My gender never played into any of my considerations in mapping my career path. Initially, I did not consider going to a women’s college; however, fate had other plans when my mother wanted to visit the campus my grandmother attended. Smith College hummed with the energy of dynamic, talented women. The school’s focus is academic – students attend to be smart and strong – not smart and strong women – just smart and strong humans. This is a theme I have carried with me throughout my career. When I got out of college, the oil bust happened – and there were no jobs in geology. So, I changed my trajectory and became a surveyor. Surveying at the time was a male-dominated industry. While surveying continues to be primarily a majority male field, strides have been made and gender is not a barrier to advancement.
“Being part of a woman-led firm is a source of inspiration. Here I can be smart, strong, and my authentic self. I know daily, I can show up to work and be Laine.”
As the only woman in the Colorado Lamp Rynearson survey department, I was honored when asked to lead the Colorado team. Being part of a woman-led firm is a source of inspiration. Here I can be smart, strong, and my authentic self. I know daily, I can show up to work and be Laine.