The Women-Owned Engineering Leader Raising the Standard in York, PA

For 30 years, First Capital Engineering, Inc., has been raising the bar for civil engineering, land surveying, landscape architecture, environmental studies, and construction inspection services throughout the Mid-Atlantic under the leadership of founder and CEO Ann K. Luciani. Despite a competitive industry, First Capital Engineering, Inc. has built a reputation for excellence, integrity, and innovation. We’re excited to share that Luciani has been recognized as an honoree for the In the Lead 2025: Women Owned Business by Central Penn Business Journal.

A Vision to Set New Industry Standards

When Luciani launched First Capital Engineering three decades ago, she was juggling the demands of raising children while building a company in a new town. Luciani shared,  “Being a woman-owned business reflects both personal and professional resilience. The pride I feel for successfully starting our business 30 years ago while raising three small children is immeasurable. Some of the traits that make women strong translate into running a successful company, including building strategic relationships, time management, flexibility, courage, and resilience.”

Navigating Woman-Owned Business Bias

Despite significant progress within the industry, Luciani said one ongoing challenge has been navigating unconscious bias. “A woman demonstrating assertiveness when it comes to reviewing contracts, payment terms, and other business management is often seen as aggressive or pushy, whereas a man demanding the same things is seen as assertive and self-confident,” she said.

Supporting women is a core part of Luciani’s mission. Her ability to navigate these challenges while standing firm in her leadership style has set an important example for emerging women in engineering. She has mentored young women entering the male-dominated engineering field through programs such as:

– PSPE Bridge Building Contest
– York County Science Fair
– PSPE Math Counts Program
– Junior Achievement

Her influence extends deep into her local community as well. She also volunteers with community organizations, including the YMCA, Scouting America, Envirothon, and local schools.

Building Long-Term Trust

Among recent accomplishments, Luciani said she is proud of the firm’s resilience in uncertain economic times and its ability to maintain long-term client relationships. “We continue to service our very first client from 30 years ago,” she said. “I am proud of the personal service, integrity, and innovative engineering that we provide to each of our clients on a daily basis.”

Maintaining client loyalty speaks not only to First Capital Engineering’s expertise but its drive for upholding the firm’s core values and commitments to its clients.

Work with a Women-Owned Business for Your Engineering Needs

As the firm celebrates 30 years of success, its mission remains clear: deliver excellence in engineering while blazing the trail for the rising generation of women in engineering. With Ann Luciani leading the way, First Capital Engineering has grown into a respected, reliable firm that continues raising the bar for engineering in York, PA, and beyond.