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Takeaways from the 2024 P3 Electrified Summit in San Diego

September 25, 2024 / No Comments

Ignacio Montojo shares insights from the 2024 P3 Electrified Summit in San Diego. His insights were originally shared in this LinkedIn Article. 

 

This year’s P3 Electrified Summit brought together private developers, utilities, and government representatives at all levels to explore the current landscape and future prospects of public-private collaboration in energy infrastructure and e-mobility.

 

During a panel discussion, I participated in with Danielle Weizman at San Diego Gas & Electric, Judy Chang from itselectric, and John L. Finley from Uber, we discussed ideas on accelerating the deployment of neighborhood and community electric vehicle charging infrastructure through public-private collaboration. By some estimates, the U.S. will need over 1.2 million public chargers (in addition to 28 million private chargers!) by 2030. With the federal funding flowing through states and cities supporting up to 500,000 new public chargers by that year, the market will have to figure out how to supply another 700,000 through creative and innovative partnerships.

 

Additional takeaways from the conference include:

 

  1. We are living in the electricity gauntlet days. The U.S. electric load is growing significantly faster than expected or planned. The warning is stark—the grid is not prepared for such growth. In addition, the U.S. must expand the electricity transmission system by 60% by 2030 to meet projected demand driven by new technology like AI, crypto, and transportation electrification. At the same time, more than 70% of the nation’s grid transmission lines and power transformers are over 25 years old; the stress on this aging grid is increasing, with more frequent blackouts in states across the country, including California and Texas, in response to weather, wildfires, or peak period management. More intermittent renewables on the grid without commensurate battery storage are also adding volatility, and based-load retirements are outpacing the new generation, impacting reliability.
  2. Despite unprecedented federal funding, the private sector will have to shoulder the lion’s share of the capital for the energy transition. Combined, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act have pledged over $1.3 trillion in net new infrastructure investments and programs, about half to boost clean energy and decarbonization. In 2023, private global energy transition investments topped $1.7 trillion. However, several studies and participants highlighted that spending on energy and land-use systems in the net-zero transition would cost north of $9 trillion per year through 2050. The International Monetary Fund estimates that the private sector will need to supply about 80% of the necessary investments to develop the world’s energy transition at least through 2030.
  3. Private developer procurement for federally funded energy and e-mobility projects has been a learning curve. Several participants used the case study of the $5-billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to illustrate state governments’ challenges in procuring private developers to deploy fast-charging electric vehicle stations along highways. The program, together with $2.5 billion from the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program, is meant to increase the supply of public charging stations nationwide from 78,000 today to 500,000 by 2030. After three years of the rollout of the NEVI program, many states are just now starting to open up NEVI-funded chargers. There are 19 sites in nine states online, with 69 chargers. Ohio has five sites up and running, with 24 chargers, while New York has three sites with 12 chargers. In addition to evolving specifications and guidelines from the federal government and constrained capacity in state agencies, developers alluded to piecemeal and overly complex or burdensome procurement processes and requirements as a significant hurdle.
  4. Higher-ed and healthcare institutions continue to drive innovation in public-private partnerships. Just like with the delivery of student housing, several universities and hospitals are pursuing sophisticated public-private partnerships that leverage tax-exempt structures and federal funding. The University of Maryland and its partners described the NextGen Energy Program, a $390 million initiative to transform its campus energy system and achieve a fossil fuel-free operation by 2035 in partnership with Maryland Energy Impact Partners — a consortium including Plenary Americas, Kiewit Development, and Honeywell — that layers in funding from the Inflation Reduction Act. Henry Ford Health System entered into a partnership with Kiewit Development to design, build, finance, operate and maintain their 47,000 square-foot Central Energy Hub at their Detroit South Campus. In addition to developer equity, the project is funded through $249.3 million in tax-exempt green bonds via the Michigan Finance Authority and Provident Resources Group.
  5. There is alignment on long-term prospects but not on the immediate next steps. While there was enthusiasm around the tremendous opportunity and mission of the energy transition over the next two decades, many developers expressed that private infrastructure investment in the U.S. has been challenging in the last few years. Unprecedented access to federal funding and the relatively higher cost of private capital have shifted focus from private spending. At the same time, the private sector is facing a paradox of political and community support for climate-friendly energy projects in states with complex regulatory and procurement frameworks and skeptical administrators and communities in less regulated (or self-described “business friendly”) states, on the other hand. This, paired with the uncertainties of an election year, results in some developers and investors taking a “wait and see” approach over the next few months before embarking on major ventures.

