Misha Saleem, a civil engineering student at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore, has become the first female president of an ICE Student Chapter in Pakistan. She shares her story.
I found out about the ICE Student Chapter when I first joined the civil engineering department at UET Lahore four years ago.
From the outset, I was captivated by its seminars, conferences, and mentorship opportunities. It was more than just a student society, it was a gateway to knowledge, leadership, and global connections.
As I immersed myself in ICE activities, I set a clear goal: to contribute meaningfully, grow as a professional, and, one day, lead the chapter as its president.
What I didn’t realise at the time was that this ambition would lead to achieving a significant milestone. I would go on to become the first-ever elected female president of an ICE Student Chapter in Pakistan.
Breaking barriers in a male-dominated field
Civil engineering has traditionally been a male-dominated profession, and this was reflected in the history of UET Lahore.
This didn’t discourage me. Rather, it fuelled my determination.
Instead of seeing it as a limitation, I saw an opportunity to pave the way for future female engineers.
I firmly believe that leadership isn’t defined by gender but by vision, dedication, and the ability to inspire change.
My election wasn’t just a personal achievement. It was a collective step forward, made possible by the progressive mindset of my peers— male and female—who believed in inclusivity and recognised merit above all else.
Navigating leadership: a trial by fire
Stepping into this role came with immense responsibility. Just five days into my tenure, I was tasked with organising a prestigious international seminar focused on a groundbreaking research paper from our department.
The weight of coordinating logistics, liaising with international guests, and delivering a well-executed event was an early test of my leadership.
The success of this event, along with the recognition from senior faculty and advisors, solidified my position and set the tone for my presidency.
Learning from global experts
One of the most defining moments of my journey was attending the 16th International Conference on Geotechnical Engineering.
I had the privilege of meeting Prof Dr Ikuo Towhata, a globally respected geotechnical expert and Professor Emeritus at the University of Tokyo.
Engaging with Prof Towhata deepened my understanding of real-world geotechnical challenges and reinforced my ambition to excel in academia and industry.
Another highlight was the session we organized with Dr Javed Uppal, the ICE country representative for Pakistan.
Our discussions on the future of civil engineering, emerging technologies, and the role of ICE in professional development were instrumental in shaping the direction of our chapter’s activities.
A year of impact: transforming the ICE Student Chapter
Throughout my tenure, my team and I worked tirelessly to elevate our chapter to new heights.
We orchestrated high-impact seminars, technical symposiums, and industry networking events that bridged the gap between academia and professional practice.
Our efforts weren’t just about organising events – they were about creating meaningful learning experiences for students.
One of our landmark initiatives was CIVCON, an annual gathering of civil engineering students from across the country.
This dynamic event featured technical competitions such as AutoCAD modeling, bridge-building, cost estimation, and ETABS simulations. We fostered hands-on learning, preparing students for real-world engineering challenges.
Challenges and lessons learned
Leading a student chapter in a traditionally male-dominated field came with its challenges.
Overcoming skepticism about my leadership capabilities required resilience, strategic decision-making, and unwavering commitment.
There were moments of doubt, from others and myself.
But each challenge reinforced a crucial lesson: leadership isn’t about proving yourself to others, it’s about making an impact through actions.
Balancing academic work with presidential responsibilities was another challenge. Organising high-profile events while excelling in coursework demanded discipline, time management, and the ability to delegate effectively.
Local and global impact
My journey challenges the traditional gender roles in Pakistan’s engineering community. By breaking this barrier, I hope to inspire other institutions to promote diversity in leadership and encourage more women to take on prominent roles in STEM.
This achievement also aligns with the international movement towards gender equality in engineering.
It reinforces the ICE’s global commitment to inclusivity and professional excellence, showing that progress in one region contributes to the broader mission of diversifying the field worldwide.
A message to ICE members across 150 countries
The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is that leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about building a strong team, fostering collaboration, and empowering others to grow.
To my fellow ICE members worldwide: I encourage you all to embrace diversity, support one another, and continue breaking barriers in our field.
The future of civil engineering belongs to those who dare to lead beyond limits.
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