GALVESTON, Texas (June 6, 2018) -- Toniette (Toni) Addison hadn't considered a career in engineering until her first year of college when her calculus professor noticed that she had a knack for numbers. He pulled her aside after a test to talk about the possibility of pursing a degree in Engineering.
"I thought I knew exactly what I wanted to do and it wasn't engineering" said Addison "I had been working with the public housing authority for several years, was being mentored by an executive director, and was passionate about helping the community. My degree plan at the time was specifically catered to my career goal which was to serve as the executive director for a housing authority"
That following summer, Addison met a man who was an executive director for a housing authority who just happen to hold a degree in civil engineering.
"It made me realize that I could get an engineering degree and still work in the housing authority if that's what I still wanted to do. In a way I felt like my career chose me" said Addison "So I decided to change my major to engineering"
Her career began in 2007 as a SCEP-student career employment program with the United States Department of Agriculture- Forest Service. Her government service has brought her to places like Florida, Washington, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Georgia, and Illinois. While serving with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), she deployed in South Korean and Louisiana.
She currently holds the Resident Engineer position at USACE Galveston. There, she's responsible for civil works construction projects.
"In my position I am currently working on learning, evaluating and trying to improve the effectiveness of the resident office through construction contracts, operating producers, plans and specifications" said Addison "Many of the projects in GRO are dredging and placement improvement along the GIWW and Galveston Harbor. It has been a great experience learning dredging contracts, meeting local sponsors, and the importance of the work USACE does for the local economy"
Addison has earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 2009 at the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) and was recently accepted in the Auburn Construction Management program, a year-long program with USACE. In the years she has served as a civil engineer she has earned a Commander's award for Civilian Service in 2017, Achievement medal for Civilian Service in 2017, and a Diversity and Inclusive award in 2012. In her free time she enjoys reading, singing, and spending with her Fiancé.
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