 

Throughout the event, the discussions and takeaways manifested the critical point in the energy transition, the pivotal role of the private sector, the importance of balancing careful planning and determination when delivering energy infrastructure, and the value of sound financial, legal, and technical advisors to design effective and efficient public-private partnership procurements and agreements that can save years and billions to governments.

 

The upcoming months, marked by significant national and global political milestones, will start the next cycle of public-private collaboration for the energy transition. As of now, all bets are off. Regardless of what the future holds, continuing to seek consensus on both sides of the aisle and compromises among stakeholders and community will remain the north star to a shared, greener, and prosperous future.

 

Congratulations to Partner José Serrano-McClain for being named in City & State’s Power of Diversity: Latino 100 list!

September 17, 2024 / No Comments

We are thrilled to share that HR&A Partner José Serrano-McClain has been named in City & State’s Power of Diversity: Latino 100 list!  This recognition highlights José’s influential role in New York alongside prominent leaders such as Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Betty Rosa, Commissioner of the State Department of Education, and State Senators Zellnor Myrie and Jessica Ramos. 

  

At HR&A, José is a leader in our Inclusive Cities, Climate, and Urban Tech & Innovation practices, working with municipal governments, economic development organizations, tech companies, and foundations to drive regional economic transformations grounded in equity, sustainability, and cutting-edge public infrastructure.  

  

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor José’s dedication and significant contributions to building more equitable and innovative communities. Congratulations, José, and thank you for your exceptional leadership and commitment to driving meaningful change in New York and across the country! 

 

 

Congratulations CalTrain: A Milestone in Bay Area Transit and the Road Ahead for Diridon Station Redevelopment

August 28, 2024 / No Comments

After more than seven years of construction, Caltrain’s new electric trains have arrived, marking a transformative milestone in the region’s transportation landscape. This $2.4 billion project introduces quieter, cleaner, and faster rail service, significantly cutting travel time between San Francisco and San Jose. 

 

HR&A Advisors is proud to support Caltrain in developing a governance structure to guide the redevelopment of Diridon Station, enhancing connectivity and vibrancy across the entire region. Working in partnership with Caltrain and the Diridon Partner agencies which include VTA, The City of San Jose, California High Speed Rail Authority and MTC, and as part of a team led by Mott MacDonald, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of agency assets and capabilities and an evaluation of national and global best practices to formulate a long term governance structure to ensure  the delivery of the ambitious program of projects necessary for the station’s redevelopment in a timely and cost effective manner. 

 

Earlier this month, lawmakers including Gov. Gavin Newsom and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, alongside business leaders and transportation officials, celebrated with an inaugural ride from San Francisco to Millbrae. With enhanced amenities, increased service frequency, and a strong commitment to reducing emissions, this electrification is set to transform the Bay Area’s transit landscape. 

 

In collaboration with partner agencies—Valley Transit Authority, Metropolitan Transportation Commission, City of San Jose, and the California High-Speed Rail Authority—we remain committed to creating a robust framework that will successfully guide this historic project. 

 

Photo: Faisal Hanafi 

Con Edison is an Economic Engine Powering New York Jobs & Clean Energy Transition

August 22, 2024 / No Comments

This press release was originally issued by Con Edison.

 

Economic Impact Report: Company Contributes $22.6B in Economic Activity; Supports More Than 38,000 Jobs in 2023

 

Con Edison contributed $22.6 billion in economic impact to New York State in 2023. The company’s investments in the clean energy transition, and in resiliency projects that protect system reliability during more extreme weather conditions drove a 20 percent increase ($3.8 billion) over 2021, according to an economic impact report released today.

