Standing out, standing strong: A young engineer’s moment of recognition

By Lucy Stafford

When Rylee Donald stepped into the Engineers Australia Cairns Regional Group End of Year Gala Dinner, it marked more than a night of celebration. 

Fresh from completing her Bachelor of Civil and Humanitarian Engineering at CQUniversity, the event represented a transition point, from student to professional, and a moment of visibility in a field where women are still carving out space.

By the end of the evening, Rylee had been awarded the Engineers Australia President’s Commendation, recognition that affirmed both her academic achievements and her growing presence within the engineering profession.

“For me, engineering has always been about helping people,” Rylee said. 

“That’s why I chose the humanitarian major. I’m passionate about how engineering principles can be adapted to support communities in developing countries and make a real difference.”

That purpose-driven approach has shaped Rylee’s journey through university and into her new role as a graduate engineer with AECOM. 

Along the way, she has navigated the realities of being the only woman in her cohort, an experience that tested her confidence but also made her more determined. 

“Being the only girl meant I mainly dealt with men throughout my studies,” Rylee said. 

“You do face barriers, but I love seeing women in engineering because it shows how strong they are. Women in leadership roles show me that women can make amazing engineers, my supervisor is a woman and I love it.”

The annual Engineers Australia Cairns Regional Group Gala Dinner brings together students, graduates and industry leaders from across Far North Queensland, offering emerging engineers a chance to connect, reflect and be recognised by their professional peers.

“I was really excited to network and meet like-minded women at the Gala. It felt like a big step into the industry,” Rylee said. 

“Receiving the President’s Commendation made the night especially meaningful. I’m so honoured to have received it. 

“I’m definitely finishing the year on a high note and I’m very ready to start the new year as a graduate.”

The evening’s keynote address was delivered by Sonia Holzheimer, Principal Mechanical Engineer at SEQUAL Consulting Group and a CQUniversity alumnus, whose career has been built entirely in regional Queensland. 

From her early days as a graduate engineer to becoming a business owner and industry leader, Sonia’s journey reflects the power of mentorship, regional pathways and stepping into leadership before feeling fully ready.

“I didn’t follow a carefully planned pathway,” Sonia said. 

“I followed what I was good at, stayed curious and kept saying yes to opportunities that stretched me.”

She credited her time at CQUniversity with shaping that mindset, particularly the practical, work-integrated learning she gained through her co-op degree.

“CQU was a regional university filled with resilient and resourceful students,” Sonia said. 

"It gave me access to engineering in a way that felt grounded and achievable, and that mindset, valuing grit over glamour, has stayed with me throughout my career.”

As a woman in a male-dominated profession, Sonia spoke openly about the challenges she encountered and the importance of not diminishing herself to fit expectations.

“Leadership in engineering is about responsibility, clarity and service,” Sonia said. 

“But for women, it’s also about visibility, showing young women that their voice belongs here and that engineering is a place where they can lead with strength and authenticity.”

That message resonated strongly with students like Rylee, who could see her own aspirations reflected in Sonia’s story.

“It’s amazing to see how far we can go,” Rylee said. 

“I hope one day I can have a role as instrumental as Sonia’s.”

Looking ahead, Rylee hopes to build a career that combines technical excellence with advocacy and mentorship. Over the next decade, she aims to become a senior engineer, work towards her RPEQ and support young women entering the profession.

“I would love to mentor young women and show them how to be confident in a male-dominated industry,” Rylee said.

For both Rylee and Sonia, the gala dinner was a reminder that recognition matters, not only for individual achievement, but for what it makes visible to others. In a profession that shapes communities and futures, seeing women recognised, celebrated and leading openly sends a powerful message - there is space here and there is a path forward.