October 1, 2024
4 Ways Our Team Celebrates Hispanic Heritage in the AEC Industry
This Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated September 15 to October 15 in the U.S. and during October in Canada, I find myself reflecting on the stories, contributions, and legacies of Hispanic and Latinx professionals in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry.
In 2023, our firm founded Communities of Color, an employee resource group (ERG) dedicated to incorporating the strength of people of color into the fabric of our company’s culture. As chair of the ERG, I had the privilege of interviewing two colleagues — Jose Reyes, PE, El Paso transportation manager and Ashley Jurado, Transit & Rail intern. Through these conversations, I learned more about their heritages, their journeys, and the successes they have achieved in the AEC industry.
Each shared stories that reflected not only their professional journeys but also how their Hispanic heritage has shaped their vision and approach to the work they do every day.
1. Honoring a Legacy of Innovation and Hard Work
For Jose Reyes, growing up in a family with deep ties to the construction industry had a profound influence on his path. “My father was a superintendent for a commercial contractor,” Jose recalls, “He taught me how to always find new and innovative ways to do things and encouraged me to continue to look for new, innovative ways to build.”
His words resonated with me because they speak to a fundamental truth in our industry: progress is driven by creativity, curiosity, and the ability to look at things differently.
2. Empowering Future Generations
Beyond the technical skills, Jose also emphasized the importance of mentorship and giving back. As a second-generation Hispanic professional, he works to uplift others.
“I feel a responsibility to help other Hispanic or minority students reach their dreams of being an engineer someday. This will continue to diversify our field of professionals, which will be a healthy cross-section of culture into our industry,” he said.
Jose’s passion for empowering future generations is palpable and reflects the kind of leadership needed to push our industry forward.
3. Embracing Cultural Roots to Overcome Challenges
Intern Ashley Jurado’s perspective as a Hispanic woman just entering the AEC sector offers a fresh and hopeful outlook. Her confidence in her identity helps her navigate her professional journey. “I can fall back on my roots, making sure I don’t forget where I come from. That has helped me approach using the skills I’ve learned in my culture,” she said.
What struck me most about Ashley’s reflections was her vision for the future. She dreams of seeing more Hispanic and Latinx professionals in leadership roles in the AEC firms — more project managers and executive roles. “I would love to see people who look like me in higher positions. This shows that we do belong in those spaces,” she shared.
Her hope for a more inclusive and diverse industry is inspiring, and it reminds us that true representation isn’t about numbers — it’s about visibility and empowerment at every level.
4. Amplifying Hispanic Voices
As I listened to Jose and Ashley, one common thread kept emerging: celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is more than just recognizing the past. It’s about looking toward the future and ensuring that our voices continue to shape the direction of our industry.
While Hispanic Heritage Month is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the contributions of Hispanic and Latinx professionals, our true goal is to recognize everyone’s contributions, year-round. Our strength lies in the diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that each team member brings to the table.
The future of the AEC industry will be shaped by all of us, together.
Do you want to join a team that celebrates diversity? Explore our job openings here and here to learn more and apply. Let’s continue to build an industry where everyone’s voice is heard, and every contribution is valued.
Meet our expert
Kylie White
Senior Bridge Designer and Communities of Color Employee Resource Group Chair
Kylie White is a bridge designer with over five years of experience working on various bridge design, rehabilitation, and inspection projects. She is also the current chair of the Communities of Color employee resource group.
Kylie White
Senior Bridge Designer and Communities of Color Employee Resource Group Chair
Kylie White is a bridge designer with over five years of experience working on various bridge design, rehabilitation, and inspection projects. She is also the current chair of the Communities of Color employee resource group.
Kylie White
Senior Bridge Designer and Communities of Color Employee Resource Group Chair
Kylie White is a bridge designer with over five years of experience working on various bridge design, rehabilitation, and inspection projects. She is also the current chair of the Communities of Color employee resource group.
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