Victoria Valencia, PE
Senior Structural Engineer
Arup
Age 34
Victoria Valencia, PE, is a senior structural engineer and deputy project manager at Arup’s New York office, where she has become a trusted consultant on major aviation projects. A licensed engineer with over a decade of experience, Valencia has led complex structural engineering work, most notably for Delta Air Lines’ transformative Terminal 4 Redevelopment at John F. Kennedy International Airport. As design manager, she coordinated a multidisciplinary team to deliver a 150,000-square-foot concourse expansion and a new Delta One Lounge, all while maintaining uninterrupted terminal operations—a role that stretched beyond her structural training and established her as a leading project manager.
“My motivation is the impact these projects have on our cities and communities,” she said. “Airports shape the landscape of cities, foster economic growth and encourage cultural exchange. I’m inspired by the idea that each flight opens up opportunities for people to explore new places and share ideas. Being able to work in aviation — especially the airports in New York, where I was born and raised — means I am helping open up the world for other people.”
Valencia’s career began at Arup with an international airport project in Mexico, where she quickly advanced from engineer to team leader, managing over 40 engineers and reviewing thousands of structural documents. This early experience in large-scale aviation projects deepened her interest in the industry and set the foundation for her future management roles. Valencia’s quick growth led her to a career-defining role with Delta, where she received the 2022 “Keep Climbing Award” for her achievements in structural design and construction.
A strong advocate for digital transformation, Valencia introduced automation scripts on her early projects, significantly improving efficiency for her teams. She is actively involved in Women in Transportation and advocates for diverse representation within engineering. Valencia’s dedication to mentorship, commitment to client success, and focus on efficiency and quality make her an ideal candidate for the Airport Business 40 Under 40 award, reflecting a promising future in aviation and engineering leadership.
