Alex Booker-Dysert

From lake island roots to professional growth.

Hailing from the picturesque Lake Erie Islands, Alex Booker-Dysert spent her formative years on Kelleys Island and South Bass Island. Growing up in a small community with just twenty students in her entire school, she fondly recalls traveling to the mainland via ferry or plane, viewing grocery trips as grand adventures. When her family moved to the mainland, Alex furthered her education at Danbury High School in Marblehead, Ohio, before completing high school at Centreville High School in Centreville, Michigan.

Alex pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education at Western Michigan University, which led her to a brief yet challenging career teaching ninth-grade English. Although she initially had high hopes for a fulfilling career in education, the realities of classroom management and the stresses introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic proved to be more than she anticipated. Recognizing that teaching was not her true passion, Alex made the bold decision to pivot her career path.

Her journey took her to the Jayco RV manufacturing plant in Middlebury, Indiana, where she facilitated communication by transporting mail among the company’s various facilities. Soon after, she became an eligibility specialist for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, helping clients navigate essential services such as food stamps and Medicaid. However, her discontent with the organization’s less-than-ideal management style prompted her to search for opportunities that aligned better with her values.

The pivotal moment in Alex’s career arrived when she discovered a job opening at Jones & Henry Engineers in Kalamazoo. Intrigued by the job description, she applied, navigated the interview process, and soon found herself in a role that would become transformative. Currently serving as a Project Coordinator, Alex wears many hats—preparing funding applications, attending preconstruction meetings, and managing office communications.

“I finally found my good fit,” Alex reflects, expressing the deep sense of solace she has discovered in her position at Jones & Henry. As the company approaches its 100th anniversary, she appreciates its rich history. She often marvels at old photographs of past projects, finding inspiration in the legacy of those who came before her.

A strong sense of belonging now characterizes her experience within the firm, and she values the supportive culture fostered in the Kalamazoo office. “I enjoy being treated as a professional and trusted to do my job,” she shares, highlighting the positive environment cultivated by her colleagues.

Outside of work, Alex finds joy in kayaking local rivers, diving into gripping mystery and horror novels, and immersing herself in true-crime documentaries on television. She shares her life with her husband, Charles, who works at the Kalamazoo Probate Court, and their four-year-old dog, Geddy, a pit bull and Rottweiler mix.

While she enjoys visiting friends and family on the islands, Alex recognizes that her future lies in Kalamazoo, where her career is starting to flourish and opportunities abound.

As she embarks on her third year with Jones & Henry Engineers, Alex reflects on her personal growth and the knowledge she has gained during her time here. She describes herself as organized, resourceful, and a good communicator—qualities she hopes her coworkers will affirm. Though uncertain about her next steps within the firm, she remains excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.

Alex Booker-Dysert’s story is a reminder that career paths are rarely linear. With a mix of determination, adaptability, and an inquisitive spirit, she embodies the idea that the journey—filled with twists, turns, and unexpected opportunities—is just as valuable as the destination. Her experience encourages us to embrace the unknown and remain open to the possibilities that life presents.