2026 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: Grace Belisle, VHB

“Grace brings strong instincts, consistency, and a steady approach to complex civil engineering work. She is reliable in fast-moving, multidisciplinary environments and contributes meaningfully across teams to keep projects progressing. Her professionalism and growth trajectory reflect the qualities of someone with clear leadership potential.” 

What inspired you to pursue a career in your industry, and what path brought you to your current role?
I’ve always been drawn to sustainability and how engineering can directly improve communities. At SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, I studied Environmental Resources Engineering and learned how those principles translate into real-world projects. That foundation led me to work on infrastructure projects, where I experienced firsthand how civil engineering shapes neighborhoods over time. When NYC advanced its Unified Stormwater Rule, it aligned with my background and led me to VHB, where I focus on delivering resilient, connected sites with long-term public benefit.

What accomplishment or project so far in your career are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of my work on Alafia, an affordable and supportive housing development in East New York and part of the Vital Brooklyn Initiative. What makes it impactful is its scale and complexity, allowing our team to think strategically about roads, utilities, walkways, bike paths, stormwater management, and long-term neighborhood connectivity. It is rare in NYC to have the space to be both practical and creative in shaping sustainable infrastructure. It has been a defining project in my career and a meaningful example of work that will have a lasting impact on the community.