Finding Purpose Through Tragedy
Shraddha's path to engineering began with one of Nepal's most devastating natural disasters. "We had a big earthquake back in 2015," she recalls. "We just saw buildings left, right and centre just destroyed. But then there was like a beautiful thing that came out of it - all the community got together, and you could see how it was basically the engineers, architects, and planners, working together to build the city back up."
This powerful image of professionals collaborating to rebuild communities resonated deeply with Shraddha. "That to me felt very inspiring. I was like, you know what? I want to do that when I grow up."
Discovering Public Works
After moving to Australia to complete her civil and structural engineering degree, Shraddha initially planned to follow the traditional path into private consulting. Her perspective changed during a university placement with local government. "That really opened me up to what a difference we can make in the community and what local government does and how it creates space for community."
Real Solutions for Real Communities
Shraddha's most rewarding project exemplifies the community-focused approach that drew her to public works. Working on a local collector road design, she encountered multiple stakeholders including a childcare centre, church, and school, with over 150 residents attending community consultation sessions.
The road involved an intersection where the standard engineering solution would have required cutting down two trees that affected sight lines. Through community consultation, the team discovered these trees held significant meaning for residents.
"We were able to work out a solution where we were designing a roundabout around those trees. It was more of an ‘egg-about' - like an egg shape. It still met the technical requirements for sight lines and safety, but we were able to find a middle ground."
This project taught Shraddha an important lesson about working in local government, and to ask herself: "Is this really the hill I want to die on? Sometimes the best technical solution may work in terms of engineering and comply with all the standards, but it may not be what the community wants," she explains.
"At the end, we are designing this for the community. We're building for the community. And if they're saying they want a certain thing and it doesn't really compromise their safety, then I've learned to be okay with that."
Building Professional Networks
Shraddha's involvement with Young IPWEA began at the International Public Works Conference in Adelaide four years ago. "I saw a really good network of young professionals, that had a good support system, and shared knowledge. Being a young engineer, especially in council where the majority of the demographic is older, you can feel a bit isolated."
She particularly values the mentorship opportunities that Young IPWEA has offered: "I had a mentor who I'm still in touch with. We meet up regularly, even to this day, and she's helped me so much personally and professionally because she's experienced all of this."
Shraddha's advice for young professionals focuses on connection and learning: "Get involved in professional bodies because it's very important to have that network of people that you can fall back on, connect with, rely on, and who can inspire and motivate you."
She also emphasises seeking mentorship opportunities: "You can learn so much from someone who's been there, done that, who's had that experience and wisdom.”
Embracing Innovation
Looking ahead, Shraddha is excited about emerging technologies, particularly AI and its applications in asset management, engineering, and planning. She's also passionate about green infrastructure and the evolution from traditional engineering approaches.
"We've evolved from traditional engineering where if something was in the way, like a tree, you just cut it down. Now we take a more innovative approach - exploring what can we do and how we can work with nature rather than against it."
From Inspiration to Impact
Shraddha's journey from witnessing earthquake recovery in Nepal to designing community-centred infrastructure in Australia demonstrates how personal inspiration can drive professional purpose. Her approach to engineering prioritises community needs, while maintaining safety standards, and shows how technical expertise and empathy can work together.
Her involvement with Young IPWEA as the former South Australian Chair also seeks to ensure other young professionals have access to the support networks and mentorship opportunities that have been crucial to her own development.