Meet the Team!

We’re a group of women looking to help inspire and empower minorities in Civil Engineering and Construction-related professions.

Co-Founders

Charmelis A. Reyes Cruz

Gabriela Yáñez González

Laura M. Rosario González

Laura S. García Canto

Gilmarie A. O’Neill Medina

Sofía D. Boscio-López

Rocío Sotomayor Irizarry

Executive Board Members

Sofía D. Boscio-López

President & Public Relations Coordinator

I grew up in Guayama, Puerto Rico, surrounded by the construction industry on the island, thanks to my mother's family. My mother owns a small construction equipment rental company, and my uncles own a design firm and a concrete company, so from a very early age, I knew that I would be working in the industry in some way. Currently, I am living in Huntington, West Virginia, pursuing my passion for this field and working as a Geotechnical Engineer.

The Earth has always fascinated me. I am particularly drawn to studying the intricate behavior of soils. I find natural phenomena such as earthquakes, landslides, sinkholes, and settlement issues incredibly intriguing. My career aspirations are rooted in my desire to have a balanced mix of fieldwork, whether it involves drilling, construction, laboratory research, or office-based tasks.

I came up with the idea while dining at Romano's Macaroni Grill Restaurant. (I know it's random, but that was my go-to place because I could draw on the tables) As I was about to graduate, I began receiving numerous job offers. However, I found myself lacking clear direction and guidance on various gender-related issues prevalent in the companies extending these offers, such as concerns about females working in the field, the absence of mentorship for those in early or mid-career stages, the availability of parental leave, and more. I felt the need to address these issues and believed that by establishing the GIC (Girls in Civil), we could create a support system and initiate conversations among female students at our university to address these matters actively.

Gilmarie O’Neill Medina

Secretary & Store Marketing Manager

I am from Arecibo, Puerto Rico, and I studied at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez. Currently, I live in Virginia, USA. I got into Civil Engineering because I enjoyed math and construction, but later in my studies, I noticed that I wanted to pursue it because of all the different areas and paths it could lead me to.

I am interested in Transportation because it is crucial to improving how we move through our communities. It’s not just about designing roads and highways—it's about ensuring these systems are safe, efficient, and accessible for everyone, especially pedestrians. Focusing on pedestrian safety allows us to create environments where people feel comfortable walking, biking, or using other sustainable forms of transport.

I heard about Girls in Civil from Sofía while in undergrad and have been working on it ever since. I am proud of how many opportunities this experience has provided me. Since I am always looking to grow professionally and personally, it seems the right fit.

Charmelis A. Reyes Cruz

Financial Manager

I was born in the Dominican Republic and grew up in Puerto Rico. Currently, I am based in Washington, DC. I earned my BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez and my MS in Community and Regional Planning from the University of Texas at Austin. I was drawn to Civil Engineering because of my interest in math and science, coupled with my passion for creating things.

I am interested in Transportation because it profoundly influences everyone’s lives. Efficient transportation systems can open doors to better employment, education, healthcare, and other opportunities.

I first heard about Girls in Civil from my friend Sofía and followed the Instagram page. Being part of this community, I take with me the relationships I’ve built over time with many incredible people. I want to contribute my small part to society by helping improve transit systems, enhance road safety, and connect communities. I’m committed to my career and strive to balance personal growth and well-being. I’ve learned to give equal importance to my mental and physical health and work.

Laura M. Rosario Gonzalez

Marketing Assistant

I’m from Canóvanas, Puerto Rico. I studied at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez. I currently live in Virginia, USA. I got into Civil Engineering after volunteering for the university’s ASCE Concrete Canoe team. I then switched majors to follow this career path.

I am primarily interested in Construction Management. I like seeing all the steps required from the start to finish of a project. A lot of planning and thought goes into this area of Civil Engineering.

While at Girls in Civil, I want to contribute to making it a safe space in Civil Engineering for whoever I meet along the way. I want them to know that they have a voice and that whatever they are doing, they are doing their best to reach their goal.

Gabriela Yáñez González

Outreach Coordinator

I am from Añasco, Puerto Rico. Growing up, the construction of buildings, bridges, and other structures always caught my attention. That's where my interest and love for civil engineering started. Currently, I am pursuing a doctoral degree in Structural Engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I am mostly interested in Structural Engineering because I find it fascinating how forces can act upon the built environment and how, by understanding and analyzing them, we can create more resilient structures.

As an undergrad in college at the University of Puerto Rico - Mayagüez, Sofía approached me and other girls with the idea of creating a support group for women in the civil engineering field. We then started fostering and developing the concept into the community we know now and will continue to adapt for many years.

I am proud of the Girls in Civil project and seeing what it has transformed into over the years and the people we have helped in the process. Through my work in civil engineering, I want to help build a more equitable and resilient work environment while uplifting and empowering the Girls in Civil as we help one another be successful in this industry.

GIC Committees

The GIC Committees are essential to keep the organization running and help us achieve our mission and vision. Comprised of motivated volunteers, each committee helps create educational content while giving them the opportunity to network and develop their skills.