For the last 15 years, I have supported Federal agencies and businesses of all shapes and sizes. And the one thing they have in common is siloed data systems. Each system has a story to tell, but until they are connected, the story ends with a cliffhanger.
Before Microsoft’s Power BI, analyzing an organization’s operations and finances was labor-intensive and opaque: tracing data sources was difficult, methodologies were applied unevenly, and results were static and quickly obsolete. Power BI allowed me to connect data, fill in gaps, and generate insights in real-time which enabled organizations to see the complete picture and make better decisions.
Power BI has been around for over ten years, but in my experience, its adoption has grown exponentially with the increased use of cloud services. In the Federal government especially, the prevalence of OneDrive, SharePoint, and Power BI Premium workspace allows users to link to shared datasets and create and distribute customized interactive dashboards.
For Avid Core, we use Power BI organically to fill in the reporting and analysis gaps for our Federal clients. By combining our unique understanding of our client’s systems, reporting requirements, and pain points, we use Power BI to provide reporting, scheduling, and forecast dashboards that are interactive and linked to source data, not a snapshot in an old spreadsheet. Our tools formalize reporting processes, so instead of asking one question and getting two answers, we give one answer based on actual data
For one Federal client, we captured and centralized over ten years of maintenance data from multiple legacy systems to create dashboard applications that summarized year-over-year spending by location, activity types, work volume, per unit cost changes, and projected out-year resource requirements. The applications also used Geographic Information System (GIS) capabilities to plot and identify maintenance clusters to better predict future maintenance issues. The dashboards are available to everyone in the program, even on their cell phones.
The one barrier to adopting Power BI is mastering database and programming concepts. If a user wants to link more than one spreadsheet and go beyond basic calculations, then they need a solid understanding of relational databases, Structured Query Language (SQL) programming, and the DAX language. Luckily, Power BI has an enormous user group, and there are countless tutorials available to get anyone started.
The impact of Power BI extends far beyond mere data visualization. It has been able to revolutionize how the organizations I work with approach data analysis, fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making. By centralizing and analyzing disparate datasets, Power BI enhances organizational transparency, standardizes reporting practices, and supports decision-making processes. Gone are the days of relying on anecdotal and isolated analysis; Power BI enables organizations to see and analyze the entire enterprise.
Charting the Future: As businesses and governments embrace digital transformation, data analytics becomes increasingly pivotal. I see Power BI emerging as a catalyst to bridge gaps between legacy data systems and allow organizations to unlock the full potential of their data.
Power BI allows me to help organizations confidently navigate the modern data landscape’s complexities. As we embrace the data-driven future, Power BI stands at the forefront, driving innovation and propelling organizations toward success.
Welcome to Around the Table, a regular series where we talk to fascinating people in our network and share the incredible work they are doing in their community. Pull up a chair and join us for conversation and connection.
Name: Shelley Scalzo Brown, Operations and Risk Management Leader, specializing in Corporate Safety, Environmental Management, Business Analysis, Governance, and Sustainability
I was drawn to the safety field by my parents. My father ran operations for a maritime shipping company, primarily tugs and barges, where safety was a social and business imperative. My parents kept sailing, fishing, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Pacific Ocean. As a child, I observed the maritime industry’s response to the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Prince Williams Sound. I went on to pursue Environmental Studies and Political Science in college, then started my career working for an Oil Spill Response Organization (OSRO). I was exposed to OSHA’s Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard and regulations enforced by the U.S. EPA and the Department of Transportation. Over the years, helping businesses navigate complex regulatory frameworks for worker safety and environmental protection has been central to my work in safety.
What do you think is the biggest challenge regarding worker safety today?
The biggest challenge today in workplace safety is the rate at which workers die at work. The rate at which workers die at work has remained largely unchanged for at least the past 10 years. The causes of these deaths are known as OSHA’s “Fatal Four” (falls, electrocution, struck by and caught between) have remained largely unchanged in that time period too. There is clearly a disconnect between what we want to achieve in reducing workplace fatalities and what we currently do, which doesn’t take nearly enough advantage of safety gains in the development and design phase. Getting better at connecting upstream planning to in-field execution of work will be essential to our success in making progress on reducing workplace fatalities.
