Sharon Jean Baptiste, vice president of U.S. Midwest operations at Jacobs, leads an exceptional talent force partnering with clients across the water, transportation, and built environment markets to connect infrastructure solutions for equitable outcomes.
Sharon is also a fierce advocate of inclusion and equity. She is dedicated to strengthening the engineering talent pipeline and building the capacity of small and diverse businesses.
Sharon leads technical and professional organizations and engages in her community, including three local boards and councils and an executive steering committee for the American Heart Association's STEM Goes Red. According to the organization's website, the program draws from the association’s legacy of science, education, and discovery to help propel young women into rewarding STEM careers.
"It's an honor to be here today," said Sharon in her acceptance speech at the Women of Color STEM Gala. "This recognition is truly a manifestation of sacrifices made, and all that was sowed and poured into me. A path that's been well traveled, inspired by a passion for making the world a better place. I stand here because of the love and support of my husband and son and because brilliant and brave women before me were first but refused to be last. I'm thankful for my twenty-plus-year career with many more chapters left to write. One conversation changed my life trajectory. A high school teacher told me that I could be an engineer. So, stay open to possibility, to discomfort, and to chances to pay it forward."
Sharon has supported multimillion-dollar programs for the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati, Philadelphia International Airport, and Port Authority of New York/New Jersey.
She leads a $150 million revenue operation, a talent force of 550, more than 15 offices and major program client sites, and serves over 70 public- and private-sector clients. Sharon helped launch Jacobs’ Black employee network, Harambee, and holds leadership roles in multiple engineering and transportation societies.
