Black History Month is a time to highlight the resilience of Black Americans throughout U.S. history. It gives all Americans an opportunity to listen to historical stories from our perspective that are not shared or may have been altered in American history books. Throughout the year, my father shares family recipes as he cooks with his grandchildren and our family explores my maternal grandmother’s big bible, which provides names, dates or events of our ancestors throughout history. My mom and aunt connect the dots for us by sharing stories, which provide a prism of our past for us to envision the shoulders we stand upon.

"In construction, we solve unique challenges each and every day; it is fundamental that our team members feel safe, valued and comfortable to share their own perspectives.

On our projects, we practice a listen first approach, allowing for each person’s ideas to be heard before we make decisions as a team. This creates a workplace culture of feeling valued and safe, while developing positive relationships and growth opportunities for each person on our team. Inclusivity is important because it creates equal opportunities for each team member to contribute with their unique individuality."

“The construction industry is 100% a team effort. When our teams accept and include a diverse mix of people, backgrounds, and perspectives it widens our lens and leads to new ideas and solutions. Inclusion within our teams also allows our people to be confident in themselves which generally leads to a better functioning and more satisfied team.”

Growing up as a first-generation immigrant from Indonesia, the cultural and familial values of respect for elders, obedience and following the rules were monumental in my developing years. My parents risked a lot when it came to giving up what they had and knew, from their homes, jobs, family, language, etc., to provide for a more promising future for me and my siblings. From this risk, came the lofty and well-thought-out expectations that were established for me and my siblings: to do well in school, attend college (and study in a field that they would consider lucrative and stable), and ultimately, have a high-paying job that would not force us to ever have to take the risks they did. Deviance or challenge to these steps would not have been easily accepted, let alone celebrated.


These principles and clear expectations undoubtedly have been the main driving factor when it comes to how I approach my work: I naturally am a rule-follower, not a challenger; a thinker before being a doer; and more of an observer than a commander. Although there is much value to these things, I am constantly working to step out of my comfort zone by speaking up and sharing my thoughts and opinions in a bold and courageous way. There is a lot to 'un-learn' and 're-learn' here in terms of my natural approach on things, but through self-compassion and assurance, I am constantly improving as a husband, father and DPR employee.

I was raised to value and appreciate the nobility of the construction industry thanks to my grandfather's influence. He founded a construction company in Mexico, so I grew up around builders, visiting jobsites and workshops where heavy equipment was kept, and workers would plan projects.

As a first-generation immigrant, I started working in the U.S. under a temporary work visa. The path to permanent residency (a.k.a. a Green Card), was long, tedious and stressful. Going through that process, along with everything involving immigrating to a different country, really made me aware of the adversities people of all backgrounds go through and must endure.

I am passionate about ERGs because they create space for all of us to be our authentic selves, and in doing so, help us to bring our best to work, while living healthy, holistic lives. They create a sense of belonging, connection, and resilience for groups who may not have that feeling otherwise, and encourage collective strength through diversity.  I personally have benefitted from regional initiatives, such as networking, mentoring, and career development topics. I’m thrilled to be part of the inaugural women’s ERG Leadership Team because, after years of supporting the regional efforts, we have an incredible opportunity to inspire forward motion across the company (not just for the Women’s ERG but for all ERGs going forward.)

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I have always found strength and support in my community and my identity. At DPR, We Exist to Build Great Things, and who we build is as important as what we build. The Employee Resource Groups provide a space for all employees to connect, learn, and grow from one another while also contributing to the company's goals and vision. I am proud to work for a company that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and allows me to bring my whole authentic self to work each day. In doing so, DPR shows its commitment to respecting the individual and changing the world.

I am excited to support the DEI Team in expanding our ERG initiative by working to create a company-wide ERG strategy that is sustainable. A strategic and sustainable ERG can be a powerful tool for meeting the needs of our diverse workforce by helping to foster an inclusive environment, giving employees a chance to voice and address workplace concerns and ideas, attracting and retaining talent, and providing professional development opportunities. Our ERG members offer a kaleidoscope of perspectives and experiences, all of which, can play an active role in business development and help advise various functions within the company.


Although creating and sustaining ERGs takes a lot of time, thought, and consideration, I believe that if we continue to pour into and build up the ERGs, we’ll be inevitably creating a pipeline of future leaders who feel supported and further encouraged to continue to build great things!