Candice has been with SSOE since 2022 and works out of the Toledo, Ohio office. She said, “DEI is critically important to SSOE as an organization, but also to the industry overall. Aside from it being the right thing to do from a humanity standpoint, we can also be confident that diverse teams drive innovation, improve problem solving capabilities, expand our network of qualified talent and studies have shown that diversity helps to improve financial performance. (Source: McKinsey, February 2020) I am incredibly proud to work for a company that views DEI as a core value.”
Candice Harrison (she / her)
Director, DEI
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Deanna has been with SSOE since 2018 and works out of the Toledo, Ohio office. She said, “By embracing DEI, we strive to create a culture where every voice is heard, every perspective is valued, and innovation thrives. A truly inclusive workplace is the cornerstone of a resilient and dynamic organization, and our ERGs play a crucial role in our DEI success. In our ERGs, we witness vibrant employee engagement, intentional inclusion, education, and the building of trust. Three out of four SSOE ERG members feel that ERGs are effective at building a sense of community, and eight out of 10 would recommend participating in ERG activities to their colleagues.”
Deanna Grady (she / her)
DEI Specialist
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Zulema is a Section Manager in SSOE’s Facilities Operations and works out of the Toledo, Ohio office. She started with SSOE in 2005 and recently came back to the firm in 2024. Zulema feels being the HoLA ERG co-Lead is important because, “I believe in creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and included. I am passionate about fostering a more inclusive environment to ensure every voice is heard. Diverse and inclusive teams are more innovative and effective. By embracing different perspectives and experiences, we can develop more creative solutions and better serve our clients.”
Zulema Lopez (she / her)
¡HoLA! ERG Co-Lead
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Emanuel is part of the architectural department in SSOE’s Facilities Operations. He has been with the firm since 2023 and works out of the Chihuahua, Mexico office. Emanuel said, “I wanted to co-lead the HoLA ERG because we need to keep building an inclusive world where everyone feels in a safe environment and can be who they are.”
Emanuel Arredondo Gutierrez (he / him)
¡HoLA! ERG Co-Lead
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Ron is an Accounting Controller who has been with the firm since 2011 and works out of the Toledo, Ohio office. Ron said he wanted to lead the Interfaith Alliance because, “Faith is a core value to me. It defines who I am and what I believe. Having a healthy faith life is an element to allowing us to have a healthy overall life.”
Ron Vass
Interfaith Alliance ERG Lead
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Brandon is part of the mechanical department in SSOE’s Process Operations. He has been with the firm since 2023 and works out of the Toledo, Ohio office. Brandon said, “I took the role of BLACC ERG Lead because the work we’ve done within the group has continued to grow and I want to help push the narrative forward.”
Brandon Monford (he / him)
BLACC ERG Lead
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Jose is part of the structural department in SSOE’s Facilities Operations. He has been with the firm since 2021 and works out of the Toledo, Ohio office. Jose said, “I became the PRIDE ERG Lead to foster a workplace where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered to bring their authentic selves. My goal is to create real impact through collaboration and shared purpose, inspiring a stronger, more inclusive community.”
José Carlos Arnal de la Peña (he / him)
PRIDE ERG Lead
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Rachel is part of the process department in SSOE’s Process Operations. She has been with the firm since 2021 and works out of the Lima, Ohio office. Rachel said “I feel being the SWAN ERG Lead is important because it’s a great opportunity to build community across our organization and provide resources for growth and support.”
Rachel Mason (she / her)
SWAN ERG Lead
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Adrienne joined SSOE in 2005 as part of the firm’s Industrial Process business unit. She is now Division Manager of Chemical Process and works out of the Toledo, Ohio office. She said, “I’m honored to share my career experiences and community outreach as a woman in engineering. It’s crucial to spread the word about the possibilities, provide exposure to the industry, various fields, and career paths to inspire and show the next generation that being an engineer might look different than they expect.”
Adrienne Taylor, PE (she / her)
SWAN ERG Technical Sub-Group Lead
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Belén is part of the mechanical department in SSOE’s Facilities Operations. She has been with the firm since 2019 and works out of the León, Mexico office. She said, “I was very excited to take on the SWAN ERG México’s subgroup leadership because there are so many areas of improvement in our culture and communities, and I felt empowered by the response we had to the group. Empowered women, empower women, and I am here for it”
Belén Hernández (she / her)
SWAN ERG México Subgroup Lead
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Adrienne is a Project Management Assistant in SSOE’s Advanced Technology Operation. She has been with the firm since 2024 and is based out of the Hillsboro, Oregon office. Adrienne said, “I felt compelled to take on the role of HYPE ERG Lead because it gave me an opportunity to challenge myself while also helping others to develop their own skills and abilities.”
Adrienne Stauth (she / they)
HYPE ERG Lead
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Betsy Hurner (she / her)
BLACC ERG Executive Sponsor
Vince DiPofi, PE (he / him)
PRIDE ERG Executive Sponsor
Robin Whitney, PE (she / her)
SWAN ERG Executive Sponsor
Brad Rowe (he / him)
¡HoLA! ERG Executive Sponsor
Matt Oberts (he / him)
HYPE ERG Executive Sponsor
Meet our DEI Champions
Our DEI Champions are leading the way toward a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture at SSOE. Comprised of our Director of DEI, ERG leaders, and Executive Sponsors, this team was built to be representative of SSOE’s employee population and to have the level of executive involvement required to underscore our commitment and enable forward progress. Our DEI Champions are primarily focused on:
- Advancing a culture of DEI at SSOE through the lens of industry and global best practices
- Listening to the unique needs of our employees and creating internal avenues of support
- Holding us accountable for our corporate commitment to DEI and measuring our progress
An ERG Executive Sponsor is a senior-level executive who supports and champions an ERG. They provide strategic advice to the ERG to align their goals with the organizational goals and build support for the activities of the network. They are responsible for ensuring that ERGs have access to senior leadership to demonstrate their value and secure support. They also have the key role of providing mission-driven guidance to ERGs to ensure they continue to serve the overall purpose of the organization.
