Gayle Roberts, a 1981 graduate in chemical engineering, is president and chief executive officer of  Stanley Consultants. Based in Muscatine, Iowa, the 101-year-old firm provides engineering, environmental, and construction services around the globe. With over 1,000 employees worldwide, Stanley Consultants is ranked among the world's top engineering firms. Iowa State University graduates comprise over 10% of the firm's domestic workforce.

After graduation Roberts joined Stanley Consultants as a process engineer. "My career has been a great progression of many different assignments," said Roberts. "It was never about climbing the corporate ladder for me, but continuing to learn and taking on challenges. I was able to find that within the company and now have the privilege of serving as president and CEO." 

Roberts is a strong advocate of mentoring, particularly young women. She received an ATHENA Leadership Award in 2012, which is given to women who show professional excellence, community service, and a commitment to promoting women for their efforts toward high professional achievement. 

"The glass ceiling is a myth. I tell young women to have confidence in themselves and their abilities," said Roberts. "The world needs them to do great things. I believe the best way I can give back is to make the way a little easier for those who will be leading in the future."

As a president, CEO, and mentor, Gayle Roberts is a great example of one of the 97,000 ISU alumni living in Iowa and contributing to the economic health of the state.