AT just 24 years old Liana Wright is part of a new generation of Jamaican women redefining what it looks like to build a career in engineering. An electrical designer at Loring Consulting Engineers, Wright may be early in her professional journey but her mindset, work ethic, and quiet confidence are already helping to pave the way for those coming after her.

Outside of the office, Wright describes herself simply: “I enjoy working out and trying new restaurants with friends.” That grounded sense of self is something that has followed her from childhood into her career, helping her maintain balance in her day-to-day life.

Growing up, Wright’s childhood was shaped by adventure and strong family values. With an adventurous mother who introduced her to frequent excursions, she learned early on the importance of being dependable, cherishing family and friends, and pursuing what genuinely brings fulfilment. These values continue to guide her in both her personal and professional decisions today.

Interestingly, engineering was not always the plan. For most of high school Wright intended to become a dentist. However, in lower sixth form she realised that continuing with biology, an essential requirement, was no longer the right fit. Rather than forcing a path that didn’t align, she pivoted. Electrical power engineering emerged as a more natural match for her strengths in mathematics and her growing interest in renewable energy.

Her exposure to engineering didn’t feel intimidating. Watching her grandfather head out to construction sites every morning at 6:00 normalised the field for her long before she formally entered it. That familiarity, combined with her academic interests, made the transition feel both practical and exciting.

Wright went on to study at The University of the West Indies, Mona, where the rigour of the engineering programme prepared her well for consulting. Tight deadlines, high-pressure environments, and demanding workloads became familiar territory, skills she now relies on daily in her professional role.

As a young woman in a male-dominated field, Wright has taken a refreshingly grounded approach. Rather than focusing on the imbalance, she chooses to focus on performance. For her, constantly emphasising the gender gap has the potential to feel defeating. Instead, she shared, “I think it’s important to aim to do your best in whichever type of field you are pursuing,” a philosophy that quietly challenges norms without allowing them to define her experience.

Her journey to Loring Consulting Engineers began with curiosity. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) consulting is not widely known in Jamaica, and after being encouraged by a lecturer to explore the field, Liana did her research. What she found in Loring (its vision, opportunities, and developing presence in the Jamaican market) convinced her to apply.

Joining the company during its developmental stages locally has been both challenging and transformative. “It has been a learning curve for me, which has led me to do introspection often in order to see how I can be better,” she said.

Professionally, she has grown through working with diverse personalities, learning new software, and developing skill sets that will support her long-term career growth.

While she doesn’t yet point to a single career-defining project, one experience stands out. Recently working on a Montessori school helped her understand how deeply the intent of a space should influence its design. She shared, “It showed me how impactful the intent of a space can be in shaping your design, that you should always understand the intent of a space or building before you start any project.”

Mentorship has also played a key role in her development at Loring. Through various mentorship experiences Wright has been able to identify her working style and refine her process. By taking pieces of advice from different mentors, she has learned what works best for her and what doesn’t — an essential skill in a fast-paced consulting environment.

Looking ahead, Wright sees Loring’s work as having the potential to significantly impact the island. As a new player in the local market, she notes, “I think our expertise at Loring can change the trajectory of innovation and sustainability in the Jamaican market by exposing the country to new systems utilised in First World countries, ultimately leading to the development of local infrastructure.”

To Wright, leadership is rooted in integrity and firm beliefs, qualities that inspire others not through authority, but example. She hopes to encourage other women in STEM to aim for excellence, define what the field means to them personally, and speak up even when fear or opposition is present.

Her advice to young Jamaican girls considering engineering or consulting is both practical and empowering: “Always aim to do your best, even when unpleasant tasks arise. Keep challenging yourself to grow, and do self-evaluations to ensure you are not stagnant. Lastly, manage your mindset because that will define how you feel and operate daily in the field.”

Liana Wright may not claim to have it all figured out just yet but in choosing growth, self-awareness, and excellence, she is already doing something powerful — paving the way forward, one thoughtful step at a time.

Electrical designer at Loring Consulting Engineers, Liana Wright, completes a lighting floor plan and reviews panel schedules for her current projects.

Liana Wright, electrical designer, Loring Consulting Engineers.