Pocatello woman one nominee for Idaho Woman of the Year

50 women in the entire state of Idaho are nominees for the Idaho Woman of the Year.

The Idaho Business Review has announced its nominees for 2018. A few are from southeastern Idaho, including Krystal Chanda from Pocatello.

She said the nomination came as a big surprise, but a welcome one.

“I’m very honored,” Chanda said. “They do a publication every year of the 50 women and this year’s publication obviously hasn’t come out yet, but I reviewed last year’s publication and there are some amazing women so I’m honored to be among those women.”

Chanda is a professional engineer, with a masters in civil engineering. She is the principal of A & E Engineering and is also the only female engineer at the company.

Chanda likes to be involved in the community. One thing she is recognized for is her contribution to MATHCOUNTS, a program that helps middle school students excel in math.

She has been involved with “KIND community” events and is also a big advocate on preventing domestic violence.

She is involved with the Idaho State University civil engineering program. She was also the lead design engineer behind the Portneuf Wellness Complex.

She said it’s an honor to be nominated and to represent women in her field.

“I think that’s one of the reasons I like to be an advocate, to get involved in the women in work conference, and the STEM day,” Chanda said. “Hopefully to reach out to at least one girl who thought maybe I can’t do this because I’m a girl and let them know that they can.”

Laura Smith from Chubbuck and Jan Rogers from Idaho Falls are also among the nominees.

Smith is the public relations director for Idaho Central Credit Union. Rogers is a CEO for regional economic development.

An awards banquet will be held for all 50 nominees Mar. 8 in Boise and the Woman of the Year will be chosen.