 

The company supports 38,600 jobs in New York State and spent $1.1 billion in contracts with businesses in the five boroughs and Westchester County.

 

It also increased its contracts with Small, and Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses, the backbone of the New York City economy, by 45 percent from 2021 to 2023 to more than $550 million.

 

Con Edison also delivered more than $3.3 billion in tax revenue paid by customers to New York City to support city services, including $2.4 billion in property taxes alone. Con Edison customers are responsible for 4 percent of New York City’s tax revenue, nearly enough to cover the budgets of FDNY (Fire Department of New York) and DSNY (NYC Sanitation Department) combined.

 

“This report shows the essential role that Con Edison plays in our region’s vibrant economy and in making this the best place in the world to live, work and visit,” said Tim Cawley, chairman and CEO of Con Edison. “Our investments reflect our values and the values of our customers. We support Small, and Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses, create jobs and facilitate the payment of billions of dollars a year in taxes to support the communities we serve, all while leading the transition to clean energy. We are demonstrating that the people of Con Edison, and the services we provide help local businesses prosper, lift incomes for more New Yorkers, and support more investment in our local community.”

 

The Economic Impact Report created by HR&A Advisors, Inc. (HR&A) for Con Edison quantifies the company’s economic and fiscal impacts to customers, retirees, unions, shareholders, and industry and civic associations in 2023. This is the second report HR&A submitted to Con Edison. The first was in 2021.

 

“Con Edison contributes to New York’s economy in ways that positively impact the millions of New Yorkers it serves,” said Kate Wittels, partner at HR&A. “As Con Edison continues investing in its system to serve customers during more extreme weather events, and enabling its customers transition to clean energy, the company’s impact on the state’s economy will continue to grow, proving that New York’s clean energy transition is an economic development driver and an environmental policy.”

 

Purchasing Power: Small Businesses and M/WBEs

In 2023, the company spent $1.1 billion with companies in Westchester County and the five boroughs of New York, with another $700 million spent with companies located elsewhere in New York State.

 

31 percent of Con Edison’s in-state contracts were awarded to M/WBEs and small businesses in 2023. The company has invested significantly in developing its relationships with M/WBEs and small businesses through our supplier diversity program. Con Edison encourages suppliers to reach out if they are interested in doing business with the company.

 

Jobs

The report found that Con Edison supports 38,600 jobs in New York State, including direct, indirect, and induced jobs. For every Con Edison employee, the company supports another 1.9 jobs in New York State. That number reflects an 18 percent increase in total jobs since 2021 including 1,000 direct jobs.

      • 80 percent of Con Edison’s workforce lives in New York State.
      • More than 75 percent graduated from New York State-based public and private colleges and universities.
      • 59 percent of Con Edison’s employees are people of color.
      • 23 percent are female.

     

    “We applaud Con Edison for being a critical industry partner in supporting Mayor Adams’ vision to create a more inclusive economy where all New Yorkers can share in our economic growth and prosperity, and today’s announcement further demonstrates the integral role Con Edison continues to play for our city’s people and businesses,” said Abby Jo Sigal, executive director of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development. “For generations, Con Edison has been a source of good paying, union jobs that have provided pathways to economic mobility, and its recent commitments to invest in clean energy and support disadvantaged communities will help make the city more sustainable, prosperous and inclusive as we transition to the green economy of the future.”

     

    Con Edison works with organized labor to ensure jobs are high quality, safe, and family-sustaining. More than 55 percent of Con Edison’s workforce is represented by the Utility Workers Union of America and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. This level of representation is more than 2.5 times the industry average.

     

    Con Edison is helping New York meet its urgent need for clean energy workers by investing in green job training, with a focus on helping residents of disadvantaged communities. Over the next three years 1,200 individuals will have the tools they need to begin their careers in energy and technology. Through Con Edison’s $4 million in grants, four New York nonprofit organizations will support clean energy and technology workforce training for people in disadvantaged communities.

