We caught up with Atlas’ Chief Growth Officer Harshal Desai to learn how Atlas is celebrating Engineers Week. He shares what inspired him to pursue an engineering career and why he feels passionate about encouraging students to consider a career in engineering.

was founded more than half a century ago by the to honor the important role engineering plays in our lives, as well as inspire the next generation of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) professionals. And now, this special week gives us an opportunity to recognize the people behind the iconic projects that are transforming our communities and the world.

This year, Engineers Week is being celebrated February 22-28, and Atlas is excited to participate by shining a light on some of the individuals who are making a difference in our company and the communities where they live and work. The theme, “Transform Your Future,” highlights how engineering not only shapes our world, but also new opportunities, our communities and the futures we imagine for ourselves and for future generations.

We’re kicking off the week by highlighting how since joining Atlas, Harshal has mentored young minds to help them conceptualize and model cities of the future, using engineering as a tool to spark curiosity, creativity and problem-solving.

Alongside the engineering excellence that has been central to your success, you also understand the importance of developing best-in-class talent, which includes inspiring future engineering leaders. In your spare time, how are you inspiring students to love engineering?

For years, I have volunteered with middle schools, helping students with the , an educational program that brings STEAM to life for students in grades 6 through 12. The competition challenges students to envision ways they can make the world a better place by designing a city 100 years in the future.

This year’s competition challenged students to design a city that eliminates food waste from farm to table and keeps citizens healthy and safe. I see so much value from this competition because it goes beyond just engineering. It fosters imagination, societal problem-solving and multidisciplinary thinking. The students gain experience with engineering, but also hone their writing, presentation, math, science, art, history and geography skills too. A couple of years ago, my daughter’s team made it to the national competition in Washington, D.C. Schools from across the country, as well as international students, participated. It was an energetic environment and gave the students an opportunity to not only explore all the educational museums the city offers, but a great venue to socialize and learn from the other contenders.

Mentoring students has been incredibly rewarding to me, and it reinforces the importance of encouraging curiosity and interest in engineering early on.

What advice can you offer aspiring engineers or young engineers looking to advance their career?

Early in your career, focus on building credibility through strong technical skills by working on multi-disciplinary, complex projects and consistently do what you say you will do. As you advance, soft skills—working with others, connecting the dots and learning from different perspectives—can help open new opportunities. Stay curious, meet people and absorb as much as you can.

Why did you want to become an engineer? Did you have a special mentor that you emulated your career on?

Both of my parents were doctors, and while I was not interested in pursuing a medical degree, I was interested in science. Engineering was a good fit for me because it provides strong analytical skills that can be applied in a variety of careers.

How does your engineering background support your current role in business development?

My civil engineering background gives me a practical lens for business management. It helps me understand problems at their root, ask better questions and engage credibly with both clients and project teams. Having worked across all phases of projects—from planning to construction—has helped me focus on solutions that are practical, technically sound and aligned with client goals. That foundation builds trust and keeps conversations centered on outcomes, not just opportunities or sales.

How do you see engineers making a difference at Atlas?

What stands out to me about engineers at Atlas is how hungry and humble they are. They’re committed to learning, put the customer first and bring strong practical experience to everything they do. Many of our engineers have deep construction and field backgrounds, so they understand how things get built—not just how they’re designed. In addition, we provide several mission‑critical services, including environmental, materials and geotechnical engineering. These capabilities are highly transferable across markets—from transportation and water to data centers—creating meaningful growth opportunities for Atlas and our A‑Team, while continuing to deliver real value to our clients and communities.

