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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.
June/July
2026
INTRODUCING
Don Vu
P.E., T.E.
Transportation Engineering Associate III
Los Angeles Department of Transportation
Mentorship Program Chair
ASCE Orange County Younger Member Forum
PERSONAL LIFE
Where did you grow up?
Anaheim, CA
What made you want to become an engineer?
I have always admired the ingenuity and dedication of the Roman Empire and their armies' abilities to march long distances and quickly set up fortified encampments. Their achievements in roads, aqueducts, sewers, architecture, and civil engineering as a whole inspired me to pursue a career where I could leave a meaningful impact on my community and the world.
Favorite hobbies, sports, and interests outside of engineering?
I love hanging out with my girlfriend and our dog.
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?
I attended the University of California, Irvine and earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering. I was involved in ASCE and ITE as Treasurer throughout my undergraduate years.
WORK & PROFESSIONAL LIFE
Describe your responsibilities and some significant projects.
As a team lead, my primary responsibilities include delegating assignments, reviewing engineering reports, and approving work orders for my team of engineers. Currently, our group is focused on major transportation improvement projects along key arterials in Central Los Angeles in preparation for the 2028 Olympics.
What project are you currently working on and what have you accomplished/what are your tasks?
Our team oversees transportation-related operations and improvements across three Council Districts serving a population of approximately 800,000 residents. We address a wide range of day-to-day concerns raised by stakeholders, including constituents, Council District offices, LAUSD, business owners, developers, other City departments, and Caltrans. As part of this work, we investigate their concerns, conduct engineering studies, and develop feasible solutions. My responsibilities primarily involve implementing traffic calming measures near schools and within residential neighborhoods, reviewing and approving traffic control devices such as stop signs, traffic signals, and crosswalks, managing curb space operations for businesses and schools, supporting internal LADOT divisions on grant-funded initiatives and the Crossing Guard Program, and coordinating with other City departments on transportation-related projects.
What is your favorite part about being a Civil Engineer?
My favorite part of being a civil engineer in the public sector is seeing firsthand how our work can improve the quality of life for individuals and communities, whether it is something as small as providing additional parking for a business or as large as implementing projects that enhance school safety. I have found that, more than anything, people want to feel heard and know that their concerns are being acknowledged. While public service is not always easy and comes with many challenges, the moments when I am able to help people are what make this work both fulfilling and rewarding.
What skills do you find most valuable to focus on in your career?
I value the ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to a nontechnical audiences in clear and understandable terms. It is one thing to design a project, but it is an entirely different skill to explain the concept and build public confidence.
What drew you to your specific career path? If you could start your career differently, what would you do differently?
The public sector offered competitive monetary incentives and a strong work-life balance. I honestly wouldn't do anything differently
ASCE & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
How/Why did you get involved? Why did you choose to stay involved?
I became involved as a way to give back to the ASCE community and the next generation of civil engineers.
How has ASCE impacted your work and/or what is your favorite benefit of your involvement?
ASCE has provided me the opportunity to meet engineers in other industries outside of my work.
Who is someone you Admire and Why?
I admire my girlfiend because she is a wonderful person and encourages me to be a better person. If it wasn't for her support and love, I would not have gotten my P.E. in Civil as quickly as I did.
If you have one piece of advice to give to young professionals what would it be?
First impressions matter. A good reputation is hard to earn and easy to lose, and a bad reputation is easy to earn and hard to lose.
Lastly, what would be your personal motto?
Fortune favors the bold.
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