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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
As part of our Member Appreciation Program, we are showcasing a member in our bi-monthly Board Member Spotlight. Our member spotlight recognizes members for their outstanding contributions to the profession and our local communities. For any questions regarding the program please email PastPresident@ymf-oc.org.
August
2025
INTRODUCING
Juan Mendoza
Design Engineer I
Mark Thomas
K-12 Outreach Co-Chair
ASCE Orange County Younger Member Forum
PERSONAL LIFE
Where did you grow up?
Richmond, CA.
What made you want to become an engineer?
As a kid, I relied on public transportation to get me to school safely, so I decided I wanted to be one of those engineers who designed these roads.
Favorite hobbies, sports, and interests outside of engineering?
Soccer, Traveling, Cycling.
Finish this sentence: On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me...
At the farmers market!
What college(s) did you attend? Can you list your degrees, any honors, and involvement in engineering organizations during school?
American River Community College (MESA Organization & Engineering Technology A.S.) & California State University Long Beach (ASCE & Civil Engineering B.S.)
WORK & PROFESSIONAL LIFE
Describe your responsibilities and some significant projects.
As a Design Engineer I some of my responsibilities are to prepare details of project plans, calculate quantities, create exhibits, and develop my skills in CAD drafting & modeling. Additional responsibilities I have been able to take on include signing and striping, geometric design for roadway, and utility base mapping. Some significant projects I have worked on include City of Ontario - Campus Ave At-Grade Railway Crossing Safety Improvements, City of Compton - Rehab & Curb Ramp Improvements, and Port of Los Angeles - Navy Way & Seaside Ave Interchange Improvements.
What project are you currently working on and what have you accomplished/what are your tasks?
Currently, I am working on the Navy Way & Seaside Ave Interchange Improvements Project that is located near the Port of LA and Port of LB. My tasks on the project primarily consists of mapping the utilities within the project area and assisting the civil team with plan details and quantities.
What is your favorite part about being a Civil Engineer?
Knowing that the projects I work on will directly impact the communities around me to create a safer environment for everyday driver and pedestrians.
What skills do you find most valuable to focus on in your career?
One skill which I believe is super important is communication. Being able communicate with other engineers about the project or task you are working on helps ease the learning process of what Civil Engineering entails.
What drew you to your specific career path? If you could start your career differently, what would you do differently?
In community college, I was exposed to the basics of what civil engineering was. Once I transferred to CSULB and attend ASCE presentations, I realized there were many disciplines under the umbrella of civil engineering, which led me to start my career in Transportation Engineering.
ASCE & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
How/Why did you get involved? Why did you choose to stay involved?
I got involved in ASCE because I want to share my story and inspire the future generations of students to pursue Civil Engineering.
How has ASCE impacted your work and/or what is your favorite benefit of your involvement?
ASCE has allowed me to get more involved with other professionals in the industry and play a part in inspiring future engineers (K-12) on how to become an engineer. My favorite benefit is being able to share my story with K-12 & attend outreach presentation to community college students.
Who is someone you Admire and Why?
I admire my parents. They taught me how to be resilient when times get difficult.
If you have one piece of advice to give to young professionals what would it be?
Come out to the socials and get to know your fellow peers!
Lastly, what would be your personal motto?
You can't control every little thing that happens in life.
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