About MISS. New York for America 2019
MISS. New York for America 2019, Emily Mahana
Emily is a life-long resident of Syracuse, NY. After graduating from Cicero-North Syracuse High School in 2014, she attended Syracuse University to pursue a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Civil Engineering. As a student, Emily was as dedicated to her studies as she was to being an active member of the University community, and was often found volunteering or in club meetings when she wasn’t studying. This hard work paid off in May 2018 when Emily graduated Summa Cum Laude, and was named the “All-Around Best Senior” of her graduating class for her commitment to her studies, school spirit, and involvement on campus and in the community.
As a student, Emily became very passionate about encouraging youth to become interested in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields. In her classes, there were often less than 10 female students in a class of 50 students or more, which is what caused her to create her platform: “Empowering Women in STEM.” Recognizing the need for more female role models in STEM fields, Emily began visiting classrooms and after school programs in her community. Through fun, hand-on activities, reading engineering-related picture books, and speaking to older students about her path through school to SU, she was able to show students of all ages what possibilities are available to them if they pursue STEM fields.
Emily now works in Liverpool, NY as a structural bridge engineer, and has plans to obtain a Master’s Degree in Structural Engineering and Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in the future. In her spare time, Emily enjoys staying active as an Irish step dancer. Over the past 15 years, she has competed in many local, regional, and national dance competitions, and also had the opportunity to spend some time as a professional dancer in a show in New York City. If you ever want to catch Emily outside of work or dance classes, you can either find her travelling or at home snuggled up with her two cats, Cashew and Hailey.