Elevating Women in Engineering at SeamonWhiteside
Claire Folk, PE
Civil Engineering Project Manager
SeamonWhiteside’s (SW+) motto is “to elevate the site design experience through full commitment to our people, our clients, our plans, and our communities.”
While all of those pillars matter, what’s stood out most in my five years here is the company’s genuine investment in its people, especially women in a historically male-dominated field. The inclusive and empowering culture at SW+, particularly for women, extends into the work we produce, the way we interact with our clients, and the communities we serve.
I first encountered SW+ at a college career fair, where Jennifer Palmer encouraged me to apply for an internship. On my first day, I was paired with my mentor, Frances Yarbrough, who still mentors me today. Since then, I’ve watched both Jennifer and Frances become shareholders and have stepped into a leadership role myself. Their paths—and the support I received along the way—showed me what’s possible. Every new hire, regardless of their title or experience level, is paired with a mentor, which helps strengthen and reaffirm our company values and our commitment to inclusivity, growth, and excellent work.
Courtesy of SeamonWhiteside
That kind of alignment has to show up in the details. Internal communication needs to carry the same weight as the promises made to customers. If you say you value teamwork, but your processes isolate people, it’s time to rethink them. From onboarding to the day-to-day, your systems should reinforce, not contradict, your values.
Now, I know this industry. I know that clients aren’t asking how your team meetings run or if your contractors feel heard. And sure, those things probably won’t be the deciding factors that land you the job. But here’s what they do affect: how problems get solved. How customers are treated. Whether your team is proud to wear your logo.
Community is one of the most natural ways we reinforce that purpose. While I’m personally involved with Make-A-Wish, our team also connects through things like sponsoring youth sports, supporting local schools, or showing up at community events. And while these aren’t always massive efforts, they matter. When your team sees you supporting their kids, their causes, their neighborhoods – it builds pride that carries into the field.
Claire Folk with SeamonWhiteside
In 2021, SW+ launched the Women’s Initiative (SWWI) to create space for mentorship, education, advocacy, and leadership development. From book clubs and volunteer events to policy changes, like improved parental leave, SWWI has been a catalyst for progress. Everyone, from interns to senior staff, is encouraged to participate and contribute. These internal opportunities have been a guiding force in my career as I’ve navigated my professional growth and supported others along the way.
SW+ also puts real effort into building a pipeline of future talent. We attend university career fairs, host student groups in our offices, and talk openly about our commitment to creating an inclusive culture. For young women entering the field, including myself, those early interactions are the difference between considering this career and pursuing it with confidence.
From day one at SW+, employees are put first. Through mentorship, pathways to leadership, internal initiatives, and other opportunities, I’ve always felt supported, empowered, and valued, and that’s what truly elevates the work we do.
Author bio: Claire Folk graduated from the University of South Carolina in the Spring of 2020 with a degree in civil engineering. After interning with SW+ in the Charlotte office, she joined the Charlotte team full-time in the summer of 2020. Claire enjoys all outdoor adventures, curling up with her cat and a good book, and trying to keep her house plants alive.
About SeamonWhiteside: SeamonWhiteside (SW+) is a full-service site design firm providing master planning, civil engineering, landscape architecture, urban design services, and permit coordination to public and private clients throughout the Carolinas. SW+ elevates the site design experience through a full commitment to people, clients, plans, and communities. Their passion, collaboration, quality, and care results in innovative spaces that enrich lives and leave a lasting legacy for future generations. Headquartered in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, SeamonWhiteside also has offices in Summerville, Greenville, Spartanburg, Charlotte, and Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information on SW+, visit www.seamonwhiteside.com.
