Every so often, a professional emerges whose work, leadership, and character leave a lasting impression on everyone around them. In the field of public works — where the challenges are complex, and the stakes are high — those individuals are especially meaningful. One of them is Shiann Hernandez, a rising engineer whose influence is already shaping communities across the Houston region. Her nomination for the 2025-2026 American Public Works Association (APWA) John Roark Young Leader Award is a testament to the impact she has made in a remarkably short time.
A Career Built on Precision, Curiosity, and Drive
From the moment Shiann joined BGE, she distinguished herself as a detail-oriented, forward-thinking engineer with a remarkable ability to manage complex projects. Her rapid promotion to project manager (well ahead of the typical career timeline) speaks to her technical mastery and the trust she has earned from colleagues and clients alike.
“I have been in the professional work force for 42 years and have never come across a more deserving nominee than Ms. Hernandez. She works very hard, very diligently, very professionally, very smart, and she respects and treats outside folks as well as fellow employees with dignity and kindness,” states former BGE employee, Doug Baker, PE.
Her work touches some of the most essential infrastructure in the Houston region. She has led major efforts such as:
- Rehabilitating a 2.0 MGD wastewater treatment plant for Harris County MUD 358, ensuring long-term reliability and reduced maintenance costs.
- Managing a major TPDES permit amendment for the City of Arcola, enabling the community to expand wastewater capacity responsibly.
- Designing a new water treatment plant serving 27,000 connections for Harris County MUD 514.
- Overseeing a 0.6 MGD wastewater treatment plant expansion for Harris County MUD 433, coordinating multidisciplinary teams and delivering the project on schedule.
But Shiann’s influence extends beyond individual projects. She has streamlined BGE’s approach to the City of Houston’s water storage tank rehabilitation program, chaired the firm’s wastewater discharge permitting committee, and helped develop standardized scheduling tools that improve planning and execution across municipal projects. Her work strengthens not only the infrastructure she designs but the systems and teams that support it.
Leadership that Inspires and Elevates Others
Shiann’s leadership extends far beyond her engineering responsibilities. Since joining APWA in 2020, she has steadily assumed more leadership roles within the TX-APWA Southeast Branch. Starting as Secretary and now serving as Branch President, she helped shape the Branch’s direction, programming, and outreach.
Under her leadership, the Branch launched two new annual events — the half-day seminar and the clay shoot — both designed to raise scholarship funds and strengthen the professional community. She has also played a key role in statewide conference planning and is currently co-chairing the Hospitality Committee for PWX 2026 in Houston, an event that will bring together public works professionals from across the country.
Her service extends into the broader engineering community as well. She has contributed to Houston Engineers Week, participated in updating City of Houston design standards, and consistently advocates for resilient, sustainable infrastructure.
Recognized for Excellence
Shiann’s work has earned her several prestigious honors, including:
- TX-APWA Southeast Branch Young Member of the Year (2021-22)
- TX-APWA Southeast Branch President’s Award (2022-23)
- BGE’s Dick Gay Core Values Award (2023)
What truly sets Shiann apart is her forward-looking approach to sustainability. She designs infrastructure with longevity and resilience at the forefront, focusing on solutions that reduce maintenance needs, extend service life, and make the most of public resources. Her work incorporates energy-efficient technologies, low-impact development practices, and strategies that help communities adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Within BGE and APWA, she developed organized, repeatable processes that strengthen institutional knowledge and support future leaders. Her influence is felt not only in the infrastructure she helps build but in the culture of thoughtful, sustainable practices she promotes.
A Leader Whose Impact is Just Beginning
Shiann Hernandez is more than an accomplished engineer; she is a leader who brings people together, elevates the profession, and improves the communities she serves. Her nomination for the John Roark Young Leader Award reflects the depth of her contributions and the promise of what she will continue to achieve. While her story is unfolding, one thing is clear: the future of public works is in good hands.
About BGE, Inc.
For 50 years, BGE, Inc. has served public and private clients as a full-service, multidiscipline engineering consulting firm with integrated capabilities. BGE delivers a broad range of advisory services, technical expertise and innovative, sustainable solutions to support local, regional and national communities as they shape the future of infrastructure. Backed by five decades of civil engineering leadership, BGE partners with clients across the Southeast and beyond to solve complex infrastructure challenges. Explore our consulting services and solutions: https://www.bgeinc.com/
