Valerie LeVasseur

Project Engineer in CASCNA, Cargill

What problem(s) are you working to solve?
I am working on upgrading aging facilities to extend useful life so that we can continue to serve our farmers and make Cargill their agricultural supplier of choice.

What makes the Minneapolis and Saint Paul region (MSP) a great place to grow your career?
I love MSP! It’s small enough to stay accessible without trouble, but it’s big enough to keep anyone busy and entertained. Minneapolis and St. Paul are vastly different for being such close cities, which further adds to the diversity of offerings. Minnesota has some of the best state parks, too; this is just such a beautiful area.

What do you think surprises people about MSP?
I think many people are surprised by how big our microbrewery industry has become and how many parks and walking/biking paths we have. I expect not too many people know about our interesting gangster history too.

What advice do you have for women engineers starting in their careers?
Work hard, simple as that. There may not be many women in your class, but it shouldn’t turn into a big deal. You are there to learn, just like everybody else.