This article originally appeared as a profile of Building Design+Construction’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2024.
Overview
Melissa Shea, a Principal and Senior Project Manager in Walter P Moore’s Structures Group, was recently named to Building Design+Construction’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2024.
BD+C annually recognizes individuals in the AEC industry who have distinguished themselves because of their career accomplishments, commitment to the industry, participation in industry associations, and philanthropic efforts. Congratulations to Melissa as well as the other 39 other AEC industry professionals recognized as part of BD+C’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2024.
Facts, Accomplishments, and Experience
AGE: 39
EDUCATION
Master of Structural Engineering, Design Construction Integration, Stanford University
Bachelor of Science, Physics and International Relations, The College of William & Mary
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Promoted to Principal at age 35
Championed a prototype project for an internal working group dedicated to developing productivity tools that enhance efficiency and optimize decision making processes
In 2020, cofounded Walter P Moore’s Women in Engineering Group-Northeast
As Structures Group’s Operations Manager in Washington, its engineers expanded to 24 in 2024, from six in 2014
EXTRACURRICULARS
Co-chair of firm’s DEI Council, focusing on recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups in AEC industry
Co-Leader of Ignite Moore Mentorship Task Force
In 2024, served as a panelist for ACEC Metropolitan Washington Inaugural DEI&B committee; and named cohort of the SEA Metro Washington’s SE3 (Structural Engineering, Engagement, and Equity) SE Education and Development Mentorship program
OFF THE CLOCK
Leads Girl Scout troops for her two daughters
Passionate about empowering women and girls in STEM
SECRET LIFE
Melissa’s husband, a mechanical engineer in the space industry, is currently working on the safety of lunar crafts and space walks.
Melissa takes her leadership cues from her great grandmother, a suffragette who ran a real estate business in the 1910s. She was also the first woman in Atlantic City, New Jersey, to get a driver’s license, and she used her car to lead the Red Cross Motor Corps during World War I. The great grandmother was also an aviatrix.
WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER OR BUSINESS ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?
Make sure you are intentional about what you are saying “No” to when you take on something new. “I use it as a mantra, and it helps me prioritize and communicate better.”
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?
Seeing the Children’s Hospital of Richmond’s inpatient tower and 280-ft connector bridge come to life on what is a very tight urban site. This was the first project on which Mellisa was Engineer of Record. She designed the foundation to support any of 17 options, which gave the team an additional eight months to find the best location for the bridge.
