President's Message

Krista Looza, SE

2022-2023 SEAOC President

What an incredible year it has been to be able to serve as SEAOC President. In looking back over the past messages I have shared with you all over the last year, I have written about inspiration, community, identity, connecting, wonder and service. These are all values and ideas that are important to me and are reflected in why I serve at SEAOC and why I value each of your contributions to the profession. In this last message to you all as President I’d like to talk about gratitude. 

There have been many opportunities to practice gratitude this year. Many times, this year there have been catastrophic events such as the earthquakes in Turkey, the fires in Maui, and the earthquake in Morocco where many lives have been lost. These events impact us all in varying ways but, for me, they remind me to be grateful. I am grateful that my friends and family were not lost in these events, that my home is still standing, that the community I live in is safe and sound, and that I have the means to help those in need either financially or professionally. I am grateful that our DES committees have established effective communication and action procedures so that California Structural Engineers are ready when we have a catastrophic event. I am even more grateful that California has not had such an event this year. 

I look back at the experiences I have had this year, learning about all the good work being done at SEAOC and further developing great friendships with many of you. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside you all and to have shared in the many experiences along the way. I cannot name everyone that has influenced me this last year but I must name a few: Ken O’Dell has been a great mentor, friend and visionary; Emily Guglielmo has been an example of what is possible and what commitment really looks like; Don Schinske has been a patient, knowledgeable presence that empowers everything I/we do at SEAOC; Kelsey Parolini has demonstrated a level of excitement and enthusiasm for our profession that makes me happy to just be able to be around her; and Ryan Kersting, the ultimate arm twister, has been a confidant, friend and an example to follow. So many of the SEAOC Directors, Fellows, Committee Chairs, and Members have shared encouraging messages, expressed appreciation or demonstrated effort and care. You all have been the wind in my sail on many tough days. I am grateful for each of you.

Did you know that practicing gratitude, i.e. taking time to identify for what is good in your life and how others have impacted you positively, is good for you?! People who practice gratitude have been shown to be happier, have increased immunity and heart health, and experience stronger connections with people. As I close my last President’s message to you, I want to encourage you to practice gratitude. Take a moment to think about what went right instead of what went wrong, who said a kind word that changed your mood, what simple enjoyment do you have that others may not, and who has impacted your success professionally or personally. I also encourage you to share those thoughts with others around you. 

So, thank you! Thank you for the opportunity to lead, to serve and to be lifted up by you. Thank you for carrying on, demonstrating passion, for treating each other with respect and appreciation. Thank you for continuing to be a part of SEAOC.

“Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.” - Karl Barth

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.”

- Cicero