     

    Taxes

    Con Edison facilitated the payment of $4.4 billion in taxes and fees in 2023. Of these, $2.4 billion is New York City property taxes, which represents 8 percent of the total property taxes New York City collected. Con Edison customers are paying 11 times the amount paid by the City’s luxury hotels, as a point of comparison. And the City’s assessment on Con Edison infrastructure continues to grow, with 2023 tax payments 14 percent higher than in the prior report.

     

    Protecting the Most Vulnerable New Yorkers

    Con Edison advances environmental justice in its service territory through clean energy programs that benefit customers in communities New York State identified as disadvantaged.

     

    The company encourages low-income customers and those living in disadvantaged communities to take advantage of programs and incentives for energy efficiency improvements, financial assistance on customer bills, and workforce development programs.

     

    Con Edison invested $658 million in disadvantaged communities on clean energy and electric infrastructure improvements in 2023, and more than $34 million in energy efficiency incentives benefited low- and moderate-income households.

     

    477,000 low-income customers receive rate discounts totaling over $266 million on their energy bills through programs administered by Con Edison.

  • Creating Financial Security for City and State Pensioners

    In addition to spending from Con Edison’s operations, the New York economy benefits from the dividend payments and value appreciation of Con Edison stock, which provides financial security for millions of shareholders, including more than 731,000 current and former New York and New Jersey public sector employees through city and state pension funds.

     

    About the Economic Impact Report

    HR&A Advisors, Inc. analysis incorporated findings from a wide range of datasets and industry-standard economic impact assessment tools to evaluate the economic and fiscal impacts of Con Edison to New York City, Westchester, and New York State in 2023.

Principal Sarah Solon has been named as an Urban Design Forum’s Big Swings Fellow!

August 7, 2024 / No Comments

HR&A Advisors is thrilled to announce that Principal Sarah Solon has been named a part of the inaugural cohort of Urban Design Forum’s Big Swings Fellows!

 

This distinguished group of urban leaders is set to tackle New York City’s housing crisis head-on, bringing expertise from diverse fields including policy, design, organizing, public health, development, law, philanthropy, and journalism. The 2024 Global Exchange initiative, Big Swings seeks to build solidarity between leaders in New York and other cities taking “big swings” at their housing crises. By exploring the cultures and politics behind housing shifts around the world, we will equip decision-makers to better advocate for reform and support a new generation of leaders to house every New Yorker.

 

Congratulations to Sarah Solon and the entire cohort! We are proud and excited to see the transformative impact you will make on New York City’s housing landscape.

The Just Transition to Carbon-Free Buildings That We Need

July 31, 2024 / No Comments

This op-ed was originally issued by Governing. 

 

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act will collectively invest tens of billions of dollars in our infrastructure and buildings. While the spending generated by these two federal laws will improve transportation, broadband and air quality while creating new industries around the country, perhaps the most concrete change for many of us will be related to the carbon footprint of the places where we live, work and spend our leisure time.

 

Among the key facets of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is its funding for investments in a variety of clean energy and power projects, both at the nationwide grid infrastructure level and at the local level. The Inflation Reduction Act leverages those investments with both funding and incentives for decarbonizing technology like heat pumps, solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations.

 

States, regions, counties and cities have been submitting plans, funding applications and implementation road maps associated with a range of these federal funds, and the local efforts are already beginning to impact communities.

As with any challenge of this magnitude, the true measures of success will not be the passing of laws or approval of funding but rather the actual implementation of the effort and the resulting measurable improvements to carbon emissions and other key environmental factors. Crucially, these implementation efforts must take equity and justice into account, benefiting all Americans regardless of their income level or living situation.

 

While there are countless technical challenges associated with decarbonization of buildings, most of the technology is actually pretty straightforward. If you live in a single-family home, for example, a package of solar panels, heat pumps, induction cooking and electric hot-water heaters may be all that you need to decarbonize your dwelling. All of those products are available at commercial scale, are readily installable and have a well-established track record.

