Dear Members,

It was wonderful to see our California Structural Engineering community come together last month in San Diego for the annual SEAOC Convention. Thank you and congratulations to all those volunteers who planned, presented and were recognized during the few days together. A special congratulations goes out to our Southern California members who’s projects received recognition for their Excellence in Structural Engineering:

• Existing Structures, Award of Merit: UCLA Pritzker Hall Seismic Renovation, KPFF

• Existing Structures, Award of Excellence: Essex Fox Plaza Tower, Saiful Bouquet

• New Non-Building Structures, Award of Merit: Arroyo Bridge, SGH

• New Non-Building Structures, Award of Excellence: Gerald Desmond Bridge Replacement, ARUP

• New Building Structures, Award of Merit: Long Beach Civic Center City Hall and Port Headquarters, SOM

• New Building Structures, Award of Merit: UCLA Margo Leavin Graduate Art Studio, SGH

I would also like to extend another round of congratulations to SEAOSC member Michelle Kam-Biron for her induction into the SEAOC College of Fellows. Established in 1994, The SEAOC College of Fellows was established to honor esteemed members of our community who have provided distinguished service to the association and made outstanding contributions in the field of structural engineering. Michelle has been a leader, mentor, teacher, advocate, and so much more here in Southern California. It is wonderful to see her recognized on the state stage for her contributions.

This year, the convention gave me the opportunity to reflect on my membership and participation in SEAOSC. I was first introduced to the association as an active member of the student chapter at Cal Poly, SLO. I was drawn back to the association early in my career, finding it a valued and trusted source for technical information. What keeps me engaged at this stage is the people. Although the technical content of the convention was indeed extraordinary, the highlight of the event for me was the connection with colleagues. The one-on-one conversations - something we are not always able to carve out time for in our overflowing schedules - were powerful moments of collaboration and inspiration: glimpses into the different paths each of us have traveled in our careers, the pride we have in the work that we do, and the visions we have for the future. It is those conversations that sent me home with a renewed excitement for the future of the profession.

I am looking forward to more of those conversations this Wednesday, as our SEAOSC community comes together for an outdoor Committee Showcase. If you haven’t already signed up, I encourage you to join us in Gardena from 5:30pm - 7:30pm and challenge yourself to make a new connection.

Warmest Regards,

Kelsey Anne Parolini, S.E.
SEAOSC President, 2021-22