ASCE Foundation

Silky Wong grew up surrounded by math and science, “My dad is an electrical engineer, and my mom is a science teacher. My brother is also a civil engineer.” Through various experiences that shaped her, she decided to pursue engineering.

While pursuing her Bachelors of Civil Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, she joined the ASCE student chapter, and there she discovered her passion for structural engineering and decided to continue her master’s degree at University of California, Berkeley. “ASCE had helped me find my passion in structural engineering while I was studying for my undergraduate degree. As an ASCE student member, I went to the Structures Congress; it provided me a great venue to connect with other passionate structural engineers.” Through her ASCE student chapter, she personally experienced how vital the student programs are, “when students participate in the steel bridge and concrete canoe competitions, they are given invaluable experiences outside of the classes and prepare them to practice structural engineering skills before joining the professional workforce.”

Silky believes that it is her role is to start volunteering and giving back starting early in her career. “I love sharing my experience and learning from professional work with college students. I feel very satisfied to see my life’s impacts on them. I volunteer to speak at different engineering societies’ student chapters, including TSPE, ASCE, SEAOC, ASEM, about a couple times each year. Being a young professional of the Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) at ASCE–I am proud of being one – is where I give my time to invest in students.” She believes in supporting the SEI Futures Fund through the ASCE Foundation with both her time and generous gifts. She also wants to help create a sustainable “model” for mentoring future generations of structural engineers.

Silky feels she has personally benefited from ASCE and SEI programs, so she has decided to give back. “Giving to the SEI Futures Fund at the ASCE Foundation helps me remember to work with determination so that I can give back to the community. I choose to join the Legacy Society because I want to make an investment in the future of the structural engineering profession and help ensure that the SEI Futures Fund continues to achieve its mission.”

Thank you, Silky and other Legacy Society members who decided to support the next generation of ASCE members! Our Legacy Society honors individuals who strengthen the next generation of civil engineers by providing future support to the ASCE Foundation through a planned gift. Learn more about the Legacy Society or contact the Foundation.

*The ASCE Foundation supports Learning and Leadership initiatives including the student chapter activities and the ASCE young professionals.