top of page

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

As part of our Member Appreciation Program, we are showcasing a member in our monthly Board Member Spotlight. Our member spotlight recognizes members for their outstanding contributions to the profession and our local communities. For any questions regarding the program please email PastPresident@ymf-oc.org.

October/November

2025

INTRODUCING

Calista Wong

EIT

Engineering Designer, Buildings
TYLin
Community Service Chair
ASCE Orange County Younger Member Forum

PERSONAL LIFE

Where did you grow up?
Irvine, California

What made you want to become an engineer?
I've always been fascinated with structures and building design, and wanted to know how to custom design my own house if it comes to it one day.

Favorite hobbies, sports, and interests outside of engineering?
I love swimming, playing pickleball, exploring new cafes and restaurants, spending time with friends and family, traveling overseas, and taking lots (I do mean LOTS!) of polaroids.

Finish this sentence: On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me...
Playing pickleball or out hiking with friends and family.

What college(s) did you attend? Can you list your degrees, any honors, and involvement in engineering organizations during school?
I graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with my Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering in 2022 and am currently in the Masters program at UCSD for Structural Engineering. During my time at Pomona, I was part of ASCE, SWE, and MEP.

WORK & PROFESSIONAL LIFE

Describe your responsibilities and some significant projects.
N/A

What project are you currently working on and what have you accomplished/what are your tasks? 
N/A

What is your favorite part about being a Civil Engineer?
Having the opportunity to watch designs come to life when out in the field and meeting others who share the same passion and enjoyment of being an engineer.

What skills do you find most valuable to focus on in your career?
I believe having software analysis skills to model and design as well as the ability to network are valuable in this field.

What drew you to your specific career path? If you could start your career differently, what would you do differently?
I would have loved to take more design courses during my time at Pomona because it would have given me the background earlier on to perform necessary calculations for various building designs to this day

ASCE & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

How/Why did you get involved? Why did you choose to stay involved?
I got decided to stay active with ASCE OC YMF because I wanted to meet others in this line of work to stay connected outside of work and give back to the community.

How has ASCE impacted your work and/or what is your favorite benefit of your involvement?
The professionals I've met since rejoining ASCE have shown me the importance of community outside of the workplace and that there is so much more to engineering than work and school. I've enjoyed my time as Community Service Chair and love seeing our community come together through all the activities we've hosted through the year.

Who is someone you Admire and Why?
I deeply admire both my parents for their hard work and role they've played in shaping who I am today. My father, in particular, has been a strong influence - his career in engineering and the way he skillfully works with clients continues to inspire me. I aspire to become even half as talented, dedicated, and engaging an engineer as he is.

If you have one piece of advice to give to young professionals what would it be?
Stay curious and motivated to keep learning because there will always be new concepts and ideas that'll challenge you to think outside the box.

Lastly, what would be your personal motto?
My personal motto is that there is no limit to my potential - determination defines my success.

CHECK OUT PAST OC YMF MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS

© 2025 | ASCE Orange County Younger Member Forum

  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube
bottom of page