Member Spotlight: Meet LeAnne Napolillo

Get to Know Your ASCE Texas Section Members

Our selected spotlight was asked to answer a list of questions to give section members a chance to learn more about our award members.

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When did you first get involved with ASCE at any level (student chapter, local branch, section)?

My first year in civil engineering at Kansas State University.  I initially participated in the KSU ASCE student chapter in a leadership capacity as a mechanism to overcome my fear of public speaking. 

How has ASCE helped you in your career?

ASCE has had a tremendous impact on my career… I received my job offer at HNTB-Houston due to my participation in ASCE.  ASCE has provided multiple opportunities to develop leadership, professional and technical skills…but what I value most are the friendships I have gained. 

What’s your most memorable project?

 I spent approximately half my career working on the US 290 Program in Houston.  Besides supporting TxDOT as a partner as we resolved the complexities and challenges associated with this FHWA major project, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the project from initial development in the environmental stage through right of way acquisition, utility relocations, design and construction. 

What do you love the most about being a civil engineer? 

The impact that each of our projects has on the public – I really do believe that civil engineers are building a better quality of life for our fellow citizens.

Give us your best 2-3 sentence piece of advice for the next generation of civil engineers. 

Engineering is not about numbers…it’s about the people.  To best solve the problem, take the time to fully understand how the problem we are solving impacts the end-users. 

What is your go-to calculator?

HP-42S…I’ve had that calculator since college.  I can recognize my calculator by my dog’s teeth marks in the upper right corner.

What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas.  FYI, the Christmas season starts at the day after Thanksgiving, which is the same day I mail out my Christmas cards every year.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Travel.  During COVID, we framed a map of the US in our house, and we are posting family pictures of each state we visit as a family (“drive through” visits don’t count).  24 states to go.