Structural Engineering Summit Pre-Conference: SE3 Symposium
Bridge the Gap:
Connecting Engagement to Retention
Whether you’re two years into your career or two decades into running a firm, this half day is built for you.
The SE3 Committee’s preconference takes on the three things that decide whether someone builds a career at your firm or somewhere else: the culture they work in day to day, the growth they can see ahead of them, and what it takes to keep them once you have them. Expect frank conversation, small-group work and time built specifically for your position.
On the agenda:
• Perspective Shift — a multigenerational panel with Boomer, Gen X, Millennial and Gen Z engineers on what each generation actually wants out of the same job
• Visa Support for Engineering Firms — a plain-English briefing from an immigration attorney on sponsoring and retaining engineers who work on visas
• The Right Track — for early-career engineers: the roadblocks between you and the next step, and what actually moves them
• The Meaning of Mentorship — how to build a mentorship program people actually use
🗓️ Tuesday, October 27, 2026
⏰ 12:30 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.
📍 Hilton Union Square, San Francisco
🎟️ NCSEA members: $199 | Non-members: $299
🤝 Hosted by the SE3 Committee
Sponsored by:
Schedule
12:30–1 p.m. | Welcome & Networking
Coffee and a soft landing. Come early — the room mixes better when people arrive together.
1–2 p.m. | Perspective Shift: A Multigenerational Panel
Baby Boomer, Gen X, Millennial and Gen Z engineers talk honestly about what each generation wants from the same job. Moderated by Gaelyn Krauser, P.E., S.E.
2–2:45 p.m. | Deep Dive
Small-group discussion on communication, career pathways and mental health. Groups are mixed across generations on purpose.
2:45–3 p.m. | Break
3–4:15 p.m. | Breakout Track 1: Visa Support for Engineering Firms
An immigration attorney on sponsoring and retaining engineers who work on visas — what your firm can do, what it costs and where firms get stuck.
Presenters: Greg Davenport, P.E., Laurie Snider
3–4:15 p.m. | Breakout Track 2: The Right Track
For early-career engineers: the roadblocks between you and the next step, and what it takes to move past them.
Presenter: Megan Vandervort, P.E.
4:15–4:30 p.m. | Break
4:30–5 p.m. | The Meaning of Mentorship
How to build a mentorship program people actually use.
Presented by Lisa Hartley, P.E.
Speakers
Gaelyn Krauser, P.E., S.E.
Moderator
Gaelyn Krauser (she/her) is a structural engineer at John A. Martin & Associates in their Seattle office. Over her 15 years in the industry, she’s worked on many project types from high-rise to tenant improvement across many sectors in the industry. Over the years, she’s developed a passion for improving workplaces, mentoring younger engineers, and championing policies to promote more diversity and inclusion in structural engineering. She contributes to SE3’s Read.Watch.Listen forum, is a co-chair for the Seattle AIA Women in Design committee, and a co-chair of Seattle CREW’s DEI committee.
Greg Davenport, P.E.
Presenter
Greg Davenport is a Structures Practice Manager and Partner at HKS. As a leader of the HKS Structural group, Greg manages staffing, recruiting, and hiring and also leads business development efforts. He serves as project manager and Engineer of Record. Greg has market sector experience in healthcare, education, government, sports, hospitality and commercial.
Laurie Snider
Presenter
Laurie is a Senior Associate at Fragomen’s Dallas office with more than 18 years of immigration experience. In her role, she provides advice and counsel to corporate immigration clients and their employees.
Laurie has extensive experience advising clients and their employees on navigating the complex and ever-changing corporate immigration landscape. She has a wide range of experience with both nonimmigrant and immigrant matters and has represented clients across several industries. Laurie has assisted clients with numerous trips for visa stamping, liaised with embassies worldwide, guided clients through complex corporate restructurings, assisted clients in immigration policy development and advised on I-9 and corporate compliance matters.
Laurie has provided pro bono assistance to victims of domestic violence through The Family Place.
Lisa Hartley, P.E.
Presenter
Lisa Hartley (she/her) is an Associate Principal and Partner at Linchpin Structural Engineering in Truckee, where her work spans high-end residences, commercial developments, seismic upgrades, and community facilities. She serves as Co-Chair of the national Structural Engineering Engagement and Equity Committee (SE3) and is a member of the Structural Engineers Association of Central California Board, in addition to leading sustainability initiatives, business development, and mentoring at Linchpin. She has administered and participated in several successful local, state, and national mentorship programs both within and outside of NCSEA.
Megan Vandervort, P.E.
Presenter
Megan Vandervort (she/her) is a structural engineer with Martin/Martin Consulting Engineers and has been with the firm for five years. She works on a mix of commercial, residential, and existing buildings out of the California branch office. Megan leads Martin/Martin’s JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Committee, championing events and outreach efforts for the California office. She is also involved within her local SEA (SEAONC) on the Younger Member Forum, SE3, Pathways, and Convention Planning committees, and is currently serving on the Board of Directors.
Kellie Farster, P.E., LEED AP
Facilitator
Kellie Farster (she/her) is a Principal and Project Manager at Walter P Moore in Washington, DC. With over 20 years of structural engineering experience, she manages design and construction of new and existing healthcare, education, commercial, multi-family residential, and aviation facilities. Kellie currently serves as Secretary for SEA‑MW’s Board of Directors, chairs SEA-MW’s Community Outreach Committee, and contributes to NCSEA’s and SEA‑MW’s SE3 and SEER committees. She also serves on DC Public Schools’ Career and Technical Education Industry Advisory Board, CREW DC’s Student Outreach Committee, and teaches Howard University’s Civil and Environmental Engineering Senior Design course. Within Walter P Moore, she serves on the Inclusion Advisory Council and co‑leads the National Summer Internship Program.
Email Monica Shripka at mshripka@ncsea.com to explore sponsorship opportunities.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
