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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
As part of our Member Appreciation Program, we are showcasing a member in our bi-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.
March
2026
INTRODUCING
Elisa De La Peña
EIT, ENV SP
Civil Associate
Willdan Engineering
Government Relations Liaison, PAL
ASCE Orange County Younger Member Forum
PERSONAL LIFE
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Orange County.
What made you want to become an engineer?
I am a curious person and excelled at math and science early. Engineers shape our built-environment and help harness natures gifts. I loved the broad range of disciplines that fall under civil engineering.
Favorite hobbies, sports, and interests outside of engineering?
I am interested in nature and travel! I completed the Sierra Clubs Wilderness Travel Course and love learning about native wildlife and edible plants and mushrooms.
Finish this sentence: On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me...
Taking my dog for a hike, meeting up for brunch with a friend, or catching up on my comedy podcasts while I get some errands done.
What college(s) did you attend? Can you list your degrees, any honors, and involvement in engineering organizations during school?
I completed all my general ed courses at Santa Ana Community College and transferred to Cal State Fullerton where I earned a BS Civil Engineering. I was part of the CSUF ASCE concrete canoe team! During COVID I worked through a MS Engineering Management program at Cal State Northridge.
WORK & PROFESSIONAL LIFE
Describe your responsibilities and some significant projects.
I lead and support municipal and transportation projects throughout California at every phase of the project lifecycle. I support with proposal development, project design -primarily in AutoCAD Civil 3D, coordinate project needs with our clients, subcontractors, and stakeholders, and stay informed on local development and regulations that impact my work.
What project are you currently working on and what have you accomplished/what are your tasks?
Green spaces are especially important for quality of life in urban areas. I am happy to be designing and supporting several future parks and community spaces in the City of Paramount.
What is your favorite part about being a Civil Engineer?
I feel like I have a good work life balance and work with fantastic talented people who are also curious about the world - ask a transportation engineer about their trip to Japan!
What skills do you find most valuable to focus on in your career?
The ability to see the whole system — and communicate it clearly to others.
What drew you to your specific career path? If you could start your career differently, what would you do differently?
Connecting with people early to help identify what you don't want for yourself is just as important as figuring out what you do want.
ASCE & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
How/Why did you get involved? Why did you choose to stay involved?
I got involved with ASCE after transferring to CSUF. They offered a welcoming community to someone new on campus and I was hooked after I had the opportunity to build and RACE a concrete canoe :)
How has ASCE impacted your work and/or what is your favorite benefit of your involvement?
ASCE has opened doors for me personally and professionally. I've made good friends, found mentors, attended fantastic conferences and workshops that expanded my understanding of the profession and other disciplines. It has encouraged me to look for opportunities to make an impact in other areas of my life.
Who is someone you Admire and Why?
Ursula Burns-A mechanical engineer who rose from intern to CEO of Xerox — becoming the first Black woman CEO of a Fortune 500 company.
If you have one piece of advice to give to young professionals what would it be?
Show up for opportunities, and stay curious about your internal and external world.
Lastly, what would be your personal motto?
“Engineer what’s possible. Advocate what’s just.”
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