In a world where construction sites are still largely dominated by men, one woman is reshaping the narrative with a hard hat in one hand and a vision for the future in the other. Meet Eng. Essra Khalid Alshawabkeh: civil engineer, construction manager, entrepreneur, and a passionate advocate for women in STEM.
Born in the heart of Dubai and proudly carrying Jordanian roots, Essra’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. With a strong family foundation, her father a civil engineer and her mother a dentist, she was raised in a home that celebrated discipline, dedication, and ambition. It was her father’s footsteps she decided to follow, and in doing so, Essra has carved a path uniquely her own.
From Childhood Dreams to Construction Sites
Essra Khalid Alshawabkeh’s early memories are filled with blueprints, site visits, and client meetings. Accompanying her father to work wasn’t just bonding time, it was a sneak peek into the world she would one day command. Despite societal expectations that often favored sons, Essra felt deeply loved, but also quietly driven to prove that daughters could be just as dependable, capable, and successful.
“I always felt a deep desire to show my father that a daughter could build just as much as a son. I was determined to prove that girls belong in hard hats too,” she says with pride.
Academic Brilliance Meets Groundbreaking Research
Essra’s pursuit of excellence led her to the American University of Sharjah, where she completed her Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering. But she didn’t stop there. Her Master’s in Construction Management with a focus on geotechnical studies opened doors to innovation.
Her coauthored research on enhancing the shear strength of clay soils using plastic and cement mixtures earned her a keynote speaker spot at IMERC 2024 in the Philippines, one of many career highlights. “It was a moment where I realized just how much impact research and innovation could make,” she shares.
Turning Passion into Profession
Her journey into the construction industry was not only inspired by her father but also fueled by her own passion. The challenges didn’t scare her, they motivated her. She balanced field experience with academic pressure, all while dealing with the common challenge of being a woman in a male heavy field.
But Essra is not just an engineer. She’s a force of nature. Her charisma, positive energy, and fashion forward personality made her stand out. Encouraged by peers, she began sharing her story online, blending lifestyle, motivation, and career wisdom to empower others.
Leading with Vision: The Future of Construction
Today, Essra is leading projects with sustainability at the core. Her Master’s thesis on onsite soil reuse in urban excavation projects highlights her commitment to eco conscious construction, one of the central themes of the UAE Vision 2030.
At the heart of her work is Khalid Alshawabkeh Engineering Construction Company (KAS), a family run business operating in Ajman, Sharjah, and Dubai. As a partner, she ensures that each project reflects innovation, integrity, and care. KAS is becoming a model for sustainability and client focused construction in the region.
“If you’re looking to build your dream home, we’re here to make it a reality, efficiently, beautifully, and sustainably,” she says confidently.
Empowering Women Through Visibility
More than just buildings, Essra is building a legacy of female empowerment. She believes in redefining what success in engineering looks like, proving that intelligence, style, and strength can coexist.
Through her active presence on Instagram and TikTok, she shares glimpses of her life, blending fashion, construction, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. From hard hats to heels, she’s rewriting the script for women in STEM.
The Entrepreneur Within
Beyond engineering, Essra wears many hats. She is the founder of Alshawabkeh Jewellery and Jollie Atelier Beauty Center, both thriving businesses that reflect her eye for detail and creative spirit.
“Entrepreneurship gives me the space to express different sides of who I am, whether it’s through jewelry design or beauty services. I believe that creativity fuels innovation, even in engineering,” she explains.
Community First, Always
A true advocate for social impact, Essra participated in the AUS toy making initiative for orphans, combining engineering with compassion. Creating plush toys with love and care was a reminder that the best designs are those rooted in empathy.
Words to Live By
When asked what advice she’d give her younger self, Essra smiles and says:
“Trust your journey. Don’t shrink to fit into other people’s boxes. Speak up, stay curious, and never let fear stop you from stepping forward.”
Her most valuable career lesson?
“Consistency, patience, and adaptability. These three are the pillars of long term success in any industry.”
A Legacy in the Making
Essra Khalid Alshawabkeh is not just managing construction sites. She’s building bridges across stereotypes, industries, and aspirations. Whether it’s through sustainable practices, powerful storytelling, or bold leadership, she is lighting the way for future generations of women in STEM.
Her vision is crystal clear: a future where engineering, elegance, and empowerment go hand in hand
Do follow her on Instagram
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