Kayleena Blas Diaz, a University of Guam Class of 2021 alum has become the first graduate of the university's Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering program to earn a Professional Engineer License.

“I feel honored,” Diaz said. “I didn’t really have a roadmap to follow - I had to figure a lot of things out along the way.”

For Diaz, who is the first to graduate from college in her family, passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam is the "culmination of a journey," which the university said began more than a decade ago as a pre-engineering student in 2014. She then earned a degree in mathematics in 2019 and later returned to pursue a civil engineering degree, graduating with the inaugural cohort in 2021.

“UOG’s SENG professors did a great job preparing us technically for the industry,” Diaz said. “They gave us real-world examples of code application and problem-solving that made the transition into my career much easier.”

Diaz's father Vinny Blas is proud of her accomplishments, he told Guam News Network, "I put in 30 years with Guam Power Authority. Her biological mother Gina Villagomez worked hard in the private sector and her stepmom, at the time, Charlene Apatang kick-started her college education from her military benefits."

The university said while Diaz prepared for the P.E. exam she was working full time and raising two young sons. She credited her husband, Chris for his support with "making time during the weeknights and weekends for her to prepare."

"My daughter has been very spiritual, very involved with her group International Christian Church. She's always been good at math just like her dad and grandfathers. Her two sons are what inspire her," Blas said.

Diaz works for Duenas, Camacho and Associates, Inc. as a structural engineer under structural engineer Tom Camacho. According to UOG, Diaz has spent the past four years gaining experience designing for Guam seismic and typhoon conditions, applying building code, conducting fieldwork and managing smaller projects.

Diaz recognized Camacho and Frankie Susuico as mentors who helped her grow as an engineer and prepare for professional licensure. Diaz served as the Construction management project engineer for the Chalan Pago-Ordot Multi-Purpose Center.

She recognized the responsibility her role plays in the community.

“Becoming a P.E. means taking on a greater responsibility to the public,” Diaz said. “As a professional engineer specializing in structural, I get to do that by helping design buildings and structures that are safe, practical, and economical.”

UOG highlighted that "Diaz's achievement comes during a period of significant growth for engineering education at UOG."

The university has 303 students enrolled in the School of Engineering this semester. UOG said the number reflects increased interest in pathways to careers in engineering and related professions.

“Kayleena’s milestone represents the impact of UOG’s Civil Engineering program,” said Ernesto Guades, chair and associate professor of civil engineering at the UOG School of Engineering. “Seeing a Guam native and UOG graduate become a licensed Professional Engineer is a testament to the quality of education we provide here at home and shows that our graduates are well prepared to succeed in the civil engineering profession.”

Hiroshan Hettiarchchi, dean of the UOG School of Engineering said Diaz's achievements are proof of what the local engineering pipeline can produce.

“This achievement proves that our civil engineering program delivers a rigorous, high-standard curriculum capable of producing top-tier, fully licensed professional engineers right here on home soil,” Hettiarachchi said.

“Building up a local talent pipeline ensures our island’s critical infrastructure is designed and maintained by engineers who deeply understand Guam’s unique environment and social needs,” he added.

Diaz said completing her college education on Guam is central to her journey.

“I think a lot of students feel like they have to leave Guam to get a good education or build a good career, but I’m a big believer that those opportunities are here too,” Diaz said. “Guam is my home, and I’m really grateful that I was able to earn my education here and now have the opportunity to practice here professionally.”

Diaz recognized the importance of encouraging young people to pursue a career in engineering right here on Guam and hopes to give back to the STEM community.

“There’s a lot of talent here,” Diaz said. “I hope I can play a small part in showing that our home is enough.”