When Alexandra Davis volunteered to write her first National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) document, she �徱���’t realize she was stepping into a new future. Before that, she’d been digging deep — literally. Trained as an archaeologist, Alexandra spent years unearthing human history at excavation sites in Malawi, Africa, contributing to discoveries featured in The New York Times.����

That one document marked a turning point, shifting her focus from uncovering the past to shaping the future. Now, as NEPA Services Lead at Atlas, Alexandra helps navigate federal requirements that determine whether critical infrastructure improvements can proceed, analyzing everything from wetland impacts to community displacement to ensure Georgia’s transportation improvements protect both people and natural resources.����

Her work sits at the intersection of science, policy and community advocacy, influencing the infrastructure that connects Georgia’s communities. Recently, this impactful work earned Alexandra recognition as one of Engineering Georgia Magazine’s 2025 “35 Under 35 Women to Know,” an honor celebrating young leaders who are redefining the future of engineering.����

Q: Let’s go back to the moment you first said yes to writing a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) document. What were you thinking, and did you know then it would change everything?��

I was only 24 when I was offered the opportunity to work on NEPA documents, and honestly, at the time, I was just focused on staying employed and continuing to learn. It was right at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, so job security was at the front of my mind. I figured if I could cross-train and make myself valuable to the team, I’d have a better shot at holding onto my position. It wasn’t an immediate career-defining moment. It took about two years of working in NEPA and three years at Atlas for me to realize that this path was going to reshape my career in ways I hadn’t expected. And ��’m so grateful I said yes to that opportunity.��

Q: You started your career excavating ancient remains in Africa. How did that path lead you to shaping policy through NEPA at Atlas?

As an archaeologist, my work required not only excavating ancient remains but also being a strong technical writer and researcher, digging up information about the past, analyzing complex data and translating those findings into detailed reports. Those skills transferred directly to environmental consulting work. About a year after I started at Atlas, my manager offered me the opportunity to begin authoring NEPA documents. I’ve always been eager to learn and grow, so I jumped at the chance. In addition to writing, I began coordinating with the Georgia Department of Transportation as a NEPA Analyst. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I had a real love for Environmental Project Management and, surprisingly, for the fast-paced, ever-changing nature of juggling multiple projects at different stages. While it might seem like a big shift from excavating ancient remains, both roles require attention to detail, problem-solving and a deep respect for our environment and history.��

Q: As NEPA Services Lead, what major projects or initiatives have you led since your promotion?����

Since my promotion, I’ve taken on leadership of all NEPA projects in Georgia, overseeing environmental compliance for more than 75 transportation projects. One of the most notable efforts has been managing and coordinating nine GDOT bridge replacement projects, which have required near-daily coordination and problem-solving. A major challenge on that effort was receiving Notice to Proceed later than expected and having to recover the schedule. This meant accelerating the environmental process for archaeology, history and ecology without compromising our quality standards. This experience showed me how important it is to build flexibility into our environmental review processes and maintain careful oversight. Beyond project work, I’ve also been leading initiatives within Atlas’ Southeast region to strengthen connections between young professionals and current college students.��

Q: How do you balance protecting the environment with supporting the needs of the communities connected to it?����

On our larger GDOT projects, especially those involving new location roadways and potential displacements, it takes a lot of public involvement and coordination to address community concerns. In some cases, this has even led to redesigning project alignments to better serve the environment and the people impacted. Balancing these priorities requires constant, open communication between the design team, including the project manager, lead designer, traffic engineers and the environmental team. On the other hand, many of our bridge replacement projects tend to have minimal environmental impact and generally receive strong community support, which makes those collaborations much smoother.��

Q: You’ve been named one of Georgia’s 35 Women to Know. What do you hope stands out about how you lead and connect with others?��

My goal is to lead with kindness, empathy and flexibility. ����’s important to me that the people I work with feel supported, heard and valued. I always want to be the kind of leader who makes time for questions, concerns, or just a quick conversation. I also believe work should be enjoyable. I truly love what I do at Atlas and the people I work with, and I want my team to feel that same sense of purpose and enjoyment in their roles.��

Alexandra’s career may have started with a shovel in the ground, but her greatest impact may lie in what she is building — collaborative teams, thoughtful policies and space for more voices to shape the future. Her story reminds us that engineering is about more than equations or approvals. ����’s about people, purpose and vision.����

Discover how our environmental services can support your next project, or follow Alexandra’s lead and join our growing team.��

In this article, National Brownfields Director Kelly Schmitt reflects on her brownfields journey and how community-centered approaches transform environmental challenges into opportunities for economic revitalization, cultural preservation and lasting community change.��

