Welcome to SOLV Energy's Cultural Corner! As a way to illuminate our DEI path, we have introduced a new series highlighting diverse perspectives on career and life featuring members of our SOLV Energy team. Cultural Corner will build awareness and encourage appreciation for our variant cultural backgrounds!
Tell me about yourself. Who are you? Where did you grow up? How do you identify? My name is Virginia Vega, and I am a wife, mom, daughter, sister, and friend. I was born and raised in San Antonio, TX, with two amazing parents and 3 younger brothers and 1 sister. I live in Castroville, TX, a small town known as the "Little Alsace of Texas." I’ve been married to my husband for over 25 years, and we have 2 boys and 2 girls, and one beautiful granddaughter on the way this Spring!
What do you value most? I value my family most above all else. I have a strong family that became stronger after my father survived a heart transplant last year.
What were you told as a child that you still believe today? That I'm "too bossy!" Since I am the oldest of my siblings, I was naturally the bossy older sister. I’ve always been a natural leader. The majority of my roles and responsibilities in my career have ended up in some leadership capacity.
How does your cultural heritage influence who you are? I am proud of my Hispanic heritage. My father moved here from Aguascalientes, Mexico when he was very young, and he pushed us to do better and go further than him. My mother, an authentic Chicana, inspired us to work hard in everything we do. This cultural heritage is a big part of who I am today and has shaped and guided me to be the strong, loyal, and hard-working woman I am today. When we were young, my parents drilled into us that "If you're going to do something, do it right.” I pride myself in putting in the time and effort to get things done and done the right way because of my upbringing. My character, work ethic, and low-key compulsiveness won’t ever let me do a haphazard job.
What family traditions or superstitions do you have? I had a traditional Mexican Quincenera when I was 15 years old, with all the pomp and circumstance. Also, my family still meets up for birthdays for all of our siblings and children.
What cultural similarities and differences do you have with your closest co-workers? Although I differ from my coworkers in many respects, I believe one of the things that unite us is a genuine care for our clients. We understand that they are the heart of our organization. I've been with SOLV Energy for about two years, and I love working here because of the welcoming, family-like environment, everyone's commitment to their work, and the emphasis on teamwork that is fostered by all. I feel incredibly fortunate to work for such an amazing organization that share my values.
Please share something that you’d like everyone at SOLV to know about your cultural heritage. “Panza llena, corazón contento” (Full belly, happy heart). Growing up in a traditional Mexican household, home cooking was both a daily ritual and a cultural practice. I learned how to make various Mexican dishes from my mother. She also taught me how to make an awesome salsa that has won me multiple competitions. I am grateful for these lessons because they helped me stay connected to my roots.
Who is the woman that has had the greatest influence on your career and why? Many women have influenced me professionally, but my grandma Catarina stands at the top of my list. Although she is no longer here with us, she is someone I've always looked up to and one of the most influential women in my life. In her early 40s, she became a widow and was left to care for nine children on her own. She worked countless hours to support her family until she was able to retire. She served as a role model for me through her actions and example. She embodied the kind, yet tenacious work ethic I try to emulate.
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