Terresha Moodley, professional structural engineer: Zutari.
In this six-part series, Zutari commemorates the annual event that celebrates the incredible contributions of women engineers worldwide, International Women in Engineering Day (INWED).
INWED marks its 11th anniversary in 2024 under the theme of #Enhancedbyengineering. This year, INWED celebrates women engineers who have enhanced lives and livelihoods through their work. These remarkable individuals contribute to building a brighter future for all of us.
Terresha Moodley, professional structural engineer
Upon completing her civil engineering degree in 2016 as a bursary student, Moodley joined the eThekwini office as a graduate engineer. She commenced her career in the water unit and then worked full-time on-site for the PSH unit for two years as an Assistant Resident Engineer on an infrastructure project. She joined the Structures Unit in 2018.
As a design engineer and project manager, Moodley is responsible for the delivery of structural engineering projects in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. Her experience includes the commercial, manufacturing, and government sectors.
The challenge posed by engineering is that every day presents a new problem. “As a structural engineer, it is especially fulfilling seeing your work come to life. A big part of my interest in engineering was my curiosity, understanding the underlying science behind how things work and finding ways to make it better,” says Moodley.
Women can contribute to the 2024 INWED theme by being bold, unapologetic, and unafraid to speak their truth. Women have different mindsets and offer different perspectives to problem-solving and decision-making. Solutions are generally framed from a more personal outlook, which is wonderful and refreshing, she adds.
Moodley’s advice to young girls is to embrace every challenge. “Growth happens when you are at the end of your comfort zone. Also, be unafraid to try something new and take every opportunity you are afforded. Be persistent in finding different, exciting projects, and always be willing and enthusiastic to learn.”
