“You will find obstacles in life, but you can’t give up. Don’t let people discourage you,” said Janet B. Cunningham, PE, speaking at a seminar in 2017 on the Importance of Women and Diversity in the Fields of Transportation, Engineering, and Public Service at Penn State University. These words encapsulate Janet’s journey as a woman in a male-dominated industry, where her perseverance, willingness to take risks, and commitment to continuous learning helped her overcome numerous challenges and establish herself as a respected leader.
On Thursday, January 23, 2025, JBC staff, friends, and family gathered at the ACEC/PA 2025 Diamond Awards of Engineering Excellence in Lancaster, PA. It was a special night as Janet was recognized with the “Distinguished Award of Merit” presented by the American Council of Engineering Companies of PA—the organization’s most prestigious award. Each year, the Distinguished Award of Merit is presented to a recipient who has demonstrated leadership and resolve, making an outstanding contribution to the advancement of the consulting engineering profession. Janet shared her respect and appreciation for those who’ve supported her. She shared with the audience her journey of finding engineering as a profession. Janet called on industry professionals to get involved with mentoring programs that help attract, engage, and retain young engineers, especially women and underrepresented groups into the A/E/C industry.
Janet’s journey began with a civil engineering degree from Penn State University, followed by a tenure with the Army Corps of Engineers. After joining a small construction services firm, she struck out on her own to establish JBC Associates in 1988. “I was JBC’s only employee, and I worked from my apartment, focusing on scheduling and dispute resolution,” says Janet. In 1992, JBC received its first PennDOT inspection contract and hired its first inspector, Mike Lucy. In 1993, JBC was awarded its first Construction Management contract with PennDOT as a subconsultant in District-08 for a $500M highway improvement project with Scott Schaeffer and David Bjork assigned – all three staff members are still with the company today. Thirty-seven years later, JBC Associates stands as one of the largest and most respected women-owned professional construction management firms in Pennsylvania.
“How you handle yourself and being positive will open doors for you,” explains Janet. She is a trusted advisor to state and federal agencies on policies affecting women and small disadvantaged businesses, advocating for greater diversity and inclusion within the engineering and construction sectors. JBC has experienced continued growth, with over 70 employees currently providing professional services on over $1.5 billion annually in construction with some of the region’s most influential clients, including PennDOT, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, SEPTA, NJ DOT, City of Philadelphia, PIDC, Montgomery County, Chester County, and the Federal Transit Administration.
Janet’s community outreach includes supporting initiatives to improve children’s health and education across the region. She continues to inspire high school females who desire to enter college engineering programs by allowing them to shadow her for a day. She has worked tirelessly to support young professionals and students pursuing careers in engineering and construction. Janet’s work with Penn State University’s College of Engineering, where she established an endowment scholarship fund for women entering the engineering field in 2001, has helped shape the futures of countless young engineers. Her leadership on the Penn State Women in Engineering Advisory Board and the Industrial Practices Advisory Council has further strengthened her legacy as a mentor and role model.
In 1998, Penn State honored Janet with the Outstanding Engineering Alumni Award, and she was named a Distinguished Alumni Fellow in 2002. In 2007, she served as the Commencement Speaker for the College of Engineering, where she inspired graduates with her message: “Have a positive attitude, take on responsibility, take risks, find a mentor, be patient, respect others, and find balance between career and family.”
Janet’s leadership and impact have been recognized with numerous awards, including being named one of the Philadelphia Business Journal’s “40 Under 40,” one of Pennsylvania’s “Best 50 Women in Business,” and the 2009 “Construction Engineer of the Year” by the ASCE Philadelphia Section.
Most recently, JBC received the 2024 Philly Fast 50 Award by the Philadelphia Business Journal for one of the fastest growing privately held firms based on revenue. Additionally, JBC made the Philadelphia Business Journal’s annual “List of Largest Women-Owned Businesses,” ranking #12 out of 83 firms in 2024—a testament to strong leadership, innovative solutions, and dedication to client satisfaction. JBC has consistently ranked among the Top 25 Woman-Owned Businesses in the Philadelphia area since entering the list in 2003.
“The things that have made JBC successful are the same things that make all firms successful… professionalism, integrity, accountability, resiliency, and above all else, great employees. Our staff is our greatest asset. Clients want to know that firms are dependable, deliver on their promises, and provide quality service in a timely manner. We encourage our staff to meet these standards. I believe our success is the direct result of hitting our mark on all these principles,” Janet shared in Highway Builder, 2018.
Janet B. Cunningham’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of mentorship, and the impact of strong leadership. Her journey inspires us all to strive for excellence, support diversity, and work together to build a brighter future for the engineering and construction industries.
→ Jan 30, 2025
