Alicia Loh Ortiz, co-business unit leader in DPR’s Southern California region, was recently named to Engineering News-Record’s (ENR) 2022 National Top 20 Under 40 List. A culmination of the publication’s annual Top Young Professionals program, the award honors the best of the next generation of the construction industry. An independent jury judged the nearly 400 nominated professionals across ENR’s 10 nationwide regions based on the candidates’ industry experience, leadership skills and community service.

Ortiz, based in Pasadena, has been with the organization for more than 16 years. With a degree in civil engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, she has served in a variety of DPR roles with experience managing complex life science projects, mid-rise ground up core and shell campus projects and progressive commercial office renovations.

Ortiz participated in a career panel through Youth Employment Services (YES), a nonprofit that prepares at-risk youth and young adults for meaningful careers. “It’s important to me to challenge the overall perceptions of women working in construction and highlight the variety of roles within the industry,” said Ortiz, who also participated in YES’s Virtual Mock Interview Program providing feedback, training, and coaching to high school students.

Currently Ortiz focuses on both local and national operations and business development strategies with a majority of her efforts dedicated to the development and implementation of progressive people and culture practices to improve employee engagement, establish high performing work environments, and enhance employee experience. Ortiz, who holds LEED AP BD+C accreditation, has established herself as a subject matter expert in sustainability, innovation, technical building, and people practices. “Alicia is a cultural warrior who cares deeply about the people who work here, the work we do, and the advancement of DPR’s unique culture,” said DPR southwest regional leader Brian Gracz. “She is passionate in her belief that who we build is as important as what we build.”

Ortiz is also active in the greater construction industry; she has spoken at the Women’s Construction Coalition in San Diego, California, and has been published in Work Design Magazine. Additionally, she recently joined the Global Design Alliance.

Seven DPR Construction leaders named to regional Top Young Professional lists

Additionally, seven DPR Construction leaders were also recognized by ENR as Top Young Professionals in their respective regions. The awards program honors individuals under 40 years of age in each of ENR's 10 regions who have shown extraordinary leadership and service throughout their careers.

ENR California

• Alicia Loh Ortiz, Co-business Unit Leader
• Kevin Chen, Project Executive
• Tanmaya Kala, Project Executive

ENR Northwest

• Kelly Pratt, Project Executive

ENR Southwest

• Brad Claussen, Phoenix MEP Lead
• Charlie Thompson, Project Executive

ENR Texas and Louisiana

• Angie Weyant, Craft People Practices Leader