Mia Diya-Bernhard is a respected civil engineer and entrepreneur who founded Aeparmia Engineering PLLC in 2017. She is currently the president and chief executive officer of the Austin-based firm, which specializes in utilities and infrastructure projects. Under her leadership, Aeparmia Engineering has experienced steady growth and earned a reputation for technical excellence, trusted client relationships, and community impact.
In 2024, Aeparmia Engineering was honored with the Utilities Business Review Award as a Top Company in the Utilities Sector. This award recognized the firm’s stellar reputation and trust among customers and industry peers, based on numerous nominations from subscribers. Aeparmia emerged as a leading firm following a rigorous evaluation by a panel of C-level executives, industry thought leaders, and the publication’s editorial board.
Before launching her firm, Ms. Diya-Bernhard built a diverse portfolio of experience through roles in both public and private sector organizations. From 2006 to 2017, she held various engineering and project management positions, leading initiatives in utilities design, land development, and water and wastewater infrastructure. Her early career included municipal engineering roles, followed by leadership positions in private consulting, providing her with a well-rounded perspective on infrastructure planning, design, permitting, and utility coordination.
Ms. Diya-Bernhard’s academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from The University of Texas at Arlington, earned in 2006, and an Associate of Science in General Science from Tarrant County College in 2003. These credentials laid the groundwork for her technical acumen and strategic leadership. She is a licensed professional engineer (PE) in the State of Texas and a certified project management professional (PMP), credentials she obtained in 2012 and 2016, respectively. Ms. Diya-Bernhard also holds multiple pre-certifications through the Texas Department of Transportation and certifications related to small business enterprise programs.
An active civic and industry leader, Ms. Diya-Bernhard serves on the board of Austin Habitat for Humanity and has served as the Water and Wastewater Commissioner for the City of Austin in 2017 through 2021. She is a 2024 Tory Burch Foundation Fellow, supporting women entrepreneurs nationwide. Her involvement also includes past leadership roles with the American Society of Highway Engineers and the American Water Works Association. Her contributions have earned her numerous other recognitions and awards in addition to her recent Tory Burch Foundation Fellowship, including being named a 2025 Austin Business Journal Women in Business Award Nominee; a 2019 and 2021 Austin Luna Awards Outstanding Executive Nominee; a 2019 Austin Woman to Watch by the magazine Austin Woman; and receiving the 2018 Rising Star Award from the Chamber of Commerce; as well as being a lifetime member of the Chi Epsilon Civil Engineering Honor Society.
Beyond her technical expertise, Ms. Diya-Bernhard has contributed to the profession through thought leadership and public speaking. She is the author of “M3 Safety Management for Utilities,” published in the 8th edition by the American Water Works Association in 2022. Her keynote presentations include the Tory Burch Foundation’s Embrace Ambition Summit in 2020, Texas State University in 2018, SXSW in 2018, and the AWWA Annual Conference & Exposition (ACE12) in 2012.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Ms. Diya-Bernhard enjoys playing tennis, golfing, and spending quality time with her family. She credits her success to the unwavering support of her family, friends, and community. As she continues to expand Aeparmia Engineering’s impact, Ms. Diya-Bernhard remains committed to advancing affordable housing, equitable infrastructure, and economic empowerment for all.