Reader Profile—Keisha McKinnie

Keisha McKinnie

The Walt Disney Company, Orlando

Work title and years of service.

I have been a senior civil engineer with the company for about three months.

What does your job entail?

Sometimes, I’m acting as a “first responder” when issues arise; another day, I could be working on project-oriented tasks using modeling or my previous engineering experience to act as a subject-matter expert. Other days, I am developing strategies and programs for the ongoing maintenance and enhancement of infrastructure assets.

What education and training have you had?

I have a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from Tennessee State University and a master of engineering degree from University of Florida.

What do you like best about your job?

I like that every day is a new day and that I get to apply my civil engineering knowledge to new challenges that may arise to provide an optimal guest experience.

What professional organizations do you belong to?

I belong to FWEA, Water Environment Federation (WEF), and American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

How have the organizations helped your career?

Being around like-minded professionals has helped me tremendously. I love that I get to attend technical sessions that center around the purpose of my job and provide me with a different perspective on the importance of civil and environmental engineering issues. The addition of the asset management incorporation has been huge in the past several years and I like that I get to hear about innovative practices as they apply to the oldest engineering profession.

What do you like best about the industry?

I serve as “background” support to keep the world operational. I love that we help to supply drinking water and treat wastewater, all without the public mostly knowing exactly what we do. I like to think that we’re more like a ninja industry.

What do you do when you’re not working?

Is this a trick question? LOL! Most times, when I’m not working, I am being a mom to my 8-year old son and chauffeuring him everywhere. His activity and social calendars are always full. When I am not doing that, I like going to the beach and the movies, traveling (when possible) and sleeping; the typical things. S

Christmas 2021: Nathan, Keisha, and husband Cyrus.