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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.

May/June

2024

INTRODUCING

Tomas Atienzo

Restoration Engineer
Walker Consultants
Internal Activities Co-Chair
ASCE Orange County Younger Member Forum

PERSONAL LIFE

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Livingston, CA, a small town in the middle of the state surrounded by agriculture.

What made you want to become an engineer?
As a kid I always knew I wanted to be an engineer. My family is involved in the construction industry so that pushed me towards this field.

Favorite hobbies, sports, and interests outside of engineering?
I have too many sports and hobbies and not enough time. I enjoy road biking, mountain biking, hiking, surfing, snowboarding, and riding my motorcycle.

Finish this sentence: On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me...
On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me working on my motorcycles, bicycles or hiking with my puppies.

What college(s) did you attend? Can you list your degrees, any honors, and involvement in engineering organizations during school?
I attended CSU Long Beach. ASCE Involvement was limited due to COVID.

WORK & PROFESSIONAL LIFE

Describe your responsibilities and some significant projects.
Some of my responsibilities for my role include management of various building envelope projects ranging from investigation to construction administration phase. Leading my team in the development of building envelope contract documents, including technical specifications. Leading my team during site investigations and recommending repairs. My projects typically have NDAs so I can not elaborate too much on them but one of my most rewarding projects is a brand new build near Skidrow in DTLA that is supposed to provide 275 housing units for the unhoused.

What project are you currently working on and what have you accomplished/what are your tasks? 
Sorry. I cannot share photos from our current projects.

What is your favorite part about being a Civil Engineer?
My favorite part about being an engineer is being able to continue learning as our field is always evolving.

What skills do you find most valuable to focus on in your career?
The skills that I find most valuable in my career is being able to think critically and foresee any potential issues that may come up down the line.

What drew you to your specific career path? If you could start your career differently, what would you do differently?
The thing that drew me to my specific career path is how unique and different every day will be. I will not start my career differently.

ASCE & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

How/Why did you get involved? Why did you choose to stay involved?
I got involved with ASCE because I did not have the opportunity to get involved when I was in school due to COVID. I choose to stay involved because I get to meet really cool people from all different types of backgrounds and professions.

How has ASCE impacted your work and/or what is your favorite benefit of your involvement?
My favorite benefit of my involvement with ASCE are all the fun activities we get to participate in.

Who is someone you Admire and Why?
I admire my mom because she is a strong, hard working woman.

If you have one piece of advice to give to young professionals what would it be?
Keep working towards your dreams and goals, it will all be worth it at the end.

Lastly, what would be your personal motto?
"Inch by inch life's a cinch, yard by yard life is hard." Not my motto, but it always reminds me to break things down and they will be easier.

CHECK OUT PAST OC YMF MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS

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