Today, we celebrate the International Women in Engineering Day which is a global event that honors the contributions of women in the engineering field.
In line with the celebration, First Balfour shines a spotlight on Mary Joy Codilla, one of the project managers of First Balfour’s Leyte Projects, whose leadership and dedication embody the spirit of this celebration.
Learn more about #HerStory—one shaped by curiosity, grounded in perseverance, and strengthened by leadership built through experience, faith, and the trust of those around her.
Every June 23, the world comes together to celebrate International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) to recognize women in the engineering field—an occasion that highlights both how far the industry has come and how much further it still needs to go in becoming truly equitable.
While women make up nearly half of the global workforce, they still represent only about 16% of engineers worldwide. In the Philippines, the numbers are slowly improving, but engineering remains a male-dominated field.
Even in a male-dominated industry like engineering and construction, First Balfour embraces inclusivity—creating an environment where women are empowered to lead and thrive. One example is Project Manager Mary Joy Codilla, whose dedication to one of our Leyte projects speaks volumes about the value of trust, resilience, and support.
From Sketches to Structures
Her journey into engineering began with a childhood love for drawing buildings and a curiosity about how structures are built. “I’ve always enjoyed sketching buildings,” she shares, “and when it came time to choose a course in college, I picked Civil Engineering because I believed I’d enjoy it, since I was always curious about how structures are built.” That early interest eventually shaped the professional path she continues to pursue today.
Her career began as an intern in Ormoc City, where she assisted a field engineer on-site. From there, she steadily moved through the ranks—first as a project monitoring engineer, then as a field engineer, and later as a field supervisor. She also took on the role of field and safety engineer before joining First Balfour, where she began as a construction manager. Her leadership potential quickly became evident, and she was promoted to deputy project manager.
Today, she serves as the project manager of the Leyte Routine Civil Works and Maintenance Services (RCWMS) Project, leading with experience, insight, and a deep understanding of the work on the ground.
Mary Joy leads the Project Management Team in a discussion on project progress and key updates.
A Day in the Life
As a project manager, her days are full and focused. “My typical day as a project manager on-site starts with checking the latest project progress, then coordinating closely with the team to address issues, align priorities, and ensure daily targets are met.”
It’s a role that demands both technical know-how and people skills, which is something she’s learned to balance over time. “It’s about making sure everyone’s on the same page and feels supported.”
Promoting a culture of safety, Mary Joy facilitated the Leyte RCWMS General Toolbox Meeting with key reminders on performing work safely last June 10, 2025.
Facing Challenges with Faith
When asked about the challenges she’s faced as a woman in engineering, she offers a grounded perspective.
“Honestly, I don’t really remember facing challenges specifically because I’m a woman. For me, challenges are part of the job, and when they come, I just remind myself to have faith that things will work out. I try to see every problem as a chance to grow and prove what I can do.”
“What motivates me is the trust that people around me give,” she shares. She further expounds that she believes in leading by example—“I inspire my team by guiding them, supporting their growth, and reminding them of the value and purpose behind what we do.”
Looking Ahead
As she continues to grow in her role, she remains focused on becoming the best version of herself. “The next step in my career is to continue building the best version of myself, not just as a leader, but as someone driven by purpose and meaning.”
Her story is a reminder that leadership doesn’t always have to be loud. Sometimes, it’s steady. Purposeful. And quietly powerful.
Advice for Aspiring Engineers
To young women considering a career in engineering, her advice is simple but powerful: “Have confidence and enjoy the journey of learning.”