What were some of the projects you worked on when you were on the board at the National Safety Council?
Working with the National Safety Council has been one of the highlights of my career. When I served as a Board member, the NSC was developing strategic initiatives that would carry them forward into the future. This included discussions about integrating technology into the organization’s work and how technology would affect major societal safety issues such as roadway safety. I was very impressed by NSC’s leadership’s instinct to embrace the challenges of the future, remain data-driven in selecting initiatives, and know where their impact would best deliver value.
You’ve also been heavily involved with the National Safety Council’s Women in Safety Division. What was some of your most important work in that role?
Very early on, probably before 2010, NSC recognized they needed to engage a broader audience, particularly on the workplace safety side. NSC brought together a group of women leaders within their membership to form a Women’s Division. Some of the early activities included forming the Marion Martin Award, which would recognize the career of an accomplished woman in safety. We gave visibility to all our nominees as more role models were needed to inspire other women. Another aspect of the Division’s work I learned a lot from was a deep dive one of NSC’s historians did on the legacy of Women in Safety. In addition to Marian Martin, I learned of the work of Francis Perkins, Elizabeth Dole, and other women leaders in government and private industry that completely shaped the protections many of us have at work today. The Women’s Division continues to work with NSC to ensure that women and others are included as speakers, moderators, authors, project leaders, and nominees and can participate fully in NSC’s important work. My proudest day was handing the Division Chair role over to an incredibly talented woman I never would have met had it not been for NSC’s Women’s Division.
National Safety Day, observed annually on March 4, is a significant occasion to promote safety measures and raise awareness about workplace safety. What would you be if you had one tip to share with workplaces? How about with workers directly?
Stay connected to your purpose. When you are connected to your purpose for working, you stay engaged with your personal well-being because you have a sense of the future you want to create through your work.
Of all the roles you’ve fulfilled, from operations to risk manager, auditing to process improvement, which resonates with you most and why?
They all have some resonance for me. Early in my career, I would check- out our HAZMAT Response Teams to ensure their supplied air equipment, gas detection instruments, and communication systems were in place and working before sending them into what we call a “hot zone.” I still wonder whether we’ve considered all the possible outcomes and are prepared to respond.
How often do you apply lessons learned from past projects to your current work? Can you share an example?
I am frequently applying lessons learned. They are central to making improvements in safety last for the long term. Lessons learned can be challenging to arrive at because we tend to believe the ‘lesson learned’ from an injury or incident isn’t always the case. We tend to insert our own bias and judgement. To ensure that lessons learned are accurate and add value, I lean on some kind of team-led cause mapping or root cause analysis process to evaluate all failure points in a chain of events. It takes an objective team of people, and a tool to evaluate to arrive at a good lesson learned. So, my lessons learned: have a strong process for developing them and never go it alone.
What’s some of the best advice you’ve received in your career so far? What advice would you give to someone starting out in the safety field?
I have had the privilege of working alongside some immensely talented safety leaders in my career. With that in mind, my advice to someone starting out is to stay curious, work on developing a growth mindset, and learn how to motivate others. There is a lot of technical safety information that you will learn with time if you take on new challenges. The human side of safety management is a separate and equally important endeavor that needs development. The changemakers are great at both.
You’ve been guiding some of Avid Core’s work with OSHA as a subject matter expert. Is there anything that’s come out of the project that’s surprised you? If not, tell us about something that didn’t surprise you at all.
I don’t think this is a surprise to me, but what is exceptional about the work with Avid Core is the ability of the team to bring together and coordinate a large group of people with varied perspectives, talents, and motivations and shape all those messy things into something meaningful and informative for the future.
When you’re not working, what do you like to do?
I’d be on a boat somewhere.
If we were literally “around the table” right now, what food would you have brought with you to share?
As Avid Core marks the completion of our fourth year in business, we can safely say we’ve laid the foundation for a solid business and have experienced tremendous growth over the last year. In 2023, our team doubled, welcoming experts in project management, environmental planning, and systems integration. We’ve also furthered our team’s communications, engagement and outreach expertise capabilities and expanded our geographic footprint, bringing on new staff in Illinois.
