In a historically male-dominated industry, we understand how important it is to recruit and support women. Together, we champion gender equality, challenge the norms, and drive profitability. We focus on experiences and continually allying to advance all women across Lamp Rynearson. LampHERstory was founded in 2020 and is a source of knowledge on gender equality issues; providing a space to connect with others and foster a supportive, inclusive culture of belonging.
In support and celebration of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month – we seek to break the bias for women in the workplace – advocating for gender equality. We celebrate the diverse women across our firm, who are an intricate part of our daily legacy. Below are some of their stories.
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. 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. –Laine Landau, PLS, Fort Collins Survey Practice Lead
Sam’s interest for our environment started in childhood. Growing up in a rural farming community, she learned firsthand about farming practices and their impacts on our planet. After college, she knew what kind of impact she wanted to have – tending to the world we live in. Lamp Rynearson is where she chose to do that.
Sam understands that the environment has been put under an insurmountable toll through global warming; however, she consistently focuses on making a significant and positive difference. She’s helping our communities think creatively about the importance of environmental considerations within a project.
At Lamp Rynearson, Sam has taken her childhood passion and turned it into a blossoming career. Daily, she crafts sustainable solutions by thinking of our ecosystems, understands the impacts humans are having through their actions, and ultimately leaves of legacy for all of us. –Sam Howland, Landscape Designer & Environmental Specialist
When I was growing up, my father was the managing partner of Larkin Group. Upon returning to the workforce in 1999, I knew that this was the place I wanted to re-focus my career. I was thankful to be hired and allowed to work part-time in the Wastewater Group. If that option had been available in 1985, I would not have been out of the workforce for over a decade.
I’ve held numerous positions and jobs that built upon each other to allow me to be where I am today. Such as the most amazing job as the US Forces Afghanistan Environmental Chief in the Engineering Division, stationed in Kabul, Afghanistan, from February 2011 through April 2012. Throughout my professional journey here at Lamp Rynearson, I’ve been provided the training and opportunity to grow into the Wastewater Group Leader without feeling that my gender was any barrier. Overall, the company has been consistent in their concerted effort to keep gender from the equation for attaining leadership roles. –Laura J. Gray, Wastewater Group Leader
I was sold on Lamp Rynearson’s culture from my first interaction with the company. The positive energy and desire to diversify the firm is something I had yet to experience in previous interviews. There is a genuine investment in the employees here. Now having worked here over two years, and not to mention during a pandemic, it is still evident to me that the people here are committed to getting the job done while taking care of each other. I look forward to seeing where my own path takes me here as well as watching the firm grow overall and expand their services. –Nicholette Haigler, Marketing Coordinator