Engineers Week 2024, “Welcome to the Future”

The 2024 theme for Engineers Week is “Welcome to the Future” to celebrate today’s achievements and pave the way for a brighter and more diverse future in engineering. In line with this, we are spotlighting a small portion of our engineers’ efforts in introducing engineering to the next generation. Several of Säzän Group’s team members participate in the ACE Mentor Program of America, Inc. (ACE- Architecture. Construction. Engineering.), a national mentoring program for high school students with a goal of inspiring them to pursue careers in design and construction.

Managing Principal, Chris Maroney, and Associate Principal, Geoff Jenks are mentors in the program helping ACE build up our industry. For four years Chris has guided high schoolers in Arizona through a program that takes the students through a project from design to construction. Part of the program brings students into the field to see construction projects in progress. Another advantage for these students is access to scholarships for college or trade school programs to encourage them into the A|E|C field. Geoff has mentored students in similar programs in Oregon for several years. He mentored one of our current employees, Colin Klein, in 2018. That connection led to Säzän Group hiring Colin as a Mechanical Intern in 2021. Immediately following his internship, he joined our team full-time as a Mechanical Designer. He is a valued member of the Portland mechanical design team. Colin paid it forward by becoming an ACE mentor last year. These stories show that paving the way is making the brighter future in engineering we seek.

We want to give a nod to others’ efforts in ACE from Säzän Group. Whether currently involved or a past participant, we applaud their volunteer efforts to lead and inspire the next generation of A|E|C professionals!

John Tijerina

Julia Stong, CAPM

Mattison Konchalski

Thomas Childs

Patrick Jung, PE

To learn more, participate, or support:

The ACE Mentor Program https://www.acementor.org/

Arizona ACE Program https://www.acementoraz.org/

Oregon ACE Program https://www.acementoroforegon.com/

Washington ACE Program https://www.acementor.org/affiliates/seattle-wa/

#Eweek2024

#WelcometotheFuture

#wearesäzän

Pictured: Colin Klein and his ACE class; Geoff Jenks mentoring ACE students; Lorena Ruiz volunteering explaining lighting design to Julia’s group; Arizona ACE project.