Company > Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Diverse in Thought, United in Action

Our Commitment

Together, we are on a journey.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a commitment to create a culture that encourages growth at all levels. By building trust and valuing team results, this becomes a strategic advantage that benefits us all.

Our people are our greatest asset, and collaboration is our greatest tool. Everyone has something to offer and by tapping into their unique insights we optimize and generate innovative ideas and solutions to complex problems.

The tenacious pursuit of embracing diversity, pledging equity, and intentional inclusion will lead us to an environment in which all people feel respected and safe bringing their whole selves to work.

Making Strides

We’ve already come a long way on the path to greater diversity, equity, and inclusion at SSOE. Some of our notable milestones include:

100% of our employees participate in DEI and ethics training.
We’ve increased the number of women in leadership roles by over 20% in 5 years.
We appointed the first woman President and Chair of the Board in 2020.
We hired our first Corporate Director of DEI in 2022.
In 2022, a DEI committee was added to SSOE’s Board of Directors. This committee is led by a woman who is an external member of the board.
We formed our first Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in 2023.
We observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a holiday and day of community service for our staff.
SSOE participates in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Program, and currently employs more than 65
veterans across our firm.

Being Resourceful

We’re dedicated to ensuring every employee is listened to, valued for their individuality, and recognized for their distinct contributions. Conversely, we know it’s human nature to want to form connections collectively with those who share similar experiences. SSOE’s ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups that offer opportunities to network internally, attract a diverse employee base, provide the inclusion of ideas and solutions, and create opportunities for mentoring and career development.

ERGs are an integral component of our commitment to creating an internal culture that encourages growth at all levels, builds trust, and pursues intentional inclusion. These groups are typically centered around supporting underrepresented communities or shared perspectives.

Our ERGs

BLACC PRIDE SWAN ¡HoLA! The Interfaith Alliance HYPE

BLACC

BLACC (est. 2023), an acronym for Black Leaders and Collaborative Changemakers, represents the interests of Black / African Americans by collaborating with other ERGs and partnering closely with Human Resources. BLACC fosters a supportive network that’s open to all who support the Black / African American experience at SSOE.

PRIDE

PRIDE (est. 2023), an acronym for People Respecting Identities, Diversity, and Equality, is an inclusive community of LGBTQIA+ people and allies whose vision is to promote a positive and inclusive work environment and community while providing opportunities for education, networking, collaboration, and career development.

SWAN

SWAN (est. 2023), an acronym for SSOE Women and Allies Network, empowers women and allies by offering robust avenues for professional and personal growth. Through a suite of programs, resources, and a supportive community, our Women’s ERG aims to cultivate development and opportunities. The group is dedicated to highlighting the unique challenges faced by women and equipping our community with the tools to support their female colleagues effectively.

¡HoLA!

¡HoLA! (est. 2024), an acronym for Hispanic and Latin Allies, is committed to empowering our Hispanic / Latin colleagues and providing them with a safe space to express and share the richness of their unique cultures throughout SSOE. ¡HoLA! aims to break down invisible barriers and foster cross-cultural connections by organizing workshops, cultural showcases, and various programs and activities that increase cultural exchange.

The Interfaith Alliance

The Interfaith Alliance ERG (est. 2024) is dedicated to uniting individuals across various religious and faith-based and spiritual spectrums to foster understanding, education, and inclusivity. It serves as a welcoming forum that honors all faith identities, ensuring every unique voice is heard and cherished without bias toward any single belief system.

HYPE

The Helping Young Professionals Excel, or HYPE ERG (est. 2024) provides a platform for our next-gen leaders to drive transformational change with their fresh perspectives. The aim of this group is to elevate and motivate our young professionals through strategic alliances and knowledge exchange, propelling our firm into the future while establishing a collaborative space where the enthusiasm of young professionals and the seasoned expertise of mentors converge.

Candice has been with SSOE since 2022 and works out of the Toledo, Ohio office. She said, “DEI is critically important to SSOE as an organization, but also to the industry overall. Aside from it being the right thing to do from a humanity standpoint, we can also be confident that diverse teams drive innovation, improve problem solving capabilities, expand our network of qualified talent and studies have shown that diversity helps to improve financial performance. (Source: McKinsey, February 2020) I am incredibly proud to work for a company that views DEI as a core value.”