Avid Core’s journey of success continued with key partnerships, starting with our first 8(a) contract with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Our focus on outreach and communications involved crafting meetings and outreach strategies for OSHA’s Solutions Share initiative, which fosters collaboration with OSHA and among essential industry stakeholders to better prepare for future emergencies similar to COVID-19.
We also brought in projects with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), steering stakeholder engagement services for the agency’s Infrastructure Portfolio. Our expanded role includes environmental planning outreach, ongoing dialogues with federal, state, and local agencies, and coordination with Tribal governments and local communities. We’ve teamed up with Northwind for GIS support and our partner, Dawson, provides archaeological and environmental expertise for seamless interagency coordination.
Avid Core, in partnership with Infinity Conference Group, is currently researching, planning and executing logistics for the Food and Drug Administration’s 2024 Compounding Quality Center of Excellence Annual Conference. This important event provides an opportunity for drug outsourcing facilities and associated stakeholders to learn and engage on emerging trends and drug compounding best practices.
In collaboration with Cogstone Resource Management and Kearns & West, we supported Los Angeles County in crafting a groundbreaking land acknowledgment and policy. Working closely with a Tribal advisory group, we cultivated strong relationships and facilitated effective coordination between county departments and local Tribes. The team’s dedication resulted in adopting the first formal County-wide Land Acknowledgment. The acknowledgment and the accompanying partner toolkit, now in production, will help the County appropriately honor and pay respect to Native Tribes.
We’ve grown our local community engagement work this year. In a successful collaboration with ONE EIGHTY and ATCS, we helped PlanRVA address disaster recovery for the local business community.
Working with the City of Fairfax, we helped with the development of a Title VI plan, ensuring that their transportation work does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, or national origin.
Avid Core staffed local pop-up events, facilitated open houses, and designed easy-to-understand and culturally responsive materials for the Alexandria West community, supporting the development of a planning process that will help guide the community’s long-term priorities and goals for decades to come.
We also provided multi-lingual outreach to support the creation of a new Eastern Silver Spring Communities master plan for Montgomery County. Our efforts focused on increasing participation and feedback for the plan in underserved and historically marginalized communities.
We are incredibly proud of our team’s achievements, our clients, and partners over the last four years, and we’re looking forward to the exciting journey ahead!
For some, watching the Super Bowl is synonymous with eagerly anticipating these marketing mini-masterpieces, some of which linger in the minds of millions for a lifetime – I’m looking at you, Coca-Cola Polar Bears!
Hailing from Illinois, my unwavering loyalty lies with the Chicago Bears, a football team forever etched in the chronicles of NFL history as the 1985 Super Bowl Champions. Led by legendary halfback Walter Payton, the ’85 Bears remain immortalized, not having claimed a Super Bowl victory since. The enduring question persists: why are the ’85 Bears still remembered today? The answer lies in their masterful marketing.
The ’85 Bears boasted charismatic and larger-than-life personalities, from the swagger of head coach Mike Ditka to the infectious enthusiasm of players like Walter Payton, Jim McMahon, and the iconic defensive lineman William “The Refrigerator” Perry. The diverse roster offered a player with a distinct personality for every fan to rally behind. As a child of the 80s, my personal favorite was The Refrigerator, a man of colossal size displaying grace on the football field and entertaining everyone in McDonald’s commercials. Even now, I can distinctly remember his contagious smile, with one tooth missing, proudly holding a McDonald’s burger. This mental picture stays with me as a continual reminder each time I encounter the golden arches on my travels. Such is the impact of exceptional marketing.
The Bears actively engaged with the community through events, autograph sessions, and public appearances, reinforcing the bond between the team and its fan base and generating positive PR opportunities that enhanced the team’s overall image. The excitement surrounding the Bears began as early as summer training camp. Even back then, and continuing today, reporters were invited to capture the early stages of the magic being crafted before the regular season began. An interesting story involves a reporter documenting Walter Payton’s 20-minute helicopter ride from Chicago to Wisconsin, ensuring he wouldn’t be late for training camp practice. In today’s social media era, such moments would swiftly circulate globally by the end of any team practice.
