Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Cody Ingram
Engineering Technology student makes her mark in non-traditional degree program at UWA
Kayla Holley doesn’t fit the typical mold most would assume for an engineering technology student. A self-proclaimed “girly girl,” Holley attended a performing arts high school where she studied dance before carving out her path at the University of West Alabama (UWA). Now, she’s proving that traditional gender roles in male-dominated fields can be defied with determination and skill.
Initially, Holley set her sights on computer engineering technology, a field often considered a more “traditional” choice for women. However, it didn’t take long for her to realize it wasn’t the right fit. Drawn to hands-on work, she switched to engineering technology after her first semester at UWA.
Growing up in Montgomery, Alabama, Holley was inspired by her father, a city mechanical inspector, who introduced her to construction and engineering. “I was always fascinated seeing how things work,” she says. That spark of interest only grew during her time at UWA.
Though the engineering technology degree covers a wide range of topics — everything from electrical and mechanical systems to technology—Holley’s true passion lies in construction and design. Courses like fundamental production planning, print reading, and applied strength of materials gave her a solid foundation and deeper understanding of the building process than she might have received in a traditional construction trades program at other universities, she notes.
Her passion became even more apparent after a summer internship during her sophomore year. Thanks to Dr. Narendra Datta, assistant professor and interim chair of the Engineering Technology Division, Holley landed an internship with Rick Taylor, a project manager overseeing the construction of the University Charter School’s new facility. “I was the ‘punch list girl,’ she recalls with a smile. “My job was to double-check that the construction company was executing everything the client (UCS) wanted, according to their specifications.” Through that internship, Holley discovered her eye for detail and design and gained hands-on experience in understanding the complexities of the building process.
With her newfound passion for construction, Holley sought out another internship that could open doors to her future career. She found one at Hensel Phelps, a global construction company headquartered in Colorado. The internship didn’t just provide invaluable industry experience, it also paved the way for her next career step. “I wanted an internship that would hopefully lead to a job after graduation, and it did,” she says. In January 2025, Holley will begin her new role as a field engineer with Hensel Phelps on an $8 billion project in her hometown of Montgomery.
Starting out, Holley admits that being the only woman in the program was challenging, especially at first. “I didn’t have the background some of my peers did when entering the field,” she says. “But through my personal growth as a woman and the knowledge I’ve gained, I’m much more confident in who I am.” While she may have raised a few eyebrows among her classmates and on the job site, she adds, “I have the same knowledge as men do. I’m just packaged a little differently.”
Being in a traditionally male-dominated industry isn’t easy, but Holley values her experience at Hensel Phelps for its openness and respect. “They were very accepting. I felt respected, and my voice was heard.” She advises young women entering similar fields to “stay true to your personality and who you are. I like wearing pink—lots of it,” she laughs. “And I wear makeup. I didn’t stop doing that during class or internships, and I certainly didn’t try to be ‘one of the guys.’”
Though she doesn’t consider herself a trailblazer, Holley feels pressure to succeed, knowing that her actions can impact women entering the field in the future. “I understand that being one of the first means the situation is bigger than just me, and everything I do is scrutinized,” she says. Whether in school or on the job site, she advises women to be mindful of how they carry themselves and “be professional in everything you do.”
As Holley prepares to graduate from UWA in December, she’s a shining example of someone who found her calling by embracing her unique interests and challenging societal expectations. From the classroom to the construction site, she’s proven that breaking barriers in male-dominated fields doesn’t mean sacrificing passion or femininity.
Choosing a non-traditional field, like construction for Holley or nursing for her brother, speaks volumes about the support system the siblings have at home. “We are blessed to have parents who motivate and support us to pursue our interests,” Holley says. “It’s not about fitting into a mold. It’s about doing what you love, even if it doesn’t look like what people expect.”