 

If you live or work in a large building in an area, such as New York state or Washington state, where the electric grid is moving toward carbon neutrality, an engineer can draw plans to electrify your building so that when the grid is carbon neutral, so is your building. Again, these plans are being implemented now, with existing contractors and commercially available products. While there is every expectation that products will get better, cheaper and more efficient, we do not need to invent our way into carbon-neutral buildings. We know how.

 

The challenges are money and policy. Therefore, there are questions of who gets access to those resources and who benefits from the sea change that these laws will bring. Nationally, we have a pretty good track record of creating environmental incentives for those with access to resources. If you own a single-family home and a garage, in many states existing solar and EV incentives can dramatically reduce your costs for these products — in some cases paying back your investment in full.

 

But if you do not own your home or have limited access to upfront capital, your ability to access these incentives is far more limited. Indeed, if you are a renter, your landlord’s installation of a heat pump is disruptive, is likely to increase your electric bill and may also increase the rent on the apartment if paired with other improvements in the building. As implementation plans are developed, they must take into account the fact that 50 percent of renters are already cost-burdened.

 

While it may be true that we do not need to invent solutions, that’s not the same as saying that solutions are easy. As states and local governments develop implementation plans, the focus needs to be less on the technology and much more on addressing the questions of how to create the incentives and policies necessary to make sure that the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding are creating not just carbon-neutral buildings but a system that affirmatively addresses the environmental injustice built into the legacy system.

 

We need a system that addresses the needs of renters and low/moderate-income households and that leverages this unprecedented funding opportunity to create a sustainable approach to energy, focused as much on the people in the buildings as it is on the buildings themselves.

 

Jon Meyers is a partner at HR&A Advisors, where he advises public- and private-sector clients on the financing and implementation of complex real estate projects. He previously served as the chief operating officer of the Trust for Governors Island and was instrumental in creating an economic rationale for the reuse of the High Line in New York City.

Partner Bret Collazzi Served as a Panelist for Urban Land Institute New York’s TAP Report that Reveals Strategies for Inclusive Economic Growth in the Bronx

July 10, 2024 / No Comments

Urban Land Institute New York’s latest TAP report is out with recommendations on how to leverage a new Metro-North station in the Bronx’s Morris Park neighborhood to drive inclusive economic growth. HR&A Partner Bret Collazzi, who grew up less than a mile away from the station, served on the TAP last December and contributed to the report’s recommendations. The report highlights how the new transit link, set for completion in 2027, can support the future growth of Montefiore Health System’s Morris Park campus, one of the Bronx’s largest employers and a regional center of health science education and research. 

 

The report emphasizes the need for improved campus connections, branding, and activation of existing and new spaces to benefit both the health system and the surrounding neighborhood. We’re excited to see Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and local partners seize this incredible opportunity in the years ahead. 

 

“In pursuit of answers to Montefiore’s questions, the panel first identified a framework that needs to be in place to support any improvements to the system’s campus. Refine Montefiore’s identity and branding:  Montefiore has an excellent reputation in the community, yet it is unclear where the campus begins or ends or, following recent acquisitions, which buildings are part of the system’s network. The campus needs branding assistance and wayfinding signage, featuring this brand, is needed at the gateways to campus, along the sidewalks, at buildings, and more. Branded signage will also be critical at the train station to help guide transit riders to the campus.”

 

Read the full report here.

 

HR&A Report for Service Employees International Union (SEIU) finds that 1 in 5 California Households Lack Basic Banking Services, New Program Would Save Billions

June 27, 2024 / No Comments

This news announcement is based on a press release that was originally issued by Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

 

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) released a report conducted by HR&A Advisors, which reveals that 1 in 5 California households cannot access basic financial services such as checking and savings accounts and debit cards, underscoring the ongoing crisis of underbanking that restricts financial opportunities for many California families, particularly in communities of color. The report finds that the proposed CalAccount program, a free, public banking option for Californians that the State of California is considering, would save un- and underbanked Californians a total of over $3 billion a year and generate $5 billion in economic activity.