The unforgettable ‘Super Bowl Shuffle,’ a commercial with a music video flair featuring Chicago Bears players, is a marketing masterpiece. This gem brilliantly highlighted the team’s personalities, camaraderie, and love for the game, leaving an enduring imprint on pop culture. The infectious charm of the Shuffle solidified the Bears’ reputation for confidence and fun.
Going beyond conventional advertising, the Bears initiated imaginative promotional activities. William Perry’s unforgettable touchdown in Super Bowl XX highlighted his on-field versatility and paved the way for marketing opportunities. The phenomenon of sports icons securing multiple endorsements across a wide range of categories, spanning from food to sports shoes, was unprecedented until the Chicago Bears demonstrated how to master it.
The team’s success translated into players securing lucrative endorsement deals and forming strategic partnerships. Quarterback Jim McMahon, renowned for his rebellious persona, emerged as a highly marketable figure, adding a distinctive flair to the team’s overall marketing impact. One can only speculate about the many endorsement deals he inked for headbands and sunglasses during the ’80s.
The decision to promote this so-called “bad boy” was nothing short of marketing brilliance. Drawing a parallel to the likes of John McEnroe in tennis, McMahon’s confrontational on-field demeanor didn’t hinder his likability; instead, it added to his charm. Despite incidents like “mooning” reporters in response to injury inquiries, McMahon remained a beloved team player, showcasing the effectiveness of an unconventional marketing approach, spinning the “bad boy” image as a loveable teddy bear, and making McMahon “just one of the regulars” like you and me.
Do not overlook the thrilling opportunities for fan interaction during Bears’ game days, where carefully crafted promotions and entertainment aimed to elevate the overall fan experience. This encompassed halftime shows, interactive activities, and sponsored promotions, fostering a lively atmosphere and encouraging enthusiastic fan participation. It’s crucial to highlight that these initiatives occurred before the Internet and social media dominated the marketing landscape. Getting the word out relied on purchasing newspaper and magazine ads, promotional mailers, and radio and television commercials – marketing avenues still practiced in today’s social media landscape.
I can recall the days when collecting a set of 32 Bears player cards from McDonald’s was a highlight of the football season. The fast-food giant devised a four-week promotion called the “Kickoff Payoff,” enabling customers to acquire a football card of a Bears player. Each card came with a scratch-off game coupon revealing an upcoming game. Based on the winning team, the coupon could be redeemed for a free food or beverage prize upon purchase. Offering incentives through familiar and beloved food items, like meal coupons, is a strategic way to keep customers returning for more and a perfect business partnership that lasts to this day.
Jump ahead to the upcoming Super Bowl LVIII. How often have you seen commercials featuring last year’s Super Bowl standouts, Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes, during this football season? From State Farm promotions and Subway advertisements to vaccine shots, individual team members can significantly boost their income and television facetime with solid support from an effective marketing team. Surprisingly, even Andy Reid appeared on “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.” And let’s not overlook the Philadelphia Eagles, the team that lost in last year’s Super Bowl, creating “A Philly Special Christmas,” which promptly sold out, topped the Compilation Albums Chart, and featured gentle giants singing classic holiday tunes—an unexpected but fitting touch of the football spirit.
As we prepare for Super Bowl LVIII, observing the clash between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs, it’s interesting to consider who will make a lasting impact. While the thrill of victory on the field is fleeting, savvy marketing during and after the game secures a lasting presence in everyone’s minds. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be donning my Ditka sweater vest to cheer on the Bears during NFL Draft Day while I’m dining at Ditka’s Steak House, a perpetual homage to Da Coach and the legendary ’85 Bears.
Transit Equity Day, observed on February 4, underscores the crucial need to champion inclusive public transit solutions accommodating users of diverse backgrounds, irrespective of socioeconomic status, geographic location, accessibility requirements, or demographic traits. It simultaneously honors Rosa Parks’ courageous act in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955, emphasizing the imperative role of community engagement in acknowledging and tackling obstacles toward achieving affordable and accessible public transit nationwide. One of the most exciting parts of my career at Avid Core is working with community leaders, public engagement leads, transit agencies, and community members to ensure active participation in improved transit options for communities throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Below are ways in which public engagement can be used to create a more equitable public transit system:
Addressing Disparities: Public engagement is crucial for identifying and addressing historical and systemic disparities in transit access. Low public transit usage typically stems from long wait times, inefficient routes, and reliability and accessibility issues. These barriers can be felt by individuals regardless of socioeconomic status.
