ASCE OC Publications: 2025 Younger Member Leadership Symposium

What if three days could give you the tools to become the kind of leader our industry and our world needs?

That’s exactly what the Younger Member Leadership Symposium (YMLS) offers. Hosted annually at ASCE Headquarters by the Committee on Younger Members, this three-day experiential workshop is more than just a leadership seminar—it’s a starting point for early-career civil engineers ready to grow. Through hands-on sessions, personal development exercises, and real conversations with peers from across the country and around the globe, YMLS equips you with the mindset, skills, and confidence to lead with purpose.

I had the privilege of attending this year, and it was truly a weekend to remember. From the moment I arrived in Reston, VA, I was surrounded by passionate, driven young professionals who aspire to shape the future of civil engineering. The energy was contagious, the conversations were real, and the growth was undeniable.

Among the many inspiring moments, one quote from keynote speaker Odessa L. Phillip, PE, truly stuck with me during her speech titled “Building a Fulfilling Career”:

“Be an imposter for your entire life and career. Embrace and face the fear of failure, then charge forward into a career you can reflect on with pride.”

Her words reframed how I think about self-doubt. Instead of resisting imposter syndrome, she encouraged the audience to embrace it and to see it as a sign that we’re pushing boundaries and stepping into growth. That mindset shift alone made the experience worthwhile.

YMLS wasn’t just about inspiration; it also equips you with practical tools through workshops:

• Developing Your Personal Vision- This workshop used the SELF Method to help us define a personal vision rooted in personal values, life balance, and meaningful goals. Through reflection on relationships, motivation, and purpose-driven questions, we mapped out who we are, who we serve, and how we want to grow.

• Communication Styles-This workshop helped us identify our natural communication tendencies: analytical, amiable, driving, or expressive-through a guided questionnaire and group discussion. We explored how each style brings unique strengths and challenges, and learned strategies to adapt our approach for more effective leadership and collaboration.

• Time and Energy Management- This workshop explored the science of timing: how understanding your chronotype can help you align analytical and creative tasks with your brain’s natural rhythms. We learned how to structure our day for peak performance, the importance of breaks, and why people respond best to endings that uplift and energize.

• Modern Leadership- This workshop explored what leadership looks like today, emphasizing emotional intelligence, inclusive practices, and the ability to lead through change. We learned how to “be the bridge” between people and ideas, sharpened essential social skills, and reflected on how modern leaders build trust, empathy, and adaptability.

Each session was interactive, reflective, and tailored to the unique challenges younger members face. I walked away with a clearer understanding of my leadership style and how to lead with authenticity and impact. Each of the many workshops offered valuable insights and tools that contributed to a truly transformative experience.

Beyond the workshops, we had the chance to explore Washington, D.C., including visits to the Capitol building and many iconic monuments. It was a powerful reminder of the legacy of leadership and service that civil engineers contribute to every day.

Equally memorable were the connections I made. I met so many bright and wonderful young leaders from across the U.S. and internationally. These are people I will be collaborating with and cheering on for years to come. The diversity of thought, experience, and background made every conversation richer. It reminded me that leadership isn’t a solo journey; it’s built through community.

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About the Author:

Michelle Sabers is a Junior Engineer at Zephyr Rail. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Irvine (UCI) in 2022. She earned a Master of Science in Structural Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) in 2024. While at both universities, Michelle was actively involved in various student organizations, holding general and board member positions. Michelle is currently the Chair of the FE/PE Review Committee and the incoming 2025-2026 Treasurer for ASCE OC YMF. She enjoys spending time with family, hiking, gardening, and collecting houseplants in her free time. Michelle also loves to travel and explore different cultures, appreciating their engineering innovations.