 

When they cannot access banking services, low-income Californians have to rely on alternative financial service providers like pawn shops and check cashers, which can be costly, predatory and exacerbate their already precarious economic situations. For Californians without access to reliable, foundational banking services, financial stability remains out of reach. 

 

The report details how the lack of adequate access to basic financial services hurts California’s families, communities and statewide economy. Specifically, it finds: 

  • Seven million Californians are either unbanked, meaning they do not have a bank account – or underbanked, meaning they rely on costly alternative financial services
  • Black households are 3.5 times more likely to be underbanked than white households
  • Black, Latino/a, and single-female headed households are most likely to be underbanked or unbanked
  • 61% of unbanked households make less than $30,000 annually and 41% make less than $15,000 annually. 40% of underbanked households make more than $75,000 per year
  • Underbanking is of particular concern to California’s rural communities as 70% of census tracts in California do not have any physical banking outlets and another 15% have only one banking outlet
  • The widespread lack of adequate access to basic banking services costs Californians $3.1 billion each year
  • Saving Californians from overdraft fees, account maintenance fees, ATM fees, money orders, and check cashing with CalAccount, will generate $5 billion in the California economy

 

HR&A Advisors found that a solution like CalAccount is necessary to help address the financial service access gap and could be feasible for the State to implement. The proposed CalAccount program, currently under consideration by the CalAccount Blue Ribbon Commission, would generate billions and help Californians keep more of their hard-earned money instead of paying fees to banks or check cashers. 

 

Public Banking Option Would Reduce Income Inequality, Lift Low-Income Communities 

Even Californians with access to traditional banking services have to pay exorbitant fees for transactions, account maintenance, ATM use, money orders, check cashing and more. Current barriers to financial services leave Californians vulnerable to predatory lending and other financial risks. With a fee-free public banking service option like CalAccount, unbanked and underbanked households would on average save $1,300 a year, with many households saving much more. 

 

While the report finds households across income levels are underbanked, banking services are most out of reach for single parents, low-income households and communities of color. Low-income, Black, brown, single-parent and immigrant households face arbitrary requirements, like minimum account balances, to access basic banking services that are the building blocks to economic stability and security. These practices trap families in a cycle of debt, making it nearly impossible to save for emergencies or build a secure future. Meanwhile, the same fees that exclude these families from access to banking provide billions of dollars in revenue to some of the largest U.S. banks. 

 

As the report explains, a public banking option like CalAccount would narrow the financial services gap, increase opportunities for low-income communities to build wealth and put financial stability within reach for the Black, Latino/a, and single-female headed households which are most likely to be underbanked or unbanked. CalAccount is a common-sense solution that ensures all Californians have access to free basic services which are critical to financial security. 

 

You can read the full report here.

Join us for an Educational Webinar on Digital Equity and Opportunity Collaborative Funding Design 

June 26, 2024 / No Comments

HR&A and Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) are hosting an educational webinar on July 19, 12 PM Central (10aPT / 1pET) focused on bridging the gap between digital equity and opportunity grant-makers and grant-seekers. Register today!

 

We’ll share best practices from MHM’s approach to designing its $21 million digital equity grant program with an emphasis on capacity building and ecosystem development. We’ll also discuss the importance of designing digital equity and opportunity programs towards outcomes like health access and workforce development, shedding light on how organizations can expand their impact beyond just getting people online.

 

Helping to Make the Most of a Pivotal Year

2024 marks a pivotal year for digital equity funding, with billions of dollars from the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act beginning to flow to implementation partners. States, local and tribal governments, nonprofits, anchor institutions, philanthropies, and private sector partners all have roles to play in allocating funds, pursuing funds, or both.

