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Sahar Jaber

General Info

Professional Track

  • Science and Engineering
  • Civil Engineering

Country

Lebanon

Areas of Expertise

  1. Architecture
  2. Engineering, Civil
  3. Mathematics

Professional Interests

  1. Design and structural analysis for RC buildings
  2. Shop drawings and site supervision
  3. Mentoring junior civil engineers

It's never too late to rise for what truly matters. With grit and vision, start, strive, and trust the journey.

Sahar Jaber

What will be your most valuable contribution to your TechWomen mentorship?

I bring technical depth, a problem-solving mindset, and an eye for quality and leadership. As a civil engineer, I've led structural modeling, design development, and site execution while mentoring women to rise in engineering. I also bring an entrepreneurial spirit, having built two grassroots initiatives: a crochet business providing women income and purpose, and a healthy cookie startup promoting wellness in Lebanon. These experiences reflect my belief that every woman holds untapped potential. I'm excited to contribute not just skills, but heart, perspective, and stories of women who've inspired me to a mentorship rooted in mutual growth and impact.

The Top Three Things I Would Like to Learn or Experience During my Mentorship

  1. Expertise in structural analysis and design software for reinforced concrete buildings and foundations; advanced civil engineering technologies
  2. Project management, leadership, communication, and negotiation skills to lead engineering projects and community initiatives
  3. Entrepreneurial skills and global networking to scale my startups and launch innovative, impactful, sustainable initiatives

Mentorship Characteristic

  • Attend company-wide meetings and/or team meetings
  • Visit an office or attend a site-visit
  • Identify workshops or certificate programs to further my learning after the program has ended
  • Focus on technical skills building
  • Gets me involved in day-to-day activities of the mentor and partnering company.

Ideal Company Type

My ideal mentor is a collaborative civil engineer with expertise in structural modeling, RC design, or site supervision. I'd thrive in a medium to large construction or consultancy company offering hands-on exposure to active projects and site visits. I seek a mentor who leads with purpose, empowers women, and shares technical, project management and leadership insights. Ideally, they also have an entrepreneurial vision and can guide me in building and scaling impactful initiatives through strategy, platforms, funding, community engagement, and other tools for sustainable growth. I also hope to join their network and gain exposure to global collaboration and innovation.

What are three adjectives that best describe you in the work place?

  1. Precise
  2. Collaborative
  3. Reliable

What impact will your mentorship have on your career and professional path?

The 15-day mentorship will provide hands-on experience with leading professionals and exposure to high-impact tech companies, helping me strengthen key skills in structural modeling, project management, leadership, communication, and entrepreneurship. I will gain insights into how cutting-edge technologies are applied in civil engineering knowledge not easily accessible in Lebanon. This immersive experience will equip me to lead complex engineering projects, scale my startups by navigating challenges and market needs, and mentor the next generation of engineers. Most importantly, it will empower me to bring global expertise back home and drive meaningful change for women in my community.

After participating in the TechWomen program, how will you leverage your mentorship experience to make an impact in your home country?

After participating in TechWomen, I plan to launch a mentorship initiative connecting female engineering students and graduates with experienced women professionals. I will also host workshops and social media events to share insights from the program, inspire girls to join STEM, and encourage participation in TechWomen. Additionally, I aim to scale my two startups-crochet and healthy cookies- and launch additional initiatives by leveraging the skills, tools, and networks gained. This will empower more Lebanese women economically and personally. By bridging American expertise with local talent, I hope to spark sustainable impact, promote healthier lifestyles, and uplift women across my community.

Work History

Years of Full-time Work Experience

7

Primary Professional Focus

  • Civil, water or environmental specialist
  • Design or CAD

Current/Most Recent Job

  • Title and Company: Structural Civil Engineer, T&M architecture and engineering, affiliate of United Technology for Construction Co. (UTC) -Offshore
  • Direct Reports:
  • Type: Full-time
  • Location: Aley, Lebanon
  • Dates: March 1, 2021 –
  • Responsibilities:

    Conduct 3D structural modeling and design for RC buildings using ETABS, including seismic and wind analysis; design and check slabs and foundations using SAFE; prepare detailed calculation notes and design development drawings for both vertical and horizontal elements; Lead structural design and shop drawing production for large-scale reinforced concrete projects using AutoCAD, managing a team of engineers and ensuring timely delivery of drawings, bar bending schedules, and BOQs; Coordinate across disciplines and with site teams through meetings and collaboration with architects; review technical submissions and provide guidance to engineering teams.

  • Skills:

    Proficient in engineering software (ETABS, SAFE, AutoCAD) with hands-on experience in modeling, load analysis, and detailing for RC structures; Strong technical writing skills for preparing calculation notes, and structural reports with attention to accuracy and clarity; Team leadership and mentoring abilities, guiding junior engineers and coordinating effectively across disciplines through clear communication and collaborative problem-solving.

Job #2

  • Title and Company: Site Civil Engineer, RAC Engineering Company
  • Type: Full-time
  • Location: Aley, Lebanon
  • Dates: April 2, 2018 – November 15, 2019
  • Responsibilities:

    Managing and supervising the construction of projects (RC buildings and water tanks) from excavation to completion, ensuring quality, safety, and timeline adherence; Review technical and execution drawings, manage subcontractors, materials, and site personnel, and oversee on-site implementation; Prepare and submit progress reports, generate as-built drawings, and support BOQ development and shop drawing execution.

  • Skills:

    Construction site management and field problem-solving - resolving on-site technical challenges efficiently under pressure; Technical proficiency in structural interpretation and documentation; Clear communication and leadership – liaising with subcontractors, mentoring junior engineers, and delivering precise site reports.

Job #3

  • Title and Company: Structural Civil Engineer, MDA Consulting and Engineering Company
  • Type: Full-time
  • Location: Aley, Lebanon
  • Dates: June 1, 2016 – April 1, 2018
  • Responsibilities:

    Conduct structural modeling and analysis for reinforced concrete buildings, including design development and detailing for all structural elements; Perform 3D modeling, seismic and wind analysis, and design of vertical members for high-specification projects (shopping center), ensuring compliance with rigorous quality and safety standards; Coordinate with architects and other engineering disciplines to ensure compatibility and seamless integration of structural, architectural, and MEP systems.

  • Skills:

    Proficiency in software: ETABS, SAFE, S-Concrete, M-Resist, AutoCAD; Strong time management and organizational skills to meet project deadlines efficiently; Design decision-making to deliver structurally sound, cost-effective solutions aligned with architectural requirements.

Education History


Institution #1

  • Institution: University of Lille – (in partnership with the Lebanese University)
  • Degree Awarded: Master's
  • Major: Civil Engineering
  • Minor: Geo-materials and structures
  • Location: France (program delivered in Lebanon)
  • Completion Date: April 16, 2018

Institution #2

  • Institution: Lebanese University
  • Degree Awarded: Master's
  • Major: Civil Engineering
  • Minor: Geotechnical Engineering
  • Location: Lebanon
  • Completion Date: October 5, 2017

Institution #3

  • Institution: Lebanese University
  • Degree Awarded: Bachelor's
  • Major: Civil Engineering
  • Minor: Public Works
  • Location: Lebanon
  • Completion Date: July 12, 2016

Participants

  • Chicago Emerging Leader Profiles
  • San Francisco Emerging Leader Profiles
  • Eligibility and Application
  • The Experience
  • Award Details

Mentors

  • Mentor Outreach Toolkit
  • Why Mentor With TechWomen?
  • Professional Mentor Overview
  • Cultural Mentor Overview
  • Innovation Mentor Overview
  • TechWomen Mentor Application

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