Celebrating Women’s History Month
Communications Chair - Uriane
I am conducting this interview with an individual who isn’t directly a part of Engineers Without Borders; however, I have personally had the pleasure of working with this dynamic individual. I am introducing Ellen Bremseth, providing excellent communication in the engineering industry.
Communications Chair - Uriane
Can you share a bit about your background and journey into the engineering field?
Ellen Bremseth
Yes, absolutely. So, I've only been in the engineering space for over two years. I was in the software engineering space before that. My career started as a digital marketer working at various digital marketing agencies. Then, I became a marketing communications leader at a sustainability software firm, where I got to learn a lot about environmental, social, and governance consulting. And I was at that firm for five years and learned a ton, you, huge billion-dollar company. I had an acquaintance who worked at Milhouse who said they wanted to build a marketing department. “I know you're unfamiliar with engineering, but you have experience building out departments. Could you just set up an interview with our chief operating officer and see if it's a good fit?” So, I had an interview. I didn't hear back for about three months and thought it didn’t go well. And one Monday afternoon. I got a phone call, and it was Dolla. They offered me a job. So, I came into this field not knowing much. We understand what engineers are. We have a basic understanding of what they do, but I only did a deep dive into what engineering was in different disciplines when I started at Milhouse. So, engineering, for me, is still a new field. It’s been so exciting to dive into, especially working at a multi-disciplinary firm that does many facets of engineering, from electrical to mechanical to environmental and even construction.
Communications Chair - Uriane
As the director of strategic communications, how do you see the role of effective communication in promoting sustainability in engineering initiatives?
Ellen Bremseth
Everyone is talking about sustainability now. Some people are way more experienced and have more expertise in the field. Coming from that sustainability software background, I got lucky to be exposed to it and be around people with PhDs. It’s essential to find communicators who can take complex technical terms and break them down for those who don't understand. That is our crucial role. Many engineers are so incredibly brilliant and can do such complicated work that they benefit from having someone come in and have a casual conversation with them. There's nothing wrong with distilling that information out in a way that makes it attainable for a larger audience to understand while also not getting away from the technical expertise that is so important to convey that you have to your target clients.
Communications Chair - Uriane
Women are underrepresented in specific sectors of the engineering industry. Can you speak to any challenges you may have faced as a woman in a leadership role within this field, and how have you navigated them?
Ellen Bremseth
Women experience challenges in any leadership role, regardless of industry. I experienced it elsewhere in previous organizations more than I can speak to at Milhouse. I think being at a firm that prioritizes diversity and has an embedded core value that your gender has nothing to do with how people treat you here. I’d say some challenges are that you sometimes get treated like an assistant. The next time you're in a meeting, look at who they asked to take notes. More than likely be a woman. That's something, just a little subtle thing. Little micro things that people ignore. Suppose a company wants to plan a party. Who do you think they're going to ask? So, they're small things like that. You must be cognizant of it, be strong, and give pushback. But I think if you're a woman in business, you know these things up front, and you learn how to navigate that, but again, I don't experience that at this firm. I don't think gender has ever factored into treatment.
Communications Chair - Uriane
In your role, how do you collaborate with engineering teams to effectively communicate complex projects to a broader audience?
Ellen Bremseth
Absolutely. So, as I said, there's no shame in asking them to explain it as they would do both, maybe a younger child, and they'd explain it to a client; it's being able to understand things on a fundamental level. Then, I dive into those more technically refined things and communicate those two cohesively. So, the best way is to have a conversation. The information can get technical in writing because that's how they're used to writing it for clients. So, it's been effective for me to stop someone in a hallway or pick up the phone and say, hey, was this what you mean by that? Then they get excited and want to explain it to you. That's how we've articulated what we do in those small, meaningful ways.
Communications Chair - Uriane
Women's History Month is an excellent opportunity to inspire others. Are there any female leaders in the engineering industry who have influenced or inspired your career?
Ellen Bremseth
Dolla Dawson. She's our Chief Operating Officer here at Milhouse. She's not an engineer, either. She has a finance and business background but is a powerhouse in this field. She is so well known and so well respected. She can tell you the ins and outs of everything that Milhouse does. Compelling mentor. And I’m fortunate to have had the experience to work with her.
Communications Chair - Uriane
For those who may not have a technical background, how can individuals contribute to and make an impact in the engineering industry, especially with roles like communication and marketing?
Ellen Bremseth
Everyone has value. Every firm needs a marketing department. Every firm needs a finance department. There are many ways to contribute positively. We are uplifting an engineering firm without being an engineer. Everything we do here contributes to the end goal of positively impacting the world and the communities we serve. It doesn’t matter if you are the one designing a gas pipeline or if you're the one making sure that clients know we design gas pipelines; everything plays a role.
Communications Chair - Uriane
Can you share a memorable project or initiative you worked on that highlights the positive impact of engineering-related communication efforts?
Ellen Bremseth
So, I always think back to our Introducing Girls to Engineering Day; I helped the executive director of Milhouse Charities, Dawn Milhouse, start. It was a compelling experience to have these young girls between 10 and 13 attend. A lot of them grew up in underserved communities within the Chicagoland Area. These girls got the chance to see representation, look out the window, and see the impact that people who looked like them had made. I was so excited to work on a project like that. Those girls have written letters saying I wouldn't say I liked math, but I will make sure I learn it because now I want to be an engineer. So, that's been the most impactful.
Communications Chair - Uriane
This will be the last question. As a leader in strategic communication, how do you envision the future of communication in the engineering industry?
Ellen Bremseth
Artificial intelligence is going to play a huge role. AI is permeating the work that engineers are doing and our work to communicate it. It can be a helpful tool. When it's relied upon too heavily, you lose your authenticity. So, don't lose your craft for young communicators—practice writing. Being a strong writer is crucial to being an effective communicator and marketer. We may also not be doing as many in-person events as we used to post-pandemic. But that provides more opportunities to expand your network. It looks like utilizing tools like LinkedIn to find opportunities to speak and network with others. Look out for what some of the industry associations out there are doing. The Society for Marketing Professionals Services is wholly dedicated to marketing for the AEC industry. There are certainly innovators who are paying attention to the latest trends and can help refine your skills.
Communications Chair - Uriane
Thank you to Ellen Bremseth for sharing her time to provide context to her experience in the engineering industry. As of February, Ellen Bremseth has been Recognized as a Top Woman in Communications by Ragan Communications.