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Rachel DeSombre, P.E.
Growing up, Rachel DeSombre enjoyed watching construction projects come together.
“As I got older, I learned about civil engineering and thought it may be a good fit for me as I am curious about how things work and enjoy problem solving,” said DeSombre, a senior transportation project manager for raSmith. “This career allows me to apply my interests and skills to designing construction projects.”
She also loved solving puzzles and views projects as puzzles that need solving.
“I really like seeing the finished project. It is extremely rewarding to see a project go from initial discussions about scope of a project to a constructed bike path or roadway,” DeSombre said.
Karen Wiesneski, raSmith’s director of marketing, agreed DeSombre’s love of puzzles played an integral role in the success of her projects.
“Rachel enjoys the intricacies of engineering and the process of piecing together solutions that best serve her clients and their communities,” she said.
DeSombre specializes in the National Environmental Policy Act and has been involved in complex projects, including U.S. 12 in the Wisconsin Dells, State 60 and 164 in Washington County, and State 31 in Racine and Mount Pleasant.
An avid cyclist, DeSombre takes a professional and personal interest in the design of bike paths and bike share facilities. Currently, she is designing a roadway reconstruction project on National Avenue in West Allis that includes raised cycle tracks.
DeSombre said she enjoys working with young engineers as they grow in their careers.
“My advice to young women (in construction) is to develop confidence in yourself and your abilities and never underestimate yourself. You bring valuable ideas to the table, so be confident in expressing them even if they are not perfect or fully developed,” she said. “Your suggestion may be just the solution that was needed.”
Watch this video to learn more about Rachel DeSombre’s “Engineer of the Year” award recognition.