Dr. Patricia Galloway, the first woman ASCE President is resurrecting her one-woman-act play, “So, What’s Your Side of the Story” . The play is about how Emily Roebling, against all odds in the 1800’s stepped into the shoes of her husband, John Roebling, the Engineer of Record of the Brooklyn Bridge could no longer make the necessary visits and review the plans with the workers when he became incapacitated. The play tells the story from the eyes of Emily and how she was taught by her brother and John all about catenary curves among other bridge design features and how thru this training, she became the first woman construction manager in the United States. During her role, she was also the first woman to present her plea to the American Society of Civil Engineers for John Roebling to remain as the Chief Engineer for the Bridge, when others wanted him removed because of his absence. This incredible story provides lessons learned that include how women can do anything against all odds as well as how diversity played a huge impact on how different perspectives can lead to great results. The play ends with the tribute she was given but for which took years before the real story of what she really did was told including that without her the Brooklyn Bridge may have never been built.
This presentation will be on the Exhibit Hall Stage.