Following International Women in Engineering Day, Smith & Burgess is proud to announce that Michelle Ramirez, SHRM-CP, Director of Internal Operations, has been named Most Visionary Process Safety Operations Leader 2026 (Houston) in Acquisition International’s Influential Businesswoman Awards 2026.
The Influential Businesswoman Awards recognize women across industries who are making a meaningful impact through their leadership, vision, and contributions to their organizations. Michelle’s recognition highlights the important role she has played in supporting the people, culture, and operations behind Smith & Burgess’ continued growth.
Supporting Growth at Smith & Burgess
During her nearly 11 years at Smith & Burgess, Michelle has helped guide the company through significant internal growth. Her work has supported a workforce expansion of more than 150% across multiple U.S. and international offices, including Houston, Chicago, Singapore, and Pune, India, with expansion into Saudi Arabia underway.
Beyond geographic growth, Michelle has helped strengthen the internal systems that support employees and managers across the company. She has played a key role in improving performance evaluation processes, supporting manager adoption, and helping align employee development with company goals.
Michelle has also helped advance programs that support employee well-being and work-life balance, including benefits and flexible work initiatives. These efforts have contributed to a workplace where employees are supported not only in their technical work, but also in their long-term careers.
Recognizing Michelle’s Impact
Michelle’s leadership has also contributed to meaningful progress in representation across the company. Since 2015, the percentage of women at Smith & Burgess has grown from approximately 18% to nearly 50%.
In the same week as International Women in Engineering Day, Michelle’s recognition is a reminder that leadership in engineering organizations extends beyond project work. It also includes the people who help build strong teams, create consistency, and support a culture where employees can do their best work.
“This recognition is a reflection of Michelle’s steady leadership and the impact she has made across our organization,” said Aniekan Attang. “Her work has helped strengthen Smith & Burgess from the inside, and we are proud to see her recognized for that contribution.”
Smith & Burgess congratulates Michelle on this well-deserved recognition and celebrates the positive impact she continues to make across the company.
About Smith & Burgess
Smith & Burgess is a global leader in integrated process safety management solutions for the petrochemical, chemical, LNG, and pharmaceutical industries. Combining advanced engineering expertise, proprietary technologies, and innovative methodologies, we elevate clients beyond regulatory compliance. Our client-centric approach and commitment to technical excellence protect people, the environment, and facilities worldwide. At Smith & Burgess, we don’t just meet industry standards, we set them.
For more information on Smith & Burgess and our comprehensive range of PSM solutions, including our industry-leading Relief & Flare services, please visit smithburgess.com. Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest industry insights and company news.
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