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

Deanna Grady (she / her)

DEI Specialist

Zulema Lopez (she / her)

¡HoLA! ERG Co-Lead

“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 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 Arredondo Gutierrez (he / him)

¡HoLA! ERG Co-Lead

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

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

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

Rachel Mason (she / her)

SWAN ERG Lead

Adrienne Taylor, PE (she / her)

SWAN ERG Technical Sub-Group Lead

Belén Hernández (she / her)

SWAN ERG México Subgroup Lead

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

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.