Threads of Steel and Courage: The Brooklyn Bridge Through My Lens

I love the story behind the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s not just about architecture—it’s about courage. As iconic as the Brooklyn Bridge is—the suspension bridge connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn over the East River—it stands as more than an engineering marvel; it’s a monument to Emily Roebling’s defining achievement.

When her husband, the chief engineer, became bedridden with decompression sickness, Emily stepped into his role from 1872 to 1883, mastering advanced mathematics and complex engineering calculations to supervise construction.

Emily Roebling excelled as America’s first female field engineer at a time when women were barred from such professions. Her successful completion of the world’s longest suspension bridge was proof of women’s intellectual capacity and opened doors for future generations in STEM fields. As a tribute to her extraordinary role, she was granted the honor of being the first to cross the bridge, carrying a rooster—a symbol of triumph and new beginnings.

Working in the male-dominated field of technology, I feel deep gratitude for Emily Roebling and the many women who paved the way before me. They laid the groundwork for the opportunities I now enjoy. My work, often with engineers, demands curiosity, deep understanding, and constant learning. Women in Emily’s time were denied the chance to use their intellect and pursue independent careers, yet their courage and determination broke barriers that now let me do both—to enjoy meaningful, innovative work and build a career that supports my family and independence.

For all the times I’ve visited the city over the years, the closest I’d ever gotten to the Brooklyn Bridge was on the Staten Island Ferry, when I took my daughter on her first trip in 2015. It wasn't until 2023 that I made it down to walk the bridge, capture these images, and honor its legacy of empowerment.