Candice Harrison (she / her)

Director, Inclusion & Community Impact

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Deanna has been with SSOE since 2018 and works out of the Toledo, Ohio office. She said, “By embracing DEI, we strive to create a culture where every voice is heard, every perspective is valued, and innovation thrives. A truly inclusive workplace is the cornerstone of a resilient and dynamic organization, and our ERGs play a crucial role in our DEI success. In our ERGs, we witness vibrant employee engagement, intentional inclusion, education, and the building of trust. Three out of four SSOE ERG members feel that ERGs are effective at building a sense of community, and eight out of 10 would recommend participating in ERG activities to their colleagues.”

Deanna Grady (she / her)

Inclusion and Community Impact Manager

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Claudia is a VDC specialist and works out of SSOE’s Toledo, Ohio office. She said, “I wanted to co-lead the HoLA ERG because I am proud of my roots and my heritage, and I believe it's important to share our traditions to promote cultural understanding and create connections. I want to help build a space where everyone feels proud of who they are and comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work. For me, this is about celebrating diversity in a way that feels real and meaningful."

Claudia Calderon Quintero

¡HoLA! ERG Co-Lead

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Ana is a senior talent acquisition specialist and works out of SSOE’s León, Mexico office. She said, “Being HoLa ERG lead is a fantastic opportunity for inclusion and cultural appreciation, to embrace our similarities and make our differences a strength that impacts positively in our work teams. Multiculturality is a great scenario to live values such as collaboration, respect, and empathy.”

Ana Andrade

¡HoLA! ERG Co-Lead

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Lucy is a Project Accounting Coordinator and works out of SSOE’s Toledo office. She said, “Raising a child with autism has brought many challenges, but my faith has been my strength through it all. It’s what kept me grounded during the hardest days and gave me hope when I needed it most. I’m inspired by the quote: “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” – Corrie ten Boom. I want to be an ERG lead to help others find that same strength and support. By creating a welcoming space for people of all faiths, I hope to encourage open dialogue, build community, and offer comfort to those navigating their own journeys. Faith connects us, uplifts us, and reminds us we’re not alone—and I’m excited to help lead that effort.

Lucy Young

Interfaith Alliance ERG Co-Lead

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Liz is a Project Accounting Coordinator and works out of SSOE’s Toledo office. She said, “I became an ERG Lead for Interfaith Alliance because I’ve seen how meaningful it is when people feel safe to share their beliefs and stories. I want to create a space where everyone, no matter their faith or where they are on their journey, feels respected and supported. Faith can bring strength and connection, and by learning from each other and celebrating our differences, we can work together toward shared goals.”

Liz Robles

Interfaith Alliance ERG Co-Lead

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Jessica is part of the architectural business unit and works out of SSOE’s Atlanta, Georgia office. She said, “I became an ERG lead via being called by the community to serve, and the nomination brought a lot of joy and pride to my heart. Leading BLACC means welcoming anyone who wants to celebrate the Black global experience and fostering a space of inclusivity and safety for our members. I hope to blend volunteerism, legacy, and fun to bring joy to the members and anyone who participates in our events: MLK day, Juneteenth, even Kwanzaa. We strive to grow as we honor our heritage as well as SSOE.”

Jessica Gardenhire (she / her)

BLACC ERG Lead

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Bre is an administrative assistant and works out of SSOE’s Nashville, Tennessee office. She said, “As a queer woman, I felt the safety, compassion, and genuine welcome of the PRIDE ERG from day one. That kind of space—where you can show up fully as yourself—is powerful. It’s why I joined the group and why I’m so passionate about helping others feel that same sense of belonging.”

Bre Jaeger (she / her)

PRIDE ERG Co-Lead

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Ariel is a process engineer for SSOE’s advanced technology business unit in Portland, Oregon. She said, “Since we spend so much of our lives at work, it's worth investing in making our workplace feel welcoming, inclusive, and safe for everyone. I took this position because I want everyone to feel like they have a space to belong in SSOE and in PRIDE. I'm passionate about building stronger connections across our community.”

Ariel Harmon (she / her)

PRIDE ERG Co-Lead

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Lisa is an engineer for SSOE’s chemical process department in Toledo, Ohio. She said, “As I’ve progressed in my career, co-leading SWAN felt like a natural next step in helping to support and encourage women as well as be a safe space for those who need a friend.”

Lisa Hitchingham (she / her)

SWAN ERG Co-Lead

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Dena is an executive assistant and works out of SSOE’s Toledo, Ohio office. She said, “Becoming a SWAN Co-Lead was a natural choice for me. I'm passionate about championing women and aligning with SSOE's vision for a truly diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture. I see the immense power women possess to shape our community, our work, and our families, and my goal is to help unlock that potential.”

