Matern's Leah Zeisler Works to Uplift Female Engineers

October 26, 2023 - Leah Zeisler’s example of persistence is an inspiration to us. Leah first joined Matern nearly a decade ago, and in 2022 she stepped up to lead our firm’s electrical design department, overseeing Matern’s work in electrical design. Leah earned her PE and has since focused her energies on electrical, lighting, and educational work for Matern. In fact, one of her favorite feelings is driving past a building she helped design, taking satisfaction in knowing she has contributed to her community’s growth. 

Leah is also the daughter of Matern Professional Engineering founder Doug Matern, the family connection has not allowed her to work less hard. If anything, Leah has had to put in even more effort not only to show that women can do anything men can but so can the boss’s daughter.

“My father has always pushed for the advancement of women in the typically male-dominated field of engineering,” Leah said. “With him, it isn’t just words: He is actually doing something about it, and I am proud to help lead Matern’s initiatives to support women in the STEAM fields.”

As much as Leah has accomplished, she believes strongly in offering encouragement and support to young women and girls today. Girls are still dissuaded from pursuing education and careers in the STEAM fields, and those outdated ideas need to be challenged. 

“Unfortunately, these societal prejudices against women being in the engineering fields start early. We’ve seen girls not yet even in middle school who have already internalized this culture of ‘no’ and ‘I can’t,’” said Leah. “I believe part of my work is not only to give back but to disrupt this cycle so that other young women will be able to have the same experiences I’ve been able to enjoy in my own career.” 

Accordingly, Leah and other trailblazing women are sharing their knowledge with the younger generations and encouraging them to consider these fields for future careers. One such event was an eight-week teach-in course Leah helped oversee at Hamilton Elementary School, where she and other female industry leaders demonstrated how success within the STEAM fields is within reach. 

“If we can teach just one student to become an engineer,” Leah said, “it will have been worth it.”

“Leah has a strong work ethic, drive, and passion for giving back to the community through mentorship work,” said the firm’s founder, Doug Matern, who instilled in Leah many of the professional ethics she continues to demonstrate on a daily basis. “Leah continues to show leadership here at our firm as well as in the field. We are all very proud of her.”

Well done, Leah, and congratulations on all of your accomplishments!