10 Questions with Nichole Leonard
What do you do for your job?
I work for the Delta team as a Water Resources Associate. I started in Admin in 2015, where I built up a foundation of institutional knowledge, and learned enough to help many departments, including assisting the finance team. Eventually, I was able to take on more challenging work, and later put my hat in the ring with the Delta team.
What is the best part of your job?
When I get to save someone’s day. Some of the smallest things I do are an integral part of the work that we do as a firm.
What hobby would you get into if time and money were not an issue?
LEGOS. I’d have to buy a warehouse if time and money weren’t an issue.
What’s something you like to do the old-fashioned way?
Anything that’s better when done that way – sometimes I’m surprised how many things are on that list.
What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?
Lots of things. I listen to a lot of podcasts and I’m pretty nerdy so sometimes I start doing that without meaning to.
What is the most annoying question that people ask you?
Professionally, I’m never annoyed. Or at least, I hope no one can ever tell.
When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with?
A lot of times feelings or commiserating about life stuff. PDFs! Rebooting/unplugging anything with software.
What TV channel doesn’t exist but really should?
A channel that plays all the cartoon shorts I remember from Nickelodeon and other channels circa the 1980s and ‘90s.
How did you get into engineering?
Before MBK, I was never exposed to engineering or the vast array of effort it requires. I am not an engineer, but I’ve fallen in love with the team that is MBK, the good work, and the important real-life projects that guide people through the myriad concerns over water and protect them from flood risk.
Would you rather go hang gliding or whitewater rafting?
I’m not good with heights and I get vertigo, so rafting, hands down.