Dena Rozzi (she / her)

SWAN ERG Co-Lead

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Zaira is a marketing coordinator works out of SSOE’s León, Mexico office. She said, “I’m excited to lead SWAN Mexico’s subgroup because it’s an incredible opportunity to inspire connection and empowerment, ensuring everyone feels seen, heard, and ready to thrive together.”

Zaira Valenzuela Chavez (she / her)

SWAN ERG México Subgroup Lead

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Kiria is an engineer for SSOE’s architectural business unit in Nashville, Tennessee. She said, “I wanted to join an ERG because I believe I have the most to learn from people who are different from me. I chose to lead HYPE because I wanted to develop my personal professional skillset with like-minded individuals and give back to employees starting after me. I also know that projects work best when people work together. HYPE is a way for SSOE’s young professionals to identify weak points and get the resources we need to become better professionals.”

Kiria Ford (she / her)

HYPE ERG Co-Lead

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Abbie is a marketing coordinator and works remotely. She said, “I want to be the person I needed at the very beginning of my career - someone who encourages curiosity, builds confidence, and helps young professionals find their voice. Confidence isn’t something you’re handed; it’s something you build. Through HYPE, we create space for that growth.”

Abbie Davenport

HYPE ERG Co-Lead

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Betsy Hurner (she / her)

BLACC ERG Executive Sponsor

Vince DiPofi, PE (he / him)

PRIDE ERG Executive Sponsor

Robin Whitney, PE (she / her)

SWAN ERG Executive Sponsor

Brad Rowe (he / him)

¡HoLA! ERG Executive Sponsor

Matt Oberts (he / him)

HYPE ERG Executive Sponsor

Carey Russell (she / her)

Interfaith Alliance ERG Executive Sponsor

Meet our DEI Champions

Our DEI Champions are leading the way toward a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture at SSOE. Comprised of our Director of DEI, ERG leaders, and Executive Sponsors, this team was built to be representative of SSOE’s employee population and to have the level of executive involvement required to underscore our commitment and enable forward progress. Our DEI Champions are primarily focused on:

Advancing a culture of DEI at SSOE through the lens of industry and global best practices
Listening to the unique needs of our employees and creating internal avenues of support
Holding us accountable for our corporate commitment to DEI and measuring our progress

An ERG Executive Sponsor is a senior-level executive who supports and champions an ERG. They provide strategic advice to the ERG to align their goals with the organizational goals and build support for the activities of the network. They are responsible for ensuring that ERGs have access to senior leadership to demonstrate their value and secure support. They also have the key role of providing mission-driven guidance to ERGs to ensure they continue to serve the overall purpose of the organization.

Narrowing the Divide (One Step at a Time)

There’s no quick or easy solution for building a diverse workplace. Through our time, talents, and contributions, we’ve been nurturing DEI at a societal level to begin building a stronger workforce that is truly reflective of the diversity of our population.

We’re deeply invested in community and university partnerships that work to prepare students from all walks of life for successful careers in the STEM / STEAM fields. At the talent acquisition level, we actively seek to hire individuals with diverse backgrounds who are historically underrepresented or marginalized in our industry. Through this lifecycle approach, we aim to advance DEI in the architecture, engineering, construction, and adjacent industries for many generations to come.

SSOE actively engages students at the high school / pre-college level to provide them exposure to STEM / STEAM careers

Every year SSOE hosts dozens of high school students as part of Engineers Week’s “Engineer for a Day” program

SSOE is partnering with the University of Toledo to support diversity in STEM careers through a multi-year gift to the College of Engineering

SSOE supports students attending historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) through our annual scholarship program

A Look Inside SSOE

There is no quick or easy solution for building a diverse workplace.

Gender Demographics

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

% of SSOE Employee Population that
is an Underrepresented Minority

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Partnering for Progress

SSOE is a member or corporate partner of several DEI organizations, further enhancing the commitment to serve and represent our communities.

Ohio Diversity Council
Catalyst
CEO Action
National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA)
Society of Women Engineers (SWE)

Constructing a More Inclusive Community

In 2023, we launched our Podcast Series: A Blueprint for Equity. We invite you to join us as we explore the challenges and celebrate the small victories in pursuit of a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive future. Listen on our website or download wherever you get your podcasts.

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Equal Opportunity & Disability Accessibility Statement

SSOE is an equal opportunity employer and provides fair and equal treatment to all individuals, employees, and applicants for employment, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, disability, genetic information, military / veteran status, or any other protected group status under federal, state, or local law. SSOE complies with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 and related laws. SSOE does not make employment decisions based upon any protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants with a disability, who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, may email their request to hrassist@ssoe.com for assistance. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodations will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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