Some careers are just jobs. Mine has been a calling. From the very first brownfields grant I supported to the work I lead today at Atlas, the focus has remained the same: helping communities reclaim their past to build a more sustainable future.��

When I started my brownfields journey, I had no idea how deeply it would shape my perspective. One of the earliest and most memorable projects I was involved in was in Miles City, Montana, where we supported the cleanup of the Old Holy Rosary Hospital, an aging, shuttered building that had outlived its original purpose. Working alongside the local housing authority to secure funding, the vision was transformative: convert an urban blight into affordable housing that families desperately needed.����

The day I left Montana, I heard a story on the radio about the grand opening of that very housing project. It was a full-circle moment that encapsulates why this work is so important. I �徱���’t get to see the ribbon-cutting or witness the first family move in, but I knew I had played a small part in making it possible. In brownfields work, we ��Dz�’t always get to witness the end result, but that doesn’t make the job any less rewarding.��

Another project I worked on that exemplifies the broader potential of brownfields work is the Garden of Surging Waves in Astoria, Oregon, a public park and cultural heritage site celebrating Chinese American history. It’s a beautiful, meaningful space rooted in community pride and cultural healing, and it exists in part because brownfields funding helped clear the way. These projects highlight the power of brownfields work to not only improve environmental conditions but also help communities tell their stories and shape their identities.��

“We help create housing where there was once hazard, parks where there was once pollution and hope where there was once disinvestment. Even when our names aren’t on plaques, we know our efforts made those moments possible.”��

— Kelly Schmitt, National Brownfields Director, Atlas��

Like many professionals, my path hasn’t been linear. I left consulting temporarily, but I continued writing brownfields grants because the work kept calling me back. During that hiatus, I worked for a nonprofit social services organization in Milwaukee, helping secure funding for youth programs, housing initiatives and mental health services. That experience was eye-opening. It introduced me to challenges I had never directly encountered and deepened my empathy for communities we serve.����

When I returned to brownfields work, I brought a broader, more compassionate perspective, recognizing that our efforts extend far beyond land reuse to encompass the lives that are fundamentally shaped by environmental and economic conditions.����

My role at Atlas allows me to bring all this experience together — technical expertise, grant writing and a passion for community impact. ��’m part of a team that shares these values and commits to helping local governments, regional agencies and nonprofits transform uncertainty into opportunity. We approach each project understanding that environmental sustainability, economic revitalization and community development are all interconnected.��

Brownfields work is rarely fast-paced or glamorous, and its impact often remains invisible to the broader public. But the patience required is worth it. Each successful project becomes a catalyst that ripples through generations, creating opportunities for families and businesses that might never have existed otherwise.����

That legacy is a privilege to be part of, and ����’s why Atlas remains committed to this essential work.����

Sally Riker, F. SAME, �徱���’t set out to become one of the most influential figures in Georgia’s engineering and infrastructure space — but with more than two decades of impact, recognition is well earned. As Atlas’ Southeast Regional Vice President for Strategy and Growth, she brings a rare blend of operational insight, civic leadership and mentorship to everything she touches.����

Named one of Engineering Georgia Magazine’s “100 Influential Women in Georgia Engineering” for the seventh consecutive year, Sally continues to shape the future of architecture, engineering and construction through strategic vision and dedicated service. Her leadership spans project delivery, community development and the forward-thinking that defines industry transformation.��

Q: You’ve spent more than 25 years in the AEC industry and continue to shape its future. What keeps you energized and inspired to lead in new ways?��

Honestly, people and relationships. ��’m lucky to work in an industry where purpose and passion intersect. We get to shape communities, solve real challenges and build for the future. Every project is different, every client is unique, and the pace of change keeps me learning. ��’m energized by big-picture thinking — strategy, growth and connecting dots across sectors — but what inspires me most are people.��

Q: Your involvement with the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME), Urban Land Institute (ULI), and the Council for Quality Growth reflects a strong commitment to civic and professional leadership. How have these experiences influenced your values and approach to leadership?��

