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.

July

2021

INTRODUCING

Luis Manzo

EIT

Assistant Engineer

WKE, Inc.

External Activities Committee Co-Chair, CSU Fullerton Practitioner Advisor

ASCE Orange County Younger Member Forum

PERSONAL LIFE

Where did you grow up?

Santa Ana, CA

What made you want to become an engineer?

My favorite subjects growing up always included math and science. Once I learned what civil engineering was and how I could utilize my passion for math and science to better society, I was hooked!

Favorite hobbies, sports, and interests outside of engineering?

I enjoy camping, hiking, rock climbing, swimming, CrossFit, cooking, trying different cuisines, and watching movies.

Finish this sentence: On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me...

sleeping in and having breakfast in bed with my wife.

What college(s) did you attend? Can you list your degrees, any honors, and involvement in engineering organizations during school?

I graduated in 2017 from California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. I was highly active in CSUF’s ASCE Student Chapter during my time in school and went on to become the Vice-President of the student chapter during my senior year. My time in school and involvement with ASCE granted me great opportunities to grow within the civil engineering field both professionally and academically.

WORK & PROFESSIONAL LIFE

Describe your responsibilities and some significant projects.

Most recently I served as an Assistant Transportation Engineer with WKE Inc. where I assisted with plan and report preparation for Caltrans projects, both PS&E and PA/ED.

What project are you currently working on and what have you accomplished/what are your tasks?

N/A

What is your favorite part about being a Civil Engineer?

I love the ever-growing need to solve new problems and what crucial roles we play as civil engineers in finding the right solutions to further the progress of our civilization.

What skills do you find most valuable to focus on in your career?

Being an efficient communicator, a team player, and advocating to continue to work towards a more sustainable tomorrow for future generations.

What drew you to your specific career path? If you could start your career differently, what would you do differently?

I was fortunate enough to have been exposed to multiple areas of civil engineering during the earlier years of my career from transportation, construction management, structural, and surveying. All these great experiences have shaped who I am as an engineer today in the transportation industry.

ASCE & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

How/Why did you get involved? Why did you choose to stay involved?

I came to ASCE through school friendships and a desire to continue to learn about the civil engineering field. I love the comradery I found, the great resources, and the rewarding feeling I received from being actively involved in my field. ASCE has played such an important part of my professional career and I look forward to continuing to further my involvement in the coming years.

How has ASCE impacted your work and/or what is your favorite benefit of your involvement?

My involvement with ASCE is what opened the doors to my first internship and ever since ASCE has continued to open doors, strengthen my professional relationships, and kept me inspired to strive to become a great civil engineer.

Who is someone you Admire and Why?

My parents, they are two of the most hard-working individuals I know. Regardless of odds against them as immigrants in a new country, lack of knowing the language, they continued to surpass the obstacles placed before them and serve as a great example for my siblings and I to follow.

If you have one piece of advice to give to young professionals what would it be?

Never stop fighting for your dreams, regardless of the odds not being in your favor. You are capable of great things if you put your heart and soul into it.

Lastly, what would be your personal motto?

“It always seems impossible, until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela

CHECK OUT PAST OC YMF MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS