| Member Spotlight -- Jennifer Garbely
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Member Spotlight -- Jennifer Garbely

Job: Civil Engineer

Employer: Murray, Smith & Associates, Inc., a civil and environmental engineering firm, Portland, Ore.

Educational background: BS and MS degrees from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in civil and environmental engineering

Age: 36

Years in water: 12

Daily duties:  Designing water pipelines and drinking water reservoirs, business development, and AWWA Trustee duties.

What is the most exciting project you’ve worked on? My husband was transferred to Sri Lanka to work on a $50M USAID Tsunami Reconstruction Program that included three fish harbors, nine schools, a bridge, and a water treatment plant. Another organization was in charge of the distribution system but was behind schedule and short funds. I was fortunate to join the team to design and construct the distribution system that was supplied by a new water treatment plant. It was a challenge to receive approvals to install the pipeline, to complete the task on schedule, and work with different cultures. 

What is something unexpected you learned on the job? I am always surprised at how many people don’t understand the value of water and the cost to deliver to one’s house.

Goals? Be a positive role model for my daughter.  I was shocked what an impact I had working in Sri Lanka in a field office with all men and was asked to meet their daughters and talk about my career as an engineer.

Do you have a role at your section and how did you become a volunteer? Currently I am on the board for the Pacific Northwest Section as a Trustee. I became a volunteer in 2004 when I attended a young professional happy hour event and Ms. Sally Mills (Wright) talked me into joining the Northwest Oregon Sub Section Membership Committee. 

How long have you been a member and what have you gotten from your membership? I became a member in 2004 with a little break when I was overseas in 2008 working in Sri Lanka. What I have gained from my membership is a network of people that have become my friends and supporters. 

Why did you decide to go into the water field? During an internship I worked on a water model for a water district and enjoyed the work.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career? Public speaking. I still get the jitters, but keep doing it.

Toughest thing about your job? Balancing being a mom and having a career. I am so thankful to have an amazing husband who is supportive and an awesome daughter.

What’s your motto in life? Put it on tap or just add a little wine!

What are your hobbies:  I like to travel, cook, wear hats, and make wine. This year, my husband and I went all out and picked 2,500 lbs. of grapes and made seven different wines.  Yes, we are a little crazy.  However, I have donated a few bottles to silent auctions for Water For People and have raised a couple hundred dollars.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? A detective

What is something that people would be surprised to know about you? At our house we drink water, beer, cider, and wine on tap!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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