From delivering over 50 electrical projects across California to summiting Mount Whitney in a single 15-hour trek, Mandar Manjarekar, PE, PMP, brings the same drive and determination to work and life outside the office. Learn how his passion for solving complex challenges led him into leadership, the advice that guides his approach to work, and what continues to inspire him after seven years at GFT.
We’re proud to welcome Judith Ibarra-Bianchetta as our national One Water market leader and west water leader, strengthening our commitment to integrated, future-ready water solutions With more than 25 years of leadership across water reuse, One Water, and stormwater innovation, Judith brings deep expertise to some of the nation’s most complex and fast-growing markets, including Texas and California. Her people-centric approach and industry influence will help us deliver even greater value to clients navigating growth, climate pressures, and evolving regulations.
Dina Hunt has been named to the Society of Women Engineers (SWE)’s 2026 list of Women Engineers You Should Know, a recognition that celebrates engineers who are redefining the profession through impact and leadership! As a nationally recognized seismic hazard expert, Dina is known for her ability to connect people and translate complex science into decisions that strengthen critical dam infrastructure and safeguard downstream communities.
Walter Kutschke tackles some of the toughest geohazard challenges in transmission infrastructure. As a part of this work, he’s helping advance innovation with FAD Tools, foundation analysis and design software modules that improve how transmission line structures are designed and analyzed.
Building stronger partnerships starts with bringing the right people into the room. Last month, we proudly co-hosted a Minority- and Women-owned Local Business Enterprise (MWLBE) outreach event with the NYC School Construction Authority (SCA), creating an opportunity for contractors, partners, and industry professionals to connect directly with NYCSCA leadership and learn more about upcoming opportunities with SCA and the Emergency Program.
Who knew a few hundred cans could turn into a rocket — and help feed local families at the same time? 🚀🥫 At CANstruction Philadelphia, our team took inspiration from Artemis II, NASA’s first crewed mission to return humans to the moon and prepare for Mars exploration. All of the hard work and creativity paid off with an award-winning build that earned the team this year’s People’s Choice Award! Even better, every can used will be donated to local food banks across the Philly region.
For Stephanie Templeton, leadership is about building trust, adapting to challenges, and understanding how people work best together. As a structural engineering team leader, Stephanie reflects on the lessons that shaped her leadership style, and the role communication plays in every successful project.
May 31 is National Dam Safety Awareness Day, a reminder that dam safety is about more than infrastructure — it’s about protecting people and communities. Dina Hunt, PE, explains why a risk-based approach is so important: it considers not only whether a failure could happen, but also the consequences if it does. That understanding supports holistic planning and risk reduction. Watch the full video at the link below!
Through their national committee service with the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), Greg Thompson and Nick Dandolos are advancing thoughtful technology use and elevating engineering excellence! Their involvement reinforces the importance of shared knowledge and commitment to our people and communities.
Fishing, hiking, and gardening shape how Peng Chen, PE, sees the world. At GFT, that grounded perspective, paired with experience in both consulting and operations, helps him deliver thoughtful, real-world wastewater solutions for clients and communities.