These organizations have provided me with the space to grow as a leader beyond my technical work. Through SAME, ��’v�� developed a deep appreciation for service and mission-driven partnerships. The organization’s focus on supporting our military and building resilient infrastructure has taught me that leadership means serving something bigger than yourself. ULI challenges me to think about how we plan for resilient, inclusive communities by addressing today’s needs and tomorrow’s possibilities. The Council for Quality Growth consistently reminds me that policy and infrastructure are inseparable. These experiences have shaped me into a more intentional leader — one who leads with purpose and listens before acting.��

Q: What brought you to Atlas, and how do you envision shaping growth in the Southeast region?��

I came to Atlas because it felt like a natural fit: a company focused on integrity, innovation, and community. I saw an opportunity to help connect strategy with delivery and to build bridges across markets, people and ideas. The Southeast is growing fast, and I believe growth should be thoughtful, equitable and resilient. My focus is on positioning Atlas as a trusted partner — one that not only delivers but also listens, adapts and adds real value to our clients and communities.��

Q: Being recognized among “100 Influential Women in Georgia Engineering” reflects your professional contributions, but what moments have reinforced your core values or changed how you see leadership?��

Some of the most defining moments haven’t come with a title or recognition. They’ve emerged during challenges. Leading through tough transitions, coaching others through uncertainty, or simply being the one to ask the hard question in a room full of silence. Those are the moments that test your values and reveal what kind of leader you really are. Over time, ��’v�� learned that leadership is far more about service, trust and consistency than it is about control or having all the answers. Influence means creating space for others to thrive and grow beyond what they thought possible. The most rewarding part of leadership is watching others succeed.����

Q: When you think about the next generation of engineers and infrastructure leaders, what would you most want them to know or believe is possible?��

I’d want them to know that there is no single path, and that’s a good thing. This industry needs creative thinkers, good communicators and people who can collaborate across disciplines and perspectives. I want them to believe that their voice matters, even in the early stages of their careers, and that they ��Dz�’t have to wait for permission to lead or innovate. Most importantly, I’d remind them that leadership ������’t a title — ����’s how you show up. If you lead with curiosity, integrity and heart, you’ll go further than you ever imagined.��

Sally’s influence extends beyond any single project or recognition. Through strategic thinking, authentic leadership, and unwavering commitment to developing others, she exemplifies how engineering leadership can shape entire communities and careers. Her story reminds us that true influence comes not from commanding attention, but from consistently creating value for others.����

Follow Sally’s lead and explore opportunities to grow with our team.����

“I was fortunate to have a lot of women in my life who were very successful — doctors, nurses, a lawyer. My mom started out as an accountant and now she’s a COO. I saw firsthand that women could excel in traditionally male-dominated fields. Their achievements inspired me to believe that I could make my mark as well.” – Erica Lopez Law

Erica Lopez Law, a project engineer at Atlas and the eldest of five siblings, was raised in a supportive and encouraging household. Her parents, who immigrated to the U.S. from the Philippines, tried to push against social norms, encouraging her to pursue her ambitions, even in fields traditionally sought by men. Inspired by her parents’ mindset and the strength of the women in her extended family, Erica chose a career that allowed her to define her own journey. Learn more about Erica’s path to engineering in this story.

Growing up in the suburbs of Burbank, California, Erica Lopez was born with a natural curiosity and sense of adventure. As the oldest of five children, her desire for independence and a chance to carve her own path grew as she got older.

Math and science seemed to come naturally, and Erica’s parents spurred her passion through participation in activities such as summer math camps, fostering a love for science and engineering.

In high school, Erica’s interest in engineering solidified. Chemistry and physics classes sparked a genuine fascination, and a summer engineering survey class introduced her to different engineering disciplines. Civil engineering stood out to Erica, combining the physics she loved with real-world applications.

The clarity she gained guided her college applications, and Erica pursued civil engineering at the University of Texas, Austin, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering. She chose to specialize in infrastructure materials engineering for her master’s after enjoying her work as an undergraduate research assistant in concrete and asphalt.

As she reflects back now, Erica shares that her decision to attend UT Austin would shape her future in ways she could never have imagined. Although she enjoyed her time as a student in Texas, she was ready for a move to the Rockies. Colorado, with its stunning landscapes and abundance of outdoor activities, called to her. She talked with representatives from Atlas at a college career fair.

