Page 15 - ATL Airport Chamber - New Heights Magazine 2023

BUSINESS & INDUSTR Y

Stacy Blakley

Civil engineer breaking
molds of tradition

Civil engineers don’t have to fit a
certain mold. Stacy Blakley is the
walking embodiment of that.

lakley is the CEO and founder of Douglas Consulting Group,
a civil engineering firm that breaks the mold by being both
B minority and woman owned. Blakley firmly believes that
when people are comfortable being themselves, regardless of
preconceived notions, they can operate at their peak level.
“I believe that when you bring your true self to work, you
operate at your highest potential and in the fullness of who you
are” Blakley said. “I love not having to be in that civil engineering
construct. It allows people to function at a higher level as a person,
not just as an engineer.” Blakley started Douglas Consulting during a challenging time,
So, in April 2020, after nearly 20 years in corporate positions as in the midst of a global pandemic. Through perseverance and hard
a civil engineer, Blakley started her own firm and began changing work, she has built a successful business over the last two years.
perceptions of who a civil engineer can be. She learned how to lead a small business while simultaneously
“It was scary,” Blakley said. “The pandemic had just really discovering new ways to operate in remote environments.
started, and I had no idea that it would last for three years. But “The pandemic has forced us to trust each other more,” Blakley
I was thankful to have the opportunity to bet on myself and said. “The concept of remote work used to be a battle. We now
embark on a journey that I’ve held on to for years. I wanted know we can be productive and efficient while working remotely.”
the opportunity to create a space that was desperately lacking Also aiding her ability to succeed in the face of great
in our industry.” challenges was the ATL Airport Chamber, for which Blakley serves
as Chair-Elect for the Executive Board. Whether through learning
opportunities, networking, or its programs, Blakley believes the
“This Chamber truly wants the diversity of businesses and the relationships built through the
businesses and organizations who are Chamber are invaluable for the success of
any business.
members to succeed,” she said. “The
“I have relationships from the Chamber that I’m sure will be
Chamber provides amazing support.” lifetime,” Blakley said.
Those Chamber and family relationships are driving forces for
what she does. Her parents, who she described as the epitome of
She began as a chemical engineering major at the Georgia strength, resilience, and commitment, taught Blakley to operate
Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), but quickly realized she from a place of love, patience, and grace. Blakley uses that mindset
wanted a more hands on, tangible work style. Her dream was to to pursue her passion for helping others. In that effort to help and
build clean water systems in developing countries which led her serve others, she also serves on the boards of MARTA, Aerotropolis
to shift her focus, and major, to civil engineering. While this is Alliance, National Association of Black Women in Construction,
still a dream, Blakley has spent most of her career designing and the South Fulton Parkway Alliance.
quality infrastructure throughout Georgia, and concentrating “I want to see people live their best lives while they are on this
on growing infrastructure in South Fulton, where she lives and planet,” Blakley said. “So, whatever I can do to generate solutions
operates her business. and positive outcomes, I want to do and be that.”

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