The Civil Engineering Academy Podcast

How Latino Engineers are Shaping the Future of Infrastructure With Azael Garza

April 30, 2026·41 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Civil engineering shapes the world around us, but not everyone sees themselves in it. For some, finding role models who’ve been there is tough…and that’s exactly what Azael Garza had  to overcome. 👇Azael is civil engineer with a latino heritage that went from a small-town math student to launching his own firm and working for himself at Aztlan Engineering, all while keeping the memories of his ancestors alive.In this episode, he dives into this solo journey and everything had to push through to get where he’s at right now given the lack of representation problem in the industry.The FE and PE exams. The challenges of running a firm. What pushed him to finally go all in on building something of his own.All of this as a Latino Civil Engineer in a small town in Georgia! 😲So, if you’ve ever thought about starting your own thing one day, or you’re looking for a latino who’s carved out their own lane in this field, this episode is worth your time.It’s honest, inspiring, and full of lessons you can immediately apply…from someone who’s walked the walk.Go give it a listen!🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:How His First Job After School Motivated Him to Start His Own FirmWhat He Did to Prepare to Start Working for HimselfHow He Finally Took the Leap and Ventured Out on His OwnThe Biggest Issue He Faces Building His Firm (And You Will Too If You Start Yours)A Big Business Secret Any Engineering Firm Owner Needs to Know to Get More ClientsOne of the Biggest Downsides of the Civil Engineering FieldWhat Makes a Civil Engineering Degree Difficult (And It&#39;s Not Academic Rigor)The Hidden Nature of Civil Engineering Most People Don&#39;t RecognizeWhy Small Engineering Firms are Better to Work at Than Giant ConglomeratesHis Experience With the FE &amp; PE Exams (And How Totally Different They Are!)A Shift in Education Pursuits by the Younger GenerationHow CEA Helped Azael in His Journey to PE and Firm Owner🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:Civil PE Review CourseUniversity of GeorgiaToyota Industries💬 CONNECT WITH PETER:Aztlan EngineeringA.Garza@AztlanEngineering.com🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup GuideFREE Floodplain Manager Course Module🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review CourseFloodplain Manager Review Course📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFloodplain Manager Practice ExamFE Environmental Practice Exam<a

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