Dear Younger Members of ASCE:
Welcome to Fiscal Year 2027 (October 2026 – September 2027)! I am thrilled to serve as your Chair of the ASCE Committee on Younger Members (CYM) for this term, in addition to my local roles within the ASCE Maryland Section. My previous years serving on CYM as Chair-Elect, Eastern Geographic Member, and Corresponding Member, have been extremely rewarding on a professional and personal level, and I am eager to begin leading the Committee’s Board this year.
I am a water resources engineer by practice, and my passion lies within flood mitigation and stormwater management. I have always loved rainstorms, rivers, and the way water moves. Volunteerism and philanthropy have been huge parts of my life since I was a child, and I knew I found the right home with both civil engineering and ASCE. As a civil engineer, I am dedicated to advancing the infrastructure and natural systems of communities, and serving the public in this capacity.
CYM focuses on the professional development of early career civil engineers to feel empowered and inspired to grow as leaders, engineers, and volunteers by facilitating engagement with, and participation in, the Society. We (CYM) provide resources, workshops, programs, connections, and content for Younger Members, by Younger Members. Some of our programs include the Younger Member Leadership Symposium (YMLS), Career Booster Webinar Series, and sessions at the ASCE Convention. I would love to see you participate in an event or conference where we’ll provide specialized content and networking for Younger Members!
As my Chair year begins, I would like CYM to focus on the following areas: (1) assisting YMGs in improving their presence and strategies by providing more direct outreach and support, (2) increasing access to and promotion of ASCE resources and leadership pathways to YMGs and Younger Members, and (3) connecting with students and Younger Members through an expansion of social media and digital communications. To accomplish these goals, I want your feedback on what we can do for you, and do better to serve Younger Members! I love hearing about successful YMG events or longtime ASCE traditions. Please reach out to me anytime at asooklal@ascemd.org with your thoughts, suggestions, and guidance. I would like to learn from anyone, whether a student or a “young-at-heart” professional.
Thank you for the opportunity to make a difference in CYM and in ASCE as a Society. I hope that the CYM Board can serve our Younger Members better than ever with greater access to resources, and I pledge to advocate for younger members in a thoughtful and proactive manner. I look forward to meeting you at our programs, whether in-person or virtual, throughout the year!
Alyssa S. Sooklal, P.E., ENV SP, CFM®