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Mary Larkin, principal engineer at Northwest Watersheds LLC, leads a civil engineering firm specializing in water resources, stormwater engineering design and stream restoration projects. She launched the Beaverton-based company in early 2020, navigating startup challenges during pandemic shutdowns while transitioning from engineering expertise to business ownership.

Larkin has built a collaborative workplace culture with eight employees, fostering professional development from entry-level engineers earning licensure to senior staff advancing into business development roles. The firm has evolved from subcontracting work to leading projects as prime consultant across diverse water resource initiatives.

Throughout her career in the male-dominated engineering field, Larkin worked part-time while raising her sons and observed gender disparities in compensation and advancement. She channels these experiences into supporting other women through mentorship with Women in Environment, sponsoring the Women in Leadership symposium, and partnering with women-owned businesses on consulting pursuits. Northwest Watersheds is certified as 51 percent woman-owned.