 

Our discussion will cover:

  1. How to design a grant program that supports grantee capacity building and long-term success;
  2. Designing for integration into a strong digital equity and opportunity ecosystem
  3. How to prioritize and communicate the outcomes of digital equity programming (e.g. improved health outcomes) to bring a diverse group of funders and grantees to the table;
  4. Tactical grant-making lessons learned so far.

A Conversation with Susy Vaca, HR&A’s New Chief People and Culture Officer

June 19, 2024 / No Comments

In this conversation with our Chief People and Culture Officer, we discuss the “secret sauce” for building a strong culture, our commitment to Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and what makes a great mentor.

 

Can you talk a little bit about your background and what brought you to HR&A?

 

I’ve spent 20 years in human resources, primarily as a business partner in professional services firms. That includes all things onboarding, performance management, compensation, offboarding, and everything in between — and there’s so much in between!

 

I gravitate towards being purposeful and intentional regarding things like engagement, retention, aligning mission and purpose with the employee experience. Post COVID, many experienced professionals — myself included — did a lot of reflection about how we spend our days at work. In many ways, work identifies who you are and what you value.

 

It’s important to ensure the time you spend in your professional life is value accretive to your overall growth as a person. When I found the opportunity at HR&A, it seemed like a complete slam dunk. The work HR&A does in the world and our mission to improve people’s lives really resonated with me. I’m excited to be part of it.

 

 

What is the “secret sauce” for managing people and creating a strong culture in an organization?

 

Throughout my years doing this work, I’ve really enjoyed learning the business and figuring out how we best align talent strategies to help execute business goals. What’s always resonated with me is when I’m working with leaders who think of people first. Once you have that at the center, people have what they need to be successful and feel supported in their advancement and growth. Everything else follows.

 

For me, optimal culture is one where people feel cared for, appreciated, valued, and aligned in purpose in their roles. Who doesn’t like to feel appreciated? Who doesn’t like to feel cared for? When you’re operating from that place, everything can be accomplished with grace and appreciation along the way. It sounds simple, right? But, of course it isn’t — you need to bring intention to the work and make sure you’re dealing with things that get in the way.

 

HR&A has made significant investments in integrating Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) into everything we do. How are you hoping to continue that work?

 

My role is uniquely positioned to focus on both people and culture, and the company continues to embed ADEI into everything it does, which speaks volumes about HR&A’s unwavering commitment to ADEI.  As a HR leader and first-generation Latina, I’m especially invested in continuing to build a company that reflects the communities we serve and welcomes everyone to bring their authentic self to work. It’s also so important for folks internally to feel supported and look around to see themselves reflected in their colleagues.

 

There’s a lot of work that continues to need to be done, and it’s a priority in this next chapter for the firm. I’m looking forward to continuing to advance our ADEI investments and committments. It’s not only an important part of our culture, but also a value we bring to our clients that differentiates us.

 

 

What makes an excellent mentor?

 

A mentor is someone you can have a very thought-provoking conversation with you about how to move the needle on something important  — and that means different things to different people. My mentors have either been HR leaders who I’ve worked with tackling employee or culture problems in creative ways or business leaders who are incredibly savvy and understand the value of investing in people. I’ve been able to learn from both kinds of mentors and they were excellent in different ways.

 

Having a range of mentors, sponsors, allies, and other kinds of support throughout your career is so important. The more you have people around you — your community, inside and outside of where you’re working — the more you’ll grow as a professional.

 

Looking to the future, how do you see emerging technologies like AI and new ways of working impacting our workforce?

 

When we’re thinking about integrating new tools or emerging technologies, our guiding principle should always be: how can they help our people thrive and do the work they love? It all comes down to ensuring that we’re an employer of choice. We want people to feel supported and aligned with their passions. We want them to feel like they are spending their time meaningfully and are growing professionally.

 

The work is the work, and the ways to get from A to Z will change based on technology and new processes, but what doesn’t change is the human experience of that work. In every room I enter, with every new tool or method we’re incorporating into how we do what we do, I’m thinking of the employee mindset. How does this impact an employee from their chair? If you center the human experience, the rest will fall into place.

 

Learn more about Susy.