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DeShawn Heusel’s path to the engineering industry is a testament to the unpredictability of life.

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“I never in a million years thought I’d work at an engineering firm,” she said with a laugh. “That was a curveball.”

 

Heusel spent much of her career in the nonprofit sector while also raising three children. Despite not having an engineering background herself, her deep-rooted understanding of business development and relationship-building made her a natural fit in the industry when the opportunity arose.

 

Married to a civil engineer, Heusel first dipped her toe into STEM as co-owner of an engineering firm with her husband Jonathan. Six years ago, she joined Halff to help expand the company’s presence across Oklahoma. Today, she serves as Director of Client Advocacy, a role which finds her building and nurturing client relationships to help advance Halff’s mission to improve lives and communities.

 

As Open for Business Oklahoma’s (OFBO) secretary, Heusel has had the chance to connect with industry professionals of various engineering sectors from across the state. “What makes STEM in Oklahoma unique is the incorporation of Oklahoma values. We want what’s best for everyone,” Heusel said. “Even with OFBO, many of us are competitors and yet there’s a shared value of doing what’s best for all. At the end of the day, we want to build better communities and continue to contribute to the built environment.”

 

For those considering a career in a STEM field — especially those with non-technical backgrounds — Heusel encourages curiosity and openness: “It’s more versatile than you may realize. Reach out, ask questions and find someone within the industry who can help you explore careers and opportunities.”

 

While Heusel may not be an engineer by trade, her community-minded approach and passion for championing relationships reflects the collaborative spirit at the heart of the STEM industry. As her own journey proves, sometimes the most unexpected turns lead to the most rewarding destinations.