“I expressed my desire to move to Denver, and serendipitously, they told me they had a lab in Lakewood.” Erica recalls. “After a series of conversations and interviews, Atlas offered me a position, and I made the move to Colorado three years ago.”

Erica is a project engineer at Atlas, where she handles land development projects, ensuring proper site grading, drainage and erosion control. She started with the company in the materials testing lab, gaining hands-on experience with construction materials. Her future plans are to combine her technical expertise with people and project management skills.

“Engineering offers diverse career paths, and I believe in defining my own journey,” Erica says.

Growing up, Erica was surrounded by smart, strong and accomplished women, and that played a crucial role in shaping her aspirations.

“I was fortunate to have a lot of women in my life who were very successful — doctors, nurses, a lawyer. My mom started out as an accountant and now she’s a COO,” says Erica. “I saw firsthand that women could excel in traditionally male-dominated fields. Their achievements inspired me to believe that I could make my mark as well.”

Erica says having family backing was key to her success.

“��’m grateful for my parents’ guidance and support. I realize now that my path to engineering was influenced significantly by my family,” says Erica. “As immigrants from the Philippines, my parents instilled in me the importance of a stable and successful career.”

Erica passed the Professional Engineering exam earlier this year and will be going through the application process to receive her license in the next couple of months. Her advice to engineering students is to stay focused and remember that the effort will pay off. Studying for the PE is challenging, but perseverance and dedication made it worthwhile.

When she’s not working, you can find Erica outside, enjoying all Colorado has to offer. She loves to hike, and one of her goals is to hike all of Colorado’s 14ers — those are the mountain peaks in the state that are more than 14,000 ft. above sea level. In total, there are 58.

“��’m about halfway complete and plan to spend my summer hiking and camping,” says Erica.

The outdoors can bring on all kinds of inspiration, even inspiration in engineering.

“The natural environment and its integration with human-made infrastructure fascinate me. Driving through Glenwood Canyon in Colorado, I marvel at the harmony between engineering and nature,” she says. “Civil engineering intertwines with the natural world, reminding us to be mindful of the environment. We ������’t just build anywhere; we must be respectful of the earth.”

Finally, Erica offers this advice to young professionals: “Say ‘yes’ to opportunities. When I was offered a chance to take on the office safety officer role, I initially hesitated, but it brought unexpected learning experiences and growth. Embrace new paths and be open to opportunities — they can lead to incredible journeys.”

Did Erica’s story inspire you to start your next journey? Come join us at Atlas!

From guiding organizational growth to mentoring future leaders, Jacque offers a candid look at how she leads with clarity and purpose and why trust, simplicity and human connection still matter most. ����’s a timely reflection on how leadership takes shape and how we can contribute to something greater than ourselves.����

• Groundbreaking Women in Construction 2025
• Atlas Careers��

Copyright Notice ©2025 Atlas and affiliates. All rights reserved. Copyright in the whole and every part of this presentation belongs to Atlas Technical Consultants LLC and its affiliates and may not be used, sold, distributed, transferred, copied, or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner or form or in or on any media without the prior written consent of Atlas Technical Consultants LLC.

What does it look like to lead differently and why does it matter?
In this episode, Kara Swanson, Vice President and Transportation Environmental Market Lead at Atlas, shares her experience as a neurodivergent leader in the transportation industry. Kara, who joined Atlas in 2024, explains how what once felt like a personal challenge has become a professional superpower.����

She discusses the lessons, barriers and breakthroughs that have shaped her leadership and previews the insights she’ll share as a panelist at the 2025 WTS International at the 2025 WTS International Conference session, Unleashing Superpowers: The Unique Strengths and Challenges of Neurodivergent Women in the Workplace.��

Resources Mentioned:��

• ��
• Atlas Careers��

Disclaimer: The views or opinions expressed in this presentation are the host and guest’s own and may not reflect the views or opinions of Atlas. Atlas makes no representations or warranties regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of this information. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.

