From an early age, Ana Rivero was destined for a life in civil construction. As she describes it, "I knew my future would be connected to infrastructure. I was drawn to the idea of shaping communities through transportation."
That passion led her to study Civil Engineering at the University of Granada. There she learned that engineering is more than calculations; it is perseverance, teamwork and resilience. "Civil engineering taught me that this is a long-distance race," she says. "You don't just learn to overcome difficulties; you thrive on the challenges they present."
Ana began her career in consulting and design, developing a strong foundation in organization, quality and efficiency. Her curiosity for improving project workflows inspired her to pursue a Master's in BIM Management for Infrastructure and GIS from the University of Barcelona. Earning her professional engineers license became a defining milestone — a symbol of both her technical expertise and her unwavering commitment to professional integrity.
Two years ago, Ana transitioned into construction and joined the FlatironDragados team on the Texas Department of Transportation's US 181 Harbor Bridge Project (HBP) in Corpus Christi. Today, she proudly serves as the HBP Construction Quality Control Manager, a role that complements her skillset and passions.
"Quality is where I found my true fit," she explains. "It's where organization, consistency and teamwork come together to make complex systems work."
Having worked across multiple sectors and in two different countries, Ana has learned that while every project is different, one principle holds: "Good organization is essential for success. There is no single correct way. As long as order, clarity and structure are present, everything else follows."
In honor of Women in Construction Week, Ana recognizes the many women who strengthen the industry each day. Working mothers especially inspire her. As a mother of six, she understands the balancing act intimately. "Choosing a career in construction does not mean giving up the dream of family; the two can coexist," she says. She credits FlatironDragados for fostering an environment where both career and family can thrive.
Beyond engineering, Ana embraces lifelong learning. One of her goals is to learn to play the guitar. Her advice is simple: "Never stop learning and never stop chasing what you love."
"Ana leaves a legacy mark on the Harbor Bridge Project, from her design work on aesthetic features of the new cable-stayed bridge to essential quality standards. Her recent achievement of obtaining a State of Texas Professional Engineers license has strengthened her role as a key leader in our Quality Control efforts," says Mike Mooney, FlatironDragados HBP Project Manager.