During February, we celebrated volunteers across Bechtel. We talked with some of our colleagues to ask them why volunteering in the communities where they live and work is important to them.
Despite 2020’s challenges, they figured out ways to keep giving back to their local communities and believe in giving more than receiving to make a difference in the world. Meet our star colleagues and learn what drives them to volunteer and care for their community.
“The most valuable thing you can donate is your time. It’s very rewarding to see the faces of the ones you helped. Touchbase with Bechtel Resource Groups, local churches, or external charities to see where you can help. It only takes a moment to make a huge difference”
- Tammy Miller, senior project accountant at Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 in Waynesboro, Georgia.
“What inspires me to volunteer is the feeling of making a positive impact on the community. I believe in leaving the world a better place by my actions.”
- Salman Khan, project engineer at Jubail in Saudi Arabia.
“I love to help others. It means so much for people to know that others who don't know them can and will take the time to be there for them. Give back in any way you can; it makes a difference.”
- Qunia Bush, administrative assistant at Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4.
“I volunteer by distributing food to those in need. The smiles and blessings that these people give me is enough to inspire me to go and distribute the food regularly.”
- Sree Harsha Gontla, engineer at the New Delhi office.
Other colleagues focus on investing in young people and their futures. There’s a special interest in introducing students to, science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers.
“I volunteer to encourage students to pursue careers involving applied STEM and problem-solving. I also like to inspire young girls to consider project and engineering roles they may not have been encouraged to follow. I want to give them hope that the industry is becoming more diverse and inclusive.”
- Maria Frogley, Oil, Gas & Chemicals process engineer at the London office.
“I love working with kids. They are the best of us and will be our leaders one day. Everything has become virtual, but luckily the students we work with are extremely resilient and ready to learn. They take what might be thrown at them, and they bend and mold with it so beautifully.”
- Tiffany Shawver, administrative assistant at the Houston office.
“I support schools to ensure children are career ready by the time they leave. This support helps Bechtel with our High Speed 2 project and their Skills, Employment and Education programme.”
- Dawn Wragg, project human resources representative at High Speed 2 in England.
Although COVID-19 altered the way we live and the way we work, this colleague didn't allow that to stop him from volunteering. There are safe ways to help.
“There are always ways to contribute, and all you have to do is ask. Just because we are distancing doesn’t mean that you can’t get involved. It just means that some things may have to change. Now is the time to get creative and have fun with new ideas!”
- Scott Vance, delivery manager at the U.S. Uranium Processing Facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.