HEA Scholarship Stars Do the 'Cha Cha"
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For the first time in its history, the Hispanic Employees Association's scholarship ceremony went virtual with a Scholarship Zoom Ceremony, aka the ‘COVID Cha Cha’ featuring the winners and their families, judges, HEA board and members, and other Metropolitan colleagues.
Last month, eight high school and college students received scholarships. Applicants are sponsored by HEA members and chosen based on their grades, recommendations, activities and a personal essay. HEA holds fundraisers throughout the year to support the scholarships.
Listening to the recipients tell how COVID-19 has changed their school experience, and how each has navigated the social and racial movements taking place, was very meaningful. They universally expressed appreciation for the scholarship recognition during this very turbulent year.
In place of the usual in-person orientation about Met, each recipient had a one-on-one discussion with the HEA Board. For the Board, it was important to share the story behind the scholarship – which is named for former employee Henry Lozano who was one of the HEA founders and left a lasting impression on many.
Lupe Tesso
, who recently celebrated 50 years of service at Metropolitan, characterized this year’s event best. “Henry would be proud of how HEA is supporting these promising young men and women. Then you add in the surprise donation to the scholarship program made by our Asst. General Manager and CAO
Shane Chapman
, and I’m sure Henry is up in heaven doing the Cha Cha right now.”
~~~
Did you know?
The HEA was Metropolitan's first Employee Resource Group, founded more than 40 years ago.
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Taking Property Marketing Tools Sky-Bound
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In the past, if Metropolitan wanted to sell surplus land, they might advertise on a flyer. But when it came to marketing the 600 acres of Diamond Valley Lake North, Real Property’s Acquisition and Disposition Team wanted to connect with the world using innovative marketing tools – including aerial drone footage.
Real Property's
Phyvin Mok
approached graphics designer
Varuzh Hovakimyan
for help. With
Phyvin’s
input, he designed a nine-page
brochure
full of photos, maps, and details about zoning and the neighborhood. “We’re not just selling land, we’re selling a lifestyle,” said
Phyvin
, a Real Estate representative. “Buyers like to see terrain, topography, and the community.”
Videographer
Kevin Mann
said
Phyvin
showed him a video done for a California ranch property, and asked if Metropolitan could do the same within two weeks.
Working with
Phyvin
and drawing inspiration from
Varuzh’s
brochure,
Kevin
and Information Technology’s
Dave Malloy
headed out separately to DVL, where
Dave
sent the aerial drone aloft.
“
Dave
spent a lot of time putting the maps together,”
Kevin
said. They gathered shots of shopping centers, residential neighborhoods, the Western Science Center and DVL, and carefully delineated by blue borders and labels for Domenigoni Parkway and State Street.
Kevin
edited the shots to an acoustic guitar/keyboard soundtrack. The video debuted in mid-June and has received positive responses. The next video will highlight another 200-acre surplus Met property just to the west of this parcel.
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Training Metropolitan to Think More Inclusively
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As the Gene Training Coordinator and Purchaser, and the desert facility's first openly transgender employee,
Lee King
emphasizes, "I just want to do my job and be able to advocate for any LGBTQIAP colleague or contractor associated with Metropolitan."
Lee's
sexual orientation advocacy has led to gender neutral bathrooms at the desert facilities. The role of problem solver is one that
Lee
relishes, "To be open and proud, and provide others with a safe work space, is an accomplishment."
With 159 employees at the combined desert facilities,
Lee
coordinated the administration and sharing of new laptops for Hinds, Eagle, Iron and Gene so OSHA training classes and other HR requirements can be quickly addressed during the current COVID-19 crisis.
Lee
notes, "Desert management and headquarters' Human Resources staff were very supportive."
Lee
knows a bit about taking those classes. A member of the first apprentice class hired in 2005,
Lee
completed the program in 2009 and went on to be an electrical journey person through 2014.
From there,
Lee
segued into the current training and purchasing position.
David Martinez,
Lee's
father, worked at Metropolitan, and
Lee
grew up at Gene Camp in the 1990s.
Lee
recalls being involved in the 4-H Club, hanging at the swimming pool, and watching the only TV in the main hall. With a desert childhood, it's no wonder
Lee
says the combination of four children and a weekend camping hobby is a "blessing."
Lee
gives a shout out to AFSCME's Women's Caucus for its supportive position.
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