2024 40 Under 40: Katelyn DePenning, PE, 39

DePenning is a pioneering force reshaping the sports and engineering realms through her innovative work and tireless advocacy for diversity and inclusion. Beginning her career at Henderson Engineers in 2011, she has showcased project management prowess in the retail sector before transitioning to specialize in sports venue design. DePenning’s notable projects include the groundbreaking KC Current’s Training Complex, the first-ever purpose-built facility for a U.S. women’s professional sports team. Her leadership extends to the upcoming CPKC Stadium, a $117 million venue that opened in March 2024 for the Kansas City Current, a National Women’s Soccer League team. DePenning also is dedicated to uplifting underrepresented groups. She co-founded UNITE, a resource group supporting LGBTQIA+ employees and allies and played a pivotal role in EMPOWER, advocating for gender equity and organizing impactful events like the “Learn to Golf” initiative. DePenning also is involved with the ACE Mentor Program and the Women in Leadership program, where she empowers high school students to pursue careers in engineering and other impactful industries. She provides firsthand knowledge of what it is like to work in the architecture, engineering and construction industry and helps future engineers with guidance on college preparation, networking and more. DePenning also has been a panelist and guest on empowering and encouraging women in STEM. DePenning remains a passionate basketball and soccer fan, sports she played in her youth. She also enjoys playing golf. She likes visiting local parks and the playgrounds with her wife and their three young children.40

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