Olsson's Mariah Crews has been named the top young professional in Arkansas by the state's engineering industry. The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Arkansas presented Mariah with her award in Little Rock on April 22.

"Mariah is a dynamo," said Brad Hammond, who leads Olsson's Fayetteville and Little Rock offices. "We need more young professionals like Mariah to enter our industry." 

Since graduating from the University of Arkansas with a civil engineering degree in 2021, Mariah has excelled at leading both people and projects. A transportation engineer, she is currently managing three signature projects throughout the region, including the design of one of the largest transportation projects in the state.

"Mariah is a dynamo. We need more young professionals like her to enter our industry." 

"I've been driven throughout my life to contribute to something greater than myself," Mariah said. "I have fallen in love with making communities better through engineering." 

She often works with property owners, developers, and governmental agencies to find solutions to problems that arise during major infrastructure projects. Just a few years into her career, she's already made a lasting impact. One local public works director described Mariah as Olsson's "rock star of the future." 

"Mariah raises the bar for the people around her," said Andy Brewer, a leader on Olsson's roadway and bridge group and Mariah's supervisor. "She steps up to lead complex tasks, supports her teammates, and proactively identifies better ways to serve our clients." 

Mariah shares her passion for engineering with others. She currently serves as a mentor to five interns and young engineers at Olsson.

Since 2022, she's volunteered with Trailblazers' Adult First Ride, a program that helps adults learn (or re-learn) how to ride a bike. The program connects two of Mariah's great joys: transportation and service. Many of those first-time bike riders are now connected to trail networks that Mariah has helped plan and design.

"Adult First Ride is so joyful that it's hard to put into words," she said.

So is her impact on our industry.