Her Story
About Colette
Colette Collins is a multidisciplinary business development and marketing professional with nearly a decade of experience supporting the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry through strategic marketing, client engagement, project coordination, and visual storytelling. As Director of Business Development at Willmer Engineering, Inc., she leads initiatives that strengthen client relationships, expand market opportunities, and elevate brand visibility across transportation, aviation, geotechnical, environmental, water/wastewater, and land development sectors. Her ability to combine creative thinking with strategic business insight enables her to develop compelling proposals, marketing campaigns, and engagement strategies that drive growth and long-term partnerships.
With a unique background spanning engineering, architecture, hospitality, and fine dining, Colette has collaborated with award-winning design firms, engineering organizations, and Michelin-starred restaurant groups. Her expertise includes business development, digital marketing, branding, graphic design, photography, and project management, allowing her to approach challenges from both creative and operational perspectives. Holding both a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Georgia State University, she seamlessly bridges the gap between design excellence and business strategy to deliver meaningful results for clients and stakeholders.
Passionate about the impact infrastructure and development projects have on communities, Colette enjoys working alongside industry leaders who help shape the cities and systems people rely on every day. Through her work, she contributes to projects that improve transportation networks, strengthen public infrastructure, support environmental stewardship, and foster economic growth throughout the Southeast. Beyond her professional role, she remains actively engaged in the Atlanta community through volunteer leadership, arts advocacy, and professional photography, reflecting her commitment to creativity, collaboration, and community development.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Colette
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being willing to step outside of my comfort zone and embrace opportunities I never expected. Throughout my career, I've stayed open to learning, building relationships, and taking on new challenges, which has allowed me to grow beyond my original path in graphic design. I've found that some of the best opportunities come from simply connecting with people, staying curious, and being willing to say yes to something new.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say definitely step out of your shell. I think that being an extrovert and putting myself out there led me to relationships and opportunities that I didn't even realize were an option. So I just think the more people you know, build out your network, don't be afraid to meet new people, don't be afraid to approach someone that's older than you, just because you think that they might have more experience than you. I always encourage people to have conversations with new people. You literally never know who you're gonna meet. It's crazy. I would also tell young people not to get too caught up in what they want to decide on, what they want to do immediately out of college, either, because I thought I was gonna be a graphic designer, but it kind of led me in a new path, and now I'm in a completely different role in an industry where I kind of never thought I would picture myself.
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