Rising Star in Engineering and Construction: Melissa Humphrey

The Pacific Business News (PBN) has recently announced its 40 Under 40 Class of 2023, featuring exceptional young professionals who have made significant contributions to their industries and communities. Among the honorees is Melissa Humphrey, a standout alumna of the College of Engineering at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, recognized for her achievements and leadership in the engineering and construction sector.

Melissa Humphrey graduated from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa in the spring of 2016 with a Master’s in Civil Engineering, specializing in Construction Engineering and Management. During her time at the university, she grasped the importance of building strong relationships within the engineering and construction community, a lesson that has played a crucial role in shaping her successful career.

Currently serving as a Project Manager for Layton Construction, Melissa has taken on the responsibility of managing complex commercial construction projects, ranging from $10 million to $500 million and beyond. Her role involves overseeing costs, schedules, risk assessment, safety, and operational aspects of these large-scale projects. Melissa’s journey with Layton Construction began as an intern during her time as a graduate student at UH Mānoa, and her dedication and expertise have led her to thrive in her role ever since.

Being named one of the 40 Under 40 honorees is a testament to Melissa’s dedication and impact on the engineering industry. In an interview, she expressed her humility and excitement about the recognition, particularly as a woman in a predominantly male-populated industry. Melissa highlighted the importance of celebrating and acknowledging the proficiency and leadership abilities of women in all sectors of the workforce.

Among her proudest professional accomplishments is her involvement in the construction of the NICU/PICU Extension for the Queen Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children. The project provided much-needed medical facilities and spaces to the community, leaving a lasting and positive impact on countless lives.

Reflecting on the evolving landscape of engineering and construction, Melissa expressed optimism about the increasing inclusivity and gender equality within the industry. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of women working in both blue-collar and management roles, indicating a promising trend towards a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

To current students at the College of Engineering, Melissa offers invaluable advice. She encourages them to follow their instincts and to not let others’ opinions dictate their career paths. Emphasizing the importance of pushing one’s limits and exploring new opportunities, Melissa reminds aspiring engineers that unexpected connections and experiences can lead to exciting career and life prospects.

Melissa Humphrey’s journey serves as an inspiration to all aspiring engineers, especially women, proving that dedication, passion, and unwavering determination can lead to remarkable achievements and breakthroughs in the engineering and construction industry. Her recognition in PBN’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2023 is a well-deserved tribute to her exceptional contributions and impact on the community.