Employee Spotlight: Alexa Overeem

Finding Purpose in Geotechnical Engineering: Alexa Overeem’s Journey at Schnabel

Meet Alexa Overeem, a Project Engineer who works in Schnabel Engineering’s Geotechnical Design Phase Services, based in our Richmond, Virginia office. Originally from Long Island, New York, Alexa brings a unique blend of creativity, curiosity, and community engagement to her role—qualities that have shaped her path in civil engineering and continue to fuel her passion for geotechnical work.

Charting Her Own Path

Alexa’s journey to Schnabel wasn’t a straight line—it was shaped by curiosity, creativity, and a few meaningful connections. She’s been with the company for over four years, drawn by the chance to work on a wide variety of geotechnical projects and site conditions. Her undergraduate advisor, Professor Michael McGuire, had once worked at Schnabel’s Richmond office before heading to Virginia Tech and eventually teaching at Lafayette College. Alexa’s path mirrored his in reverse: she started at Lafayette, pursued graduate studies at Virginia Tech, and then joined Schnabel in Richmond.

But engineering wasn’t always on her radar. Growing up, Alexa’s passions were rooted in art and music, and she didn’t see engineering as a possibility—especially without visible examples of women in the field. “I was interested in soil and rocks,” she recalls, “but more in the ‘dig up clay in my backyard to sculpt a vase’ kind of way.” It wasn’t until college that the idea of engineering began to take shape, thanks to an introductory course taught by a female professor with a geotechnical background. That experience opened her eyes to the creative side of the discipline. “I realized that a lot of geotechnical engineering is an art,” she says. “From developing soil properties to foundation recommendations, there’s so much creative problem-solving involved.”

Today, Alexa’s artistic sensibilities continue to influence her engineering work in subtle but meaningful ways. At Schnabel, she’s found a place where her curiosity and creativity are not only welcomed—they’re essential.

Building Community Through Infrastructure

Alexa finds purpose in the tangible, positive impacts of her work across central and coastal Virginia—where she lives and where many of her projects have been centered. In 2024, she contributed to the I-64 Gap Segment C Widening project, managing subsurface exploration data and performing key calculations that will ultimately make travel safer and more efficient between Richmond and Williamsburg.

Of the many projects Alexa has worked on, the GRTC Bus Transfer Station near the VCU Medical Campus holds special significance. “It was a small project, but I got to see its impact right away,” Alexa shares. “Now, I drive by and see people using that station to get to work or medical appointments. That kind of accessibility can make a real difference in people’s lives.”

She believes deeply in the role infrastructure plays in achieving equity, especially in underserved communities. “Reliable public transit and safe infrastructure can be the difference between isolation and opportunity,” she says.

Paying It Forward: Empowering Future Engineers

As president of the WTS (Women’s Transportation Seminar) Central Virginia Chapter, Alexa has become the mentor she once needed. “Growing up, I didn’t have many examples of women in engineering,” she says. “Now, I have the chance to be that example for others.”

Through WTS’s involvement in Richmond’s NextUp program, Alexa and her peers lead after-school programs for middle school students, introducing them to transportation concepts like bridge design and urban planning. The chapter also offers scholarships for students pursuing careers in the field. “It’s deeply fulfilling to show young girls what’s possible—and to spread the word about geotechnical engineering,” she says.

Empowered to Shape Her Own Career

At Schnabel, Alexa has found a culture rooted in technical excellence but equally committed to personal and professional growth. “Anything I’ve wanted to pursue—whether it’s leading WTS, joining the Business Development Apprenticeship program, or mentoring younger staff—Schnabel has been supportive every step of the way,” she notes.

As an employee-owned firm, Schnabel offers a unique balance: the opportunity to build a personal brand while contributing to a shared vision. “I feel proud to be part of a team of such intelligent, driven professionals,” she says. “My favorite thing about working here is that the work is dynamic and meaningful. I never feel like I’m just going through the motions.”

Beyond the Job: Alexa the Artist

Outside of engineering, Alexa continues to nurture her artistic talents. A self-taught painter, she specializes in acrylic pet portraits and often takes on commissioned pieces for friends and family. One of her recent projects? An aquatic landscape painted on a ukulele to be auctioned at a charity benefit. She’s also been experimenting with other media like clay and collage—proof that creativity is never far from her mind.

Engineering Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

To those considering a career in engineering, especially those who don’t fit the traditional mold, Alexa offers this advice: “Don’t let fear of the unknown hold you back. You don’t have to be perfect—you just need to be curious and willing to learn.” She adds, “Engineering isn’t just about numbers and formulas. It’s about communication, creativity, and making a difference. There’s room in this field for all kinds of people—and your unique perspective might be exactly what’s needed.”