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
Learn More
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
Learn More
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
Learn More
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
Learn More
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
Learn More
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
Learn More
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
Learn More
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
Learn More
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
Learn More
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
Learn More
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
Learn More
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
Learn More
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
Learn More
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
Learn More
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.
