Founded in 1990, M. Neils Engineering, Inc. stands out among electrical engineering consulting firms with six women on their team of 13 professionals. The company fosters women in leadership from project delivery to business operations, with two women senior electrical engineers responsible for signing all the firm’s drawings.
Based in Sacramento, M. Neils is committed to projects that support community resilience in Northern California, including schools and universities, medical campuses, transportation infrastructure and civic facilities.
“Impactful public sector work is at the core of our services,” confirms Chief Strategy Officer Danielle Neils. “We also build resilience and well-being internally as a team and in our client partnerships. Our Operations and Culture Integrator, Teri Freeman, helps center these values as we look to the future of our industry.”
Only about 10% of registered electrical engineers in the U.S. are women, and M. Neils leads the way with women in professional and leadership roles.
“M. Neils has a history of encouraging the professional development of all staff, women included,” says Julia Brodovsky, P.E., Senior Electrical Engineer and Engineering Standards Manager. “I enjoy the honor of working with Yvette Van Zanten, a professional engineer with more than 25 years’ experience, and one of only two female registered electrical engineers I’ve met in my 15-year career.”
“M. Neils has a history of encouraging the professional development of all staff, women included.” — Julia Brodovsky, P.E., Senior Electrical Engineer, Engineering Standards Manager
Brodovsky notes that it’s refreshing to work where gender is not a constraint. “I was able to take maternity leave and return with so much support,” she says. “Instead of being penalized, my career has continued to thrive.”
The firm supports every client’s experience from start to finish. “M. Neils takes care of its people, and as a result, has a driven and well-balanced group providing an elevated client experience,” says Project Manager Crystal Collier-McMaster. “We understand it’s about the journey with the client, not just a single project.”
Understanding the importance of team collaboration and utilizing the strengths of each M. Neils team member are also paramount. Collier-McMaster adds, “We are each open to learning and sharing what we know, and as a project manager and designer, I lean on Lead Electrical Designer Brianna Phu for help with unique and challenging electrical design issues.”
M. Neils will continue to empower all team members to provide the ultimate degree of client service.
