Legacy - Volume 3, Number 2 - (Page 21)

Professional Dialogue made it to that position, I would help future engineers along in any way I could. That’s why I became involved—to provide students with the same mentoring I once received. Don: I was also a returning student. I went back to school full-time, had a family, and as a result of trying to make ends meet and juggling a full-time school schedule, I reached the sional development is essential and they actively encourage us to take leadership roles in the engineering community. As for the clients, it allows us to work closely with them preparing presentations for our membership. Don: DMJM Harris is recognized as a leader not only in ASCE, but in the engineering community as a whole. Several national and section presidents have come out of our company. Having such a positive reputation is a huge advantage and enables us to recruit some of the best and brightest, who in turn, serve our clients. Mike: That’s especially true here in New York as our intern coordinator for the New York office, Indhira Figuereo, is also the president of the section’s Younger Member Forum. This leadership role gives DMJM Harris a direct pipeline to talented engineering students throughout the tri-state area. DMJM Harris recently entered into a corporate partnership agreement with ASCE; what are the benefits? Mike: I believe the most beneficial part of this sponsorship will be the influx of people becoming more involved with ASCE and the industry Don Sepulveda is president-elect of the Los Angeles section of the American Society of Civil Engineers. drive our industry. We’re a very technically-oriented industry, but there is another side of our business that we need to get involved in. ASCE is making it easier to become politically active with programs such as the “Six Clicks to Write Your Legislator” program, which was set up to notify members when bills that effect the engineering field are up for approval. I as a whole. The agreement gives our engineers access to such benefits as training, conferences and research libraries. These benefits can only enhance our company’s collective expertise. Don: When a company like DMJM Harris forms this type of partnership, it sends a message— across the industry and within our own company. In the industry, it puts us in a leadership position and influences other firms to follow in our direction. Within DMJM Harris, it sends the message for employees to get involved. What do you plan to accomplish in your term as chapter president? Mike: I want to focus on increasing our membership’s political activism in the issues that Mike Lorczak is president-elect of the New York metropolitan section of the American Society of Civil Engineers. point where I contemplated dropping out. But when I learned of ASCE and became involved with student programs and professional engineers, it all changed and I never looked back. If ASCE hadn’t been there to guide me as a student and in my career, I would not be where I am right now. How do your roles in ASCE benefit DMJM Harris and its clients? Mike: As presidents of two of ASCE’s largest sections, our roles will require a lot of work and volunteer time but we have a great deal of support from the leadership of our company. To the DMJM Harris leadership, our profes- would also like to see the expansion of our scholarship program—we need to promote civil engineering as a great profession. Don: I think it’s important for us to get involved with the local school boards, like those in Los Angeles, to help revitalize school curricula that will develop high-quality engineering students. My ultimate goal is to help as many people succeed in civil engineering as possible by offering opportunities within the industry and by encouraging students to become part of their local ASCE section. If they ask me why, I will tell them that I did—and look what it’s done for me. L Legacy—VOLUME 3: NUMBER 2, 2008 21

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Legacy - Volume 3, Number 2

Legacy - Volume 3, Number 2 Contents In the Zone Gaining Altitude Six to Go: Planning Projects Promise Increased Mobility Women's Development Forum On the Move in the Southeast Protecting the World's Future Making the Grade Coming to America A Dedication to Development Looking to the Skies Spotlight on People and Projects An Aviation Innovation

Legacy - Volume 3, Number 2

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