and take on leadership roles driving positive change. With a focus on collaboration, he looks forward to utilizing the program's curriculum and networking opportunities to address challenges and lead teams toward success, confident that the connections formed will endure beyond the program.
Arnold Eng, P.E.
Arnold Eng, a Nuclear Facilities Systems Engineer at Los Alamos National Laboratory, brings unique experience in systems engineering to his role. With a diverse academic background encompassing Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, and Systems Engineering, Arnold's career has been marked by a commitment to challenging the status quo and driving transformative change. He views leadership as being an agent of change, advocating for rigorous standards and fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued.
Arnold's dual roles as Lead Systems Engineer and Chair for an Employee Resource Group at LANL underscore his dedication to driving positive changes within his organization. As he embarks on the NSPE Emerging Leaders Program, Arnold seeks to enhance his leadership capabilities further. By honing his soft skills and gaining insights into team development and meaningful dialogue, he aims to transition from intuitive leadership to a more decisive and strategic approach. With a focus on leveraging his newfound knowledge to propel his team's recognition and drive administrative changes, Arnold is poised to make a lasting impact both within LANL and the broader engineering community.
Khalid Hachil, P.E.
Khalid Hachil, an accomplished P.E., MSEE, LEED AP BD+C, Electrical Engineer at Stantec, and FE Electrical and Computer Engineering Instructor at PPI2Pass; perceives leadership as a profound responsibility rather than a mere title. Drawing inspiration from military leaders like Theodore Roosevelt and acclaimed authors such as Dale Carnegie and Chris Matthews, he champions a leadership style rooted in trust, communication, and delegation. Khalid’s impressive accomplishments include 2023 Long Island Business News 30 Under 30 Award, 2024 Huntington Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals 30 Under 30 Award, 2024 EC&M 30 Under 30 Award, 2024 Healthcare Hero, 2024 NYSSPE Young Engineer of the Year, 2024 Long Island Business News Rising Star in Engineering, and now 2024 NSPE Emerging Leader. His commitment to excellence extends beyond accolades; he is an active member of the National Society of Professional Engineers, the United States Green Building Council Long Island Chapter, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and the American Council of Engineering Companies.
Participating in the Emerging Leaders program gave Khalid the opportunity to refine his communication skills, strengthen his ability to delegate effectively in order to transition into a project management role. Equipped with a blend of experience, inspiration from military philosophy, and insights from renowned authors, he seeks to embody the qualities of a true leader—someone who not only guides teams towards common goals but also empowers individuals to thrive in their professional endeavors.
Tyrenny Hidy, P.E.
Tyrenny Hidy is a Senior Project Engineer with Avangrid Renewables, specializing in electrical engineering, with a background in substation design, wind and solar farm collection design, and system impact studies. Based in Lakewood, CO, she holds a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering and is a licensed P.E. Tyrenny views leadership as an opportunity to build people up and guide them toward their goals, leveraging her team's strengths and weaknesses to meet success metrics. She believes in clear communication, setting expectations, and listening to team needs while maintaining honesty and humility. Her leadership approach involves recognizing when to ask for help and offering assistance to others, showing her team that she is there to serve their needs and help them thrive.
As the first in her family to attend college and pursue a professional career, Tyrenny has always pushed herself to achieve higher goals while embracing her love of learning. She is focused on becoming a leader both professionally and personally, particularly through her volunteer work with her local library foundation. Tyrenny believes the NSPE Emerging Leaders Program will significantly impact her career and community involvement, providing new tools and perspectives to enhance her leadership skills. She looks forward to gaining knowledge and continuing her journey of learning and growth.
Jared Keller, P.E.
Jared Keller is a dedicated Civil Engineer at Keller Engineers, Inc., specializing in civil, environmental, and infrastructure engineering. With 7-8 years of experience, he holds a B.S. degree in Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering and is a licensed P.E. Jared is based in Hollidaysburg, PA, and actively participates in the PSPE Johnstown Chapter. His professional journey has been shaped by his commitment to innovative and sustainable design solutions, which he applies to a range of public and private sector projects.
Jared’s leadership approach is grounded in servant leadership, where he prioritizes the growth and well-being of his team. He believes that true leadership involves humility, respect, and fostering an environment of open collaboration. Jared is keen on learning from both his elders and peers to build upon the foundation laid by his father at Keller Engineers. Through the Emerging Leaders Program, he seeks to enhance his leadership skills, focusing on effective communication, strategic thinking, and team empowerment. Jared is excited to connect with fellow leaders and apply his new insights to drive the continued success and innovation of Keller Engineers. Using the skills learned from this program, he aims to develop strategies to lead his team effectively, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of engineering excellence.
Scott McNally, P.E.
Scott McNally is the Engineering Services-GA Department Manager at Croy Engineering, where he specializes in civil site projects. With a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering and a P.E. license, Scott has developed a strong foundation in engineering and leadership. Based in Marietta, GA, he is an active member of the Georgia Society of Professional Engineers (GSPE). Scott believes that good leadership involves bringing a team together and motivating them to achieve common goals, while great leadership inspires people to perform at their highest capacity. He emphasizes the importance of leading by example, ensuring his team has the tools they need to grow both personally and professionally.
