10/11/2021 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/11/2021 10:14
We're proud of the energy, creativity and innovation our Latino talent brings to Our Jacobs. With over 1,000 global members, our Employee Network Enlace - meaning "link" in Spanish - empowers Latinos to succeed, bringing added value not only to Jacobs but to the communities and clients that we serve.
Although Enlace plans events year-round, Hispanic Heritage Month is always a highlight of their calendar, bringing together colleagues of all backgrounds in a program of events aimed at promoting learning, networking, and celebrating Latino culture and achievements.
This year we're celebrating by spotlighting four members of our Enlace family, asking them questions about their lives, their careers, Hispanic Heritage Month and what it means to be "Latino."
Meet Julissa, Jose, Susana and Pilar!
Julissa McCann
Graphic Designer
Fort Worth, TX
Hi Julissa! What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time of year when we can recognize how our culture has influenced other places and cultures. There's a lot that the Hispanic and Latino community does here in our home and all over the world. This is the time of year we can celebrate, recognize all the hard work we put in, and be extra loud and proud… it's also a good reason to eat all your favorite dishes all month long!
How has being Latina been an advantage in your career?
As someone who is proudly Afro-Latina, I feel I've focused more on my Black identity at Jacobs through my work as a leader in Harambee, our Black employee network. I plan to let the Latin aspects of my heritage shine in the future and let it help get me get closer to my goals. I want to bring a different voice and perspective to the projects I work on… to contribute more insight, opinions, and lead in an authentic way.
¡Hola Jose! What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
It's atime to reflect and celebrate our ancestors and heritage - and to remind others of what the Latino community brings to the lives of many.
Another role model is Roberto Clemente, a Hall of Fame professional baseball player who was proud of his Puerto Rican heritage and stood up for minority rights. Renowned for his humanitarian work, he died in a plane crash on December 31, 1972, en route to bringing much-needed supplies to survivors of an earthquake in Nicaragua.
Is Jacobs a good place for Latinos to excel?
Hi Susana! What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
I was born in Madrid, Spain and 12th of October is a national day in Spain, celebrating "el dia de la Hispanidad", strengthening the links with our Hispanic friends and families across the ocean. Heritage is something which is really embedded in Hispanic culture, with a lot of emphasis on family links.
How has being Latina been an advantage in your career?
As someone born in Spain, "Latina" and "Hispanic" aren't words I typically use. That said, working in the U.K. I believe that my Spanish identity gives me the advantage of seeing the world in a different way and not conforming to established norms. This is especially useful in a company like Jacobs where we are constantly challenging today to reinvent tomorrow.
If you aren't working, what would we be most likely to find you doing?
I love traveling, and am particularly interested in the cultural aspects of the new cities I discover. I'm also a qualified Zumba Instructor, so I love exercising to Latin rhythms!
What's the one song of Latin origin that gets you up on the dancefloor every time?Hi Pilar! What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
The month has always been an opportunity for me to stop, reflect, share and be proud of my roots and heritage. It's also an opportunity to recognize the sacrifices and contributions my parents have made and take stock of the progress we've achieved as Latinos in the U.S.
How has being Latina been an advantage in your career?
Throughout my career I've had great opportunities to build relationships and work on projects in Latin America - in beautiful places such as Mexico and Puerto Rico. Through these opportunities I've been able to advance my career by expanding my knowledge of project delivery outside of the U.S., using my design management and language skills to help develop and deliver challenging projects.
These projects have been very meaningful to me as the work I've done with Jacobs has brought immense positive impacts to communities with unserved basic needs like water and sanitation… It's hugely rewarding.
What drives you drives us as we work to build a better world - together. At Jacobs, every day is an opportunity to make the world better, more connected, more sustainable.
We're always looking for dynamic and engaged people to join our team. Bring your passion, your ingenuity and your vision. Let's see the impact we can create, together.