Copyright Notice ©2025 Atlas and affiliates. All rights reserved. Copyright in the whole and every part of this presentation belongs to Atlas Technical Consultants LLC and its affiliates and may not be used, sold, distributed, transferred, copied, or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner or form or in or on any media without the prior written consent of Atlas Technical Consultants LLC.

Some know their calling as early as childhood. Others discovered it through unexpected opportunities. Every path is unique and begins with a spark, whether a moment of curiosity, a mentor’s encouragement or a challenge that pushes them forward.  ��

March is Women’s History Month and March 2-8 marks Women in Construction Week, a time to recognize the impact of women in architecture, engineering and construction (AEC). ����’s also a chance to celebrate those who not only shape the industry but also mentor and inspire the next generation.����

Today’s feature highlights four engineers whose careers were defined by determination, opportunity and the support of mentors who helped them along the way. Their stories demonstrate the power of mentorship, the value of perseverance and the endless possibilities available in AEC for those willing to learn, grow and lead.��

Empowering the Next Generation��

The AEC industry thrives on curiosity, problem-solving and the drive to create lasting impact. These stories prove that success ������’t defined by a single path, but by a willingness to learn, adapt and seize opportunities. Whether ��dz�’r�� just starting out or looking to grow, there is a place for you in AEC.��

Visit our career page to learn more about opportunities and connect with professionals who can help guide you in your next steps.��

Q&A: For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we’re spotlighting Shuhui Yang, E.I.T., a Project Manager helping the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) manage a range of local, government-administered infrastructure projects.

Where did you live before moving to the United States for college?

��’m from Jinan, in the Shandong province of China.

What led you to join Atlas?

My path to Atlas began after I completed my master’s in environmental engineering at the University of Colorado, Boulder. A friend recommended the company, praising its inclusive environment and the kindness of its employees. This seemed like the perfect place to apply my skills and continue growing professionally.

Why did you choose to study engineering?

Interestingly, my major was chosen with a little help from a fortuneteller, as per my mom’s suggestion, who foresaw water playing a significant role in my success. My interest in physics, chemistry, and biology also steered me towards environmental engineering.

How has your heritage influenced your career in engineering and project management?

Growing up in China, I learned the value of hard work and respect, which I integrate into my professional life. Though ��’m known to describe myself as ‘not the most confident,’ my mentor, Felecia [Basolo], has been incredibly supportive, helping me realize my worth and contributions to the team.

Why was Atlas’ commitment to inclusion and diversity important in your decision to join?

Working in a friendly and inclusive environment makes daily interactions and overall life much easier. ����’s important to me to be part of a company where collaboration and respect are valued.

From your perspective, why are diversity, equity, and inclusion important in engineering?

In engineering, you ������’t work in isolation; collaboration is key. Working with approachable colleagues who are willing to help and answer questions fosters a productive environment that is conducive to project success.

Can you describe your role as a project manager?

This position is responsible for ensuring timely completion and quality control of engineering projects such as the construction and maintenance of shared use paths, roadway improvements, pedestrian bridges, streetscaping, and signalizing intersection upgrades.

Responsibilities include verifying compliance with industry standards at the local, state, and federal levels in addition to monitoring impacts to scope, schedule, and budget. Monthly presentations of project status are required at the state and local level in both internal and external audiences.

Currently, ��’m managing eight projects. ����’s a role where ��’m constantly learning and adapting.

What advice would you give to young Asian-American engineers?

Be proud of your heritage and ��Dz�’t hesitate to voice your ideas. Confidence is key, and embracing your cultural background can enrich your professional experience.

Are we doing enough to support Asian American voices in our field?

While there have been efforts, there’s always room for improvement. Simple initiatives like cultural appreciation days or sharing stories and customs from different countries can enhance understanding and inclusivity.

Why do you think food plays a significant role in cultural exchange?

Food is deeply embedded in Chinese culture, and for me, cooking Chinese dishes is a way to connect with my roots. ����’s also a fantastic medium for sharing and experiencing different cultures, especially in a diverse place like Duluth, GA, where Chinese cuisine and ingredients are readily accessible.