Rahima Young, Senior Administrative Manager for SWCA’s Pasadena office.We interviewed Rahima Young, Senior Administrative Manager out of the Pasadena office and co-lead of SWCA’s Hispanic & Other Latino Amigos Employee Resource Group (HOLA ERG). She shares her experiences leading the SWCA HOLA ERG and what her Hispanic heritage means to her.
Q: Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your career?
A: I am a career administrative/operations/facility manager. I have enjoyed the last 3 years at SWCA. I started at the Pasadena office managing the administrative staff in the SoCal Pac subregion. Over the years at SWCA I have assisted with office leasing as well as facilitated several office moves for the West Region. I have also assisted in process improvement for the administrative department across the company. I was recently promoted to be a Senior Administrative Manager for the West Region. It’s been a joy to work at a company where the employees are so passionate about their fields of expertise.
Q: What does leading the HOLA ERG mean to you, and why did you choose to become involved with it?
A: At first, I joined because I was invited. I was a pandemic hire and really wanted to meet more folks at SWCA. It was the first company I had ever worked at that had Employee Resource Groups. I never planned on being the HOLA ERG lead, but when no one else volunteered and I was asked if I could do it, I eventually stepped up. I really value this group and the connections and friendships I have made. I couldn’t do it without Jeremiah as a strong co-lead who brings so much to the table and the support of all the group members. I am constantly learning from our friends at HOLA and our shared experiences. I look forward to every chance we can meet.
Q: What are the goals and activities of the group?
A: We use our platform to foster a safe space for people to come to connect and learn. We present topics to discuss and host activities. We have had some inspirational guest speakers, but mostly we allow time for people to share their experiences and welcome allies to come and learn more about what it’s like being a Latino employee at SWCA. We all have different cultures, customs, languages however we all value our stories that brought our families to the US.
I think these ERG groups are so valuable to find support and encouragement – I really value having the space to celebrate all the diverse cultures within the group.
Q: Could you touch a bit on what your heritage means to you? How has your heritage guided you in your life?
A: My heritage is a bit different than those in the HOLA group. I am biracial, Mexican and Bangladeshi. Fitting in was difficult at times growing up. Because I didn’t speak Spanish and wasn’t accepted by the other Hispanic kids at school, and I just didn’t feel like I belonged to any group. Inside our family, we have remained tight knit through triumph and tragedy. The large, extended Mexican side of my family helps to remind me of the struggles of our parents assimilating. The close family bond and the undeniable work ethic that was instilled in me as a young child is what carries me through any difficult time.
Rahima and familyQ: What are some things that you do to recognize and celebrate your culture?
A: Food is an important way of celebrating our cultures. During our HOLA meetings food is a constant theme. We often times share about good restaurants to visit or food that we prepare as a family. The holidays are especially the time that food is a recurring theme.
Our HOLA group represents people from so many different countries – Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico, and others. We discuss how each country our family is from prepares homemade tamales differently! Everyone’s story is different, and it’s been great to learn more about this diverse group of cultures.
Q: What would you like people to know about your culture? How can individuals better support and be allies to the Hispanic community?
A: Being a Latina, I can often get overlooked, unless I make my presence known. I have found that sometimes I have to work a little harder to be seen. It is a common theme that we have great work ethic, however, are sometimes not properly recognized for our hard work. I have seen this firsthand with potential clients at our family business. We can be the person behind the front desk, as well as the owner of the business.
Q: What do you like to do outside of work?
A: I have two adult age children (my besties). My husband and I are recent empty nesters. For the past 15 years, my husband and I have owned and operated a MMA gym which keeps us busy. I keep up with my husband who is an aspiring race car driver and help to support his Vintage Japanese Motor Union shop in the arts district of Los Angeles. I am a huge football fan and love watching preseason local football camp and watching our local Los Angeles Chargers games.
Rahima with her daughter, Amara and late sister, Senna