As kid, I enjoyed Legos, building things, and playing in the sand and dirt. Now I get to do that full time. I finished my degree in civil engineering last spring at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), and I’m currently on a high-rise project for Graham as a project coordinator. These projects are hugely complex works of art. A big part of the job is the coordination between engineering, architects, and skilled trade workers. 

My parents — both teachers — made sure I knew the value of my education and my culture. I grew up in Boyertown, Penn., far from my family in Oklahoma, but staying connected to my community in the Comanche Nation was an essential part of my life. We would often spend summers in Oklahoma, where I was immersed in our culture and traditions. 

As long as I get to be with nature, I’ll be happy. The chaparral biome, here in the California coastal desert, is one of the only environments like it in the world. There’s unique flora and fauna, like California poppies — neon bright orange when they bloom — with cultural significance for our people as they’re medicinal and edible. 

Tótsonii nisłį´ Hawaiian bá shíchíín. Hask’ąą hadzohí éí dashícheii dóó Hawaiian éí dashinálí.
I am Navajo and Native Hawaiian — two cultures defined by their advocacy and resilience. They fight for their responsibility for the land. This value deeply shapes my identity and my career goals.

Managing a hybrid workplace — one with some employees on-site while others are remote — can be challenging. Managers must ensure all employees are engaged, collaborative, and united with regard to team and departmental goals. They also need to create a fair and flexible workflow that is efficient, effective, and reasonable for both remote and in-office staff members. Here are some tips to help manage and strengthen a hybrid team.
 
Get Back to Basics

The First Nations Launch (FNL) program is not just about building rockets — it’s about building futures. In fact, FNL is transforming the aerospace landscape for Indigenous students. What began with a few tribal colleges has evolved into a dynamic program that fosters talent across 96 tribes, 44 institutions, and 19 states, with participants from Canada testing their skills as well. Blending technical challenges, professional networking, and cultural integration, FNL has become a powerful force for Indigenous representation in STEM.

As college acceptance letters and financial aid packages continue to arrive, the affordability of college is likely becoming more real. While it can be overwhelming — and even a bit scary — there is good news. There are plenty of scholarships out there to help lower your costs.  Some $46 billion in scholarship funds are awarded in the United States each year. Here are some tips to help you get some of that free money.
 
Do Your Research

January is often a time of reflection — when we assess what’s working and what needs tweaking. Often the focus is on physical and mental wellness, but the start of the new year is also an opportune time evaluate our professional status. Step 1: Dust off your resume and determine if it’s time for a refresh.
 
Stop Procrastinating

Congratulations! You survived the college application process and admission decisions are coming in. While the standardized tests, personal statements, supplemental essays, and requests for recommendations presented you with a lot to manage, there’s still one more hurdle — choosing the college you will attend next fall. Whittling down a list of a dozen schools to one can be daunting. Here are a few tips to help.