ACEC Virginia Launches Inaugural Dream Big RVA Event to Inspire Future Engineers

To celebrate Engineers Week 2026, ACEC Virginia hosted the inaugural Dream Big RVA event at All Saints Catholic School. Dream Big RVA is an interactive educational experience designed to inspire students to explore the exciting world of engineering and innovation and introduce students to the many ways engineers shape our communities and improve everyday life.

The ACEC Virginia event succeeded the highly successful Dream Big Williamsburg event, led by Michael Matthews of The Structures Group, Inc.

At Dream Big RVA, students enjoyed a screening of Dream Big: Engineering Our World, followed by an engaging panel discussion featuring professional engineers from a variety of disciplines. Students learned firsthand about real-world engineering careers, education pathways, and how creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving are at the heart of the profession. The panel discussion was moderated by Michael Matthews and featured the following member firm employees:  

Nichole Parker, Thompson Engineering Consultants; Catherine Willoughby, Volkert; Emma Lauver, Volkert; Zarriea Latimore, ATCS; Nick Gigliott, McKinney & Company; Robert Grubbs, Mason & Hanger; Robert Carter, Burgess & Niple; and Megan Jones, Dunbar.

Following the panel discussion, students rotated through three hands-on engineering activity stations designed to challenge them to think critically, learn collaboratively, and apply engineering concepts creatively in real time through fun, hands-on activities.

ACEC Virginia is proud to inspire the next generation of problem-solvers and innovators through experiences that make engineering tangible, accessible, and fun, while empowering students to envision themselves as the engineers of tomorrow.