Congratulations to CEE Berkeley alum Marlene Watson for receiving the 2023 AISES Ely S. Parker Award! Recipients of the award notably follow the example of Ely S. Parker, a 19th-century Seneca Nation chief who broke multiple racial barriers while establishing an enduring legacy that continues to inspire today’s Indigenous leaders. Marlene Watson is Navajo from Tohlakai, NM and Wide Ruins, AZ and was raised in Oakland, CA.
Watson will be honored as the 2023 Ely S. Parker Award winner at the AISES National Conference Closing Banquet on Saturday, October 21, in Spokane, Wash.
Education and Career Trajectory:
Watson’s journey with UC Berkeley started in 1985, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Architecture.
Her connection to UC Berkeley goes beyond her undergraduate years, as she earned two of her master's degrees, including a M.A. in Architecture in 1991 and a M.S. in Civil Engineering, Construction, and Engineering Management from Berkeley. These accomplishments underscore her unwavering commitment to academic excellence and her drive to excel in STEM disciplines.
Her career trajectory following graduation has been equally impressive. Watson has worked with Native American-owned architectural and engineering firms, contributing to diverse projects ranging from community centers to airports. Her roles as an innovative designer and project manager for government agencies like the Department of Energy, Department of Housing and Community Development, and NASA in Washington, DC, reflect her dedication to advancing STEM principles in various sectors. Since 2019, Marlene Watson has worked professionally as a Civil Engineer (HighwayTransportation) for the U.S. Department of Interior.
Contributions to AISES and Its Mission:
Watson’s extensive involvement in AISES (American Indian Science and Engineering Society) also includes co-founding the first California AISES Professional Chapter in 1993 and subsequently establishing the Southern California AISES Professional Chapter in 2010-2011, where she served as President. Her service on the AISES Board of Directors, including roles as Secretary and Vice President, showcases her enduring commitment to the organization's growth and success.
Through her education and experiences, Marlene overcame barriers and learned to apply her skills to preserve Native American remains and design culturally sensitive spaces. Her involvement with AISES and AICAE (American Indian Council of Architects and Engineering) further propelled her advocacy for Tribal governments' contracting preferences and the celebration of Native culture through architectural design.
Marlene's role as a mentor and role model is exemplary. She has continuously served as a source of inspiration for Indigenous students, faculty, staff, alumni, and AISES members. Her dedication to mentoring extends to her recent involvement as a Full Circle mentor and advisor to Fine Arts Master students, where she encourages cultural storytelling through art mediums.
Contributions to UC Berkeley:
Watson’s journey to success was not without its challenges. Growing up without women or Native American engineering role models, her transition from Civil Engineering to Environmental Design at UC Berkeley reflected her adaptability and commitment to contributing to Native communities' social and environmental well-being.
Her participation in the AISES Region 2 Conference at UC Berkeley in June 2023 left a profound impact on current UC Berkeley Master's and Doctoral Native graduate students, who recognize Marlene as an essential role model. They have invited her to contribute to Indigenous professionalization courses and speaker series at UC Berkeley and serve as a guest speaker for this year’s Native FEWS (food, energy, and water systems) Alliance hosted by the Blum Center on October 9, further underscoring her potential as a transformative influence on the Indigenous community.
During her time at UC Berkeley in 1991, she utilized her architectural and engineering skills to design healthy indigenous community buildings in Northern and Central California. Marlene co-founded the UC Berkeley AISES Student Chapter in 1984, where she played a vital role in securing corporate sponsorships and promoting STEM education.
Furthermore, Marlene was instrumental in launching the first Indigenous People's Day declaration with the City of Berkeley and the Indigenous People's Day committee in 1992. Her artistic contributions to the Turtle Island monument water fountain project in the City of Berkeley's Martin Luther King, Jr. Civic Center Park exemplify her dedication to celebrating the resilience and beauty of Native Nations of Turtle Island (North, Central and South Americas) that are still around today.