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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
As part of our Member Appreciation Program, we are showcasing a member in our 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.
April/May
2026
INTRODUCING
Samantha Bahena
MS
Construction Contract Specialist
City of Anaheim
Construction Institute Co-Chair
ASCE Orange County Younger Member Forum
PERSONAL LIFE
Where did you grow up?
Anaheim, CA
What made you want to become an engineer?
My family, I was always interested in how things were built and helping my community. As a Civil Engineer you can do both.
Favorite hobbies, sports, and interests outside of engineering?
traveling, playing tennis, hiking, going to comedy shows/concerts
Finish this sentence: On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me...
At church
What college(s) did you attend? Can you list your degrees, any honors, and involvement in engineering organizations during school?
California State University, Fullerton (BS in Civil Engineering, MS in Civil Engineering) ASCE/Cal Geo while in school 2015-2023 and YMF University Outreach CSUF Liaison after 2020, Mentor (can't remember years sorry :(
WORK & PROFESSIONAL LIFE
Describe your responsibilities and some significant projects.
I manage Design-Build Utility (Electrical/Water) projects for Anaheim Public Utilities, Significant larger projects are the Design Build Ground Water Treatment Plant Phase A and Phase B (worth around 124M collectively) and Design Build Southwest Substation Upgrades (27M) roles include administrating the contract, procuring the project, negotiating change order and working with the design build entitles and city staff to deliver a successful project.
What project are you currently working on and what have you accomplished/what are your tasks?
Design-Build Vermont Substation Expansion, shortlisted proposers and aided in the selection of the Design Built Team by preparing the contract documents, marking up the agreement, negotiating the contract, this would be the 3rd stand alone Design Build project I procure our 3rd largest project based on scope in recent years. We will go to Council for the official project award my task include being the contract administrator for the project/contracting ensuring that it runs smoothly and is contractually being followed when disagreements or change orders come up.
What is your favorite part about being a Civil Engineer?
being able to be a part of a project that will help the community, working for a public agency and the City that I grew up in I have working on projects at beautify or upgrade areas that I frequented as a kid or near where my family members live so being able to help my community through projects brings me joy and makes the projects more meaningful.
What skills do you find most valuable to focus on in your career?
Communication, it is the most important skill you have have and necessary to be a team player.
What drew you to your specific career path? If you could start your career differently, what would you do differently?
I always wanted to work for a government agency, I used to intern at the City of Santa Ana's water division and always wanted to work on water projects, designing is fun and has its moments but actually having an active role in construction has made me appreciate engineering more. I never would have imagined being in the construction field, I was able to get my current job by change, I applied as an assistant engineer in Design for the City but once the construction division saw my application they were interested in interviewing me and I decided to switch into construction. If i would have know that construction was interesting I would have maybe wanted to intern in a construction company.
ASCE & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
How/Why did you get involved? Why did you choose to stay involved?
My sister's last semester was my first, she had taken me to ASCE events when I was in high school and wanted to join to make connections, I met some of my closest friends through ASCE. I stayed involved because I enjoyed it and love getting others involved.
How has ASCE impacted your work and/or what is your favorite benefit of your involvement?
I think being able to network with people that I wouldn't if I limited myself to only my work colleagues. My favorite benefit is being able to catch up with people at events that I have not seen in a while.
Who is someone you Admire and Why?
Rudy Rosas, at the time he was a senior engineer for CIty of Santa Ana, he is now the City Engineer and Acting Director of Public Works. The advice that he gave me about career was genuine and came from experience, he is the reason I wanted to pursue and Masters
If you have one piece of advice to give to young professionals what would it be?
Be kind and respectful to everyone, you never know who you’ll work with, work for, or who may work for you someday. It is a small world...
Lastly, what would be your personal motto?
You live but once, might as well be amusing.
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