International Women in Engineering Day 2025: Celebrating Women Who Power Florida’s Water Future
Each year on June 23, International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) celebrates the achievements of women engineers and encourages the next generation to consider engineering careers. At the St. Johns River Water Management District (District), women are leading essential projects that protect our water resources, support resilient communities, and ensure a healthier environment for Florida’s future.
As a science-based agency, engineering is at the heart of how the District carries out its mission—from designing flood control structures and restoring wetlands to managing stormwater and preserving public lands. This INWED, we’re proud to highlight the stories of five exceptional engineers whose work exemplifies innovation, leadership, and dedication to public service.
Leticia Castaneda, E.I. – Environmental Engineer
Using Regulation to Build Resilience
Leticia Castaneda works in stormwater regulation, helping ensure that development across Florida protects both people and natural resources.
“Engineering lets me apply analytical thinking to real-world challenges,” Castaneda explains. “My focus on environmental engineering comes from a desire to address global climate change and protect water quality.”
Castaneda’s role helps reduce flooding, safeguard ecosystems, and promote sustainable development. She credits much of her early growth to mentor Tracy Miller, a former senior engineer at the District who guided her through technical and regulatory complexities.
“Tracy exemplified professionalism and a commitment to public service. Her mentorship helped build my confidence as I took on more complex projects.”
To young women considering the field, Castaneda says: “Stay curious, be persistent, and believe in your abilities. Engineering is full of opportunities to grow and make a meaningful impact.”
Cammie Dewey, P.E. – Strategic Planning Basin Coordinator
Restoring Florida’s Natural Treasures, One Project at a Time
Cammie Dewey’s journey into engineering was shaped by a lifelong connection to service and the environment. With a father who worked as an agricultural extension agent and a mother who was a dedicated teacher and volunteer, Dewey grew up with a strong example of servant leadership. Combined with a love for math, chemistry, and the outdoors, environmental engineering became the perfect fit.
“I wanted a career that blended science with stewardship,” she says. “Environmental engineering allowed me to contribute to something bigger than myself.”
Over the years, Dewey has played a vital role in some of the District’s most impactful restoration efforts. One highlight: serving as the senior engineer on the Lake Apopka restoration project in the early 2000s, including the launch of the Marsh Flow-way system.
“To see how much the water quality, fish diversity, and submerged aquatic vegetation have improved is incredibly rewarding,” she says. “It’s a reminder that long-term commitment to restoration pays off.”
Throughout her career, Dewey has been guided and challenged by mentors like Dr. Martin Wanielista, her professor at the University of Central Florida, who remains a source of inspiration and advice to this day.
Dewey’s advice to aspiring engineers: “Follow your dreams. Embrace the challenges. Every drop of progress matters—and often, today’s small success is the foundation for tomorrow’s big achievement.”
Outside of work, Dewey is an avid runner and longtime Disney enthusiast. A proud Passholder for more than a decade, she has completed numerous races at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland—including the Princess 5K in February 2022. Her favorite characters? Stitch, Belle, and the mischievous duo Chip and Dale. Of all the parks, Epcot is the one she visits most often, drawn by its blend of innovation, culture, and natural beauty.
Dewey’s impact stretches across multiple teams at the District—from regulatory work that safeguards natural systems through permitting, to water resource projects that support ecological recovery, to building partnerships with local governments to advance flood protection and water quality.
Her hope? “That the work we do today preserves Florida’s wetlands, lakes, and rivers for future generations to enjoy.”
Caitlyn Drane, P.E. – Senior Professional Engineer
Engineering Solutions that Restore and Protect
Caitlyn Drane supports three of the District’s core missions—flood protection, water quality, and natural systems—by leading design and construction projects that make a measurable impact on the environment and public safety.
“My work contributes to the District’s mission of Flood Protection by rehabilitating water control structures, to water quality through restoration project design, and to natural systems by supporting public access features for recreation,” Drane says.
A third-generation civil engineer, Drane earned her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Florida and holds multiple certifications, including stormwater and traffic control. Since joining the District in 2022, she’s been proud to work on projects that blend technical expertise with environmental care, especially the Sliplining of Culverts C-2-C and C-2-D in the Lake Apopka Marsh Flow-way, which she saw through from design to construction.
Outside the office, Drane is a mom of three and an avid collector of antique Noritake china.
Her advice for future engineers? “Being an engineer is essentially being a professional problem solver. Don’t be afraid of asking a lot of questions.”
Natrevia L. Gradney-Mitchell, P.E. – Senior Professional Engineer
Empowering the Next Generation Through Service and Leadership
Natrevia Gradney-Mitchell’s engineering journey began more than 18 years ago with a love for scientific math and a desire to be part of the “behind-the-scenes” work that drives meaningful change. Her path has taken her through state, county, and city agencies, giving her deep experience in environmental and civil engineering.
“What’s inspired me most is the analytical, problem-solving work of engineering, and the opportunity to continually learn and grow in this field,” she says.
At the District, Gradney-Mitchell works on design, permitting, rehab construction, and maintenance of water infrastructure—projects that ensure flood control systems function optimally.
But her proudest moments have come not just from infrastructure, but from participating in STEM/STEAM outreach. “It’s so important that young girls see there is space for them to thrive in this male-dominated field,” she says.
Gradney-Mitchell draws inspiration from mentors Wanda Parker-Garvin and Robin Hammel, who taught her the value of staying grounded and believing in herself without reservation.
Her message to aspiring engineers: “Go for it! Engineering will challenge you every day—but with thoughtful planning and determination, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.”
Carmen Gomez – Engineer II
Protecting Communities Through Smart Design and Resilient Infrastructure
Carmen Gomez’s path to engineering was inspired early by her family—her father, a civil engineer, and her sister, an architect. Growing up surrounded by conversations about construction, design, and problem-solving sparked a passion for using technical knowledge to shape and protect communities.
That passion led Carmen to earn a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of North Florida, along with a Coastal Engineering Certificate. Today, as an Engineer II at the District, she helps ensure that projects meet critical water quality and flood protection standards.
“I’ve been proud to contribute to projects that reduce flooding and improve water quality for our neighbors,” she says. “Along the way, my technical and review skills have grown, and it’s rewarding to see that growth translate into real-world results.”
For Carmen, engineering is more than calculations—it’s about protecting the environment and supporting resilient communities.
She encourages young women considering engineering to embrace the challenge. “Don’t be afraid to take up space in this field. Stay curious, ask questions, and find people who support your growth. Your perspective matters.”
A beach town native from Ecuador, Carmen still finds peace and inspiration near the ocean—one of the many ways she stays connected to the natural world she helps protect.
As we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day 2025, we honor the drive, skill, and passion of the women engineers who are shaping Florida’s water future. Their work doesn’t just build infrastructure—it strengthens communities and protects the natural resources we all depend on. Engineering is not only their career, it’s their calling; with their stories reminding us that when diverse voices lead, our communities and ecosystems thrive.