As a young department manager, Scott is committed to enhancing his leadership techniques and building trust within his team. His leadership philosophy is influenced by his high school baseball coach, who demonstrated attention to detail, modesty, and a focus on individual improvement. Scott aims to apply these principles to his management style, striving to give credit to his team members and paying close attention to detail. Through the Emerging Leaders Program, he hopes to gain practical tools to coach and inspire his team, learn best practices from peers, and continue to positively contribute to his organization and personal development.
Jacy Nichols, P.E.
Jacy Nichols is a dedicated Project Manager and Licensed Professional Engineer at Engineering Design Services, Inc. (EDSI) in Greenville, SC. With a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and eight years of experience in the manufacturing industry, Jacy has developed expertise in heat transfer, HVAC design, and the design of industrial baghouse systems. In her current role, she operates as the primary customer interface, overseeing projects from initial design to implementation. Jacy is known for her ability to solve complex problems and deliver reliable results for her clients, which underscores her commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.
Jacy's leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that leadership is fundamentally about serving others. She emphasizes the importance of being present with her team, ensuring they have the necessary tools to succeed, and prioritizing their needs above her own. Jacy believes that successful leaders focus on the personal growth and development of their team members, fostering an environment where individuals feel supported, empowered, and encouraged to tackle challenges and take risks. Her participation in the NSPE Emerging Leaders Program reflects her commitment to continuous learning and her aspiration to grow alongside like-minded engineers.
Tyler Payton, P.E.
Tyler Payton is a Professional Engineer at DePauli Engineering and Surveying, LLC, based in Gallup, NM. With a background in Civil Engineering and a master's degree in Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, Tyler is a licensed P.E. and an active member of the New Mexico Society of Professional Engineers and the San Juan Basin Chapter. Tyler believes that leadership involves turning anticipation and decision-making into tangible results. He emphasizes that a leader must accept the possibility of failure and act with purpose to ensure the correct actions are taken to achieve the desired outcome.
Tyler is eager to enhance his leadership skills with lessons learned through the Emerging Leaders Program, aiming to become a better professional engineer and engage with peers on engineering challenges faced by licensed professionals nationwide. He values the opportunity to learn from others' experiences and discuss solutions to common problems in the engineering field. As a graduate of this program, Tyler hopes to apply new insights and strategies that will help him lead more effectively and contribute positively to his team and the engineering community.
Joshua Peeler, P.E.
Joshua Peeler is a Lead Engineer at Duke Energy in Charlotte, NC, where he specializes in Transmission Engineering within the utility sector. With a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering and a Professional Engineer license, Joshua focuses on civil and electrical design standards for new and existing electrical substations. His role as the technical lead involves ensuring that these critical infrastructures meet electrical and structural design requirements to provide safe and resilient power to Duke Energy customers. Joshua is committed to his professional growth and has been inspired to pursue further leadership development through the NSPE Emerging Leaders Program.
Joshua's philosophy of leadership revolves around inspiring, encouraging, advocating for, and guiding peers towards a unified focus. He emphasizes the importance of leadership beyond mere management, advocating for a model that fosters innovation and prevents burnout. Joshua is eager to apply strategies learned through the Emerging Leaders Program, with a goal to mentor and support his colleagues' professional growth. He believes that focusing on individual development will drive innovation and success within his team and the wider professional community. Additionally, Joshua aims to apply the leadership skills gained from the program to his personal life, emphasizing that effective leadership begins at home.
Rachel Prato, E.I.T.
Rachel Prato is a Staff Engineer III at Earthres Group, Inc., specializing in Environmental Engineering. With a master's degree in Environmental Engineering, Rachel brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. She has served as a panelist speaker at the PSPE Conference and believes that leadership involves bringing out the best in others to achieve company goals. Her approach to leadership emphasizes technical and interpersonal skills, including listening, empathy, positivity, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She is dedicated to investing in her team and nurturing their growth and development, recognizing that success is not solely based on individual accomplishments but on the collective progress of the team.
As the first in her family to receive a college education, Rachel is also a small business co-founder and owner. She is eager to enhance her leadership skills to advance both her career and business while breaking barriers for her family and fellow female professionals. Rachel values her positive qualities as an introvert, such as being a good listener and empathetic during one-on-one interactions and leveraged the Emerging Leaders Program to strengthen her abilities in delivering criticism and enhancing her leadership presence. Having completed a sales training course that taught her about self-limiting beliefs, Rachel is keen to continue developing her soft skills. She believes that her participation the NSPE's Emerging Leaders Program will aid in her professional growth and improve her leadership abilities.
Shweta Rao, P.E.
Shweta Rao is a Senior Professional Engineer at the City of Fort Worth, specializing in Transportation Engineering. She boasts an educational background in Civil Engineering and Transportation Engineering and has been an active member of the TSPE Fort Worth Chapter since 2018, holding various roles such as Director of Education, MATHCOUNTS Chair, Treasurer, and currently President Elect. Her involvement in TSPE has allowed her to develop a strong foundation in leadership and community engagement.
Shweta believes in the importance of leadership both in professional and personal settings. She views leadership as guiding and inspiring others while adapting to different perspectives and dynamics. Shweta's approach emphasizes problem-solving, conflict resolution, and continuous self-improvement. She strives to lead by example, ensuring her team feels valued and motivated. Shweta’s journey has been shaped by mentors and colleagues who have demonstrated diverse leadership styles, inspiring her to discover and refine her own. Her participation in the NSPE's Emerging Leaders Program was focused on further enhancing her leadership skills, gaining new insights, and continuing her professional growth while contributing positively to her team and community.