When I engage community members to solicit feedback on improving transit options in their neighborhoods, I transfer that feedback to government agencies so that they can acknowledge and address these barriers to improve transit options and increase future use by all community members. By actively involving underserved communities, which typically have the most to gain from improved transit options, transit agencies can work towards dismantling barriers and creating solutions that help strengthen and heal communities.
Fostering Transparency and Community Buy-In: Improving access to transit has the potential to correct past injustices by connecting communities to better jobs, limiting displacement, and improving a neighborhood’s economic conditions. However, public transit decisions are never built solely on feedback from involved stakeholders. Instead, transit agencies should ensure that the community understands the benefits, risks, limitations and how their feedback guides ultimate decisions. Establish a continuous feedback loop that allows the community to provide input on ongoing projects. Demonstrate how past feedback has influenced decisions and emphasize the importance of continued involvement. This helps maintain a sense of community engagement and ensures that the public sees their input as an ongoing and impactful process.
When the public is informed about transit initiatives, projects, and decision-making processes, it fosters a sense of ownership and accountability. When the community is recognized as a co-creator in the future of public transit in their locality, it limits zero-sum thinking. It helps build buy-ins for future utilization of the system.
Localizing Your Messaging: Messaging to the public should be easy to understand and local to the transit system’s population. Messaging should emphasize how transit can connect specific communities to jobs, healthcare, leisure activities, and other opportunities. Community members are more likely to participate when they see that outreach efforts directly relate to their community’s values and concerns.
Localized messaging increases the chances of community members attending events, providing feedback, and actively engaging in promoted initiatives. Addressing local concerns with solutions responsive to the local population’s concerns helps build trust in a process that will help shape the future of these communities.
Utilizing Creative Outreach Efforts: Many underserved and under-engaged communities remain the least involved in public engagement efforts because of various barriers, including transit, language, socioeconomic status, and levels of government distrust, among other reasons. Improving transit options in the public engagement process presents an excellent opportunity to utilize creative tactics to increase participation.
Organizers can leverage diverse communication channels, including social media, local newspapers, community bulletin boards, and radio, to reach various demographics. It’s crucial to ensure that the information is comprehensible and accessible in multiple languages to cater to a broader audience. In collaboration with team members, planners can explore innovative approaches to enhance and convey messages to the public. One such strategy involves introducing a family-friendly brand ambassador or mascot, providing a unique and captivating means of delivering messages to the community. Additionally, community engagement is essential. For instance, Fairfax County, Virginia, organized a Santa Bus, a free community event. This provided an opportunity for residents to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and served as an informative platform for the community to learn more about Fairfax Connector, the largest local bus system in Northern Virginia.
In my role, I have found it effective to hold meetings in community centers, utilize online platforms, and engage community members through local events. Meeting people where they are creating a more welcoming and accessible space for dialogue, ensuring that the lived experiences and insights of the entire community can help shape a locality’s transit initiatives.
As we continue to observe Transit Equity Day, we should recognize the pivotal role of public engagement in achieving equitable and accessible public transit. At Avid Core, I have an opportunity to play a role in addressing these challenges through outreach, collaboration, and various partnerships. By actively engaging with transit agencies, policymakers, and fellow community members, we can collectively build a transit system that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of all – a system that brings us closer to the vision of transit equity. Together, let’s bridge the gap and pave the way to a more inclusive and accessible future.
Welcome to Around the Table, a regular series where we talk to fascinating people in our network and share the incredible work they are doing in their community. Pull up a chair and join us for conversation and connection.
Name: Patricia Macchi, National Infrastructure Economics & Grant Advisory Practice Lead, Senior Principal
The pursuit of studying economics is for me a unique and personal journey. The roots of this academic passion extend back to my childhood. A captivating influence on my early interest in economics was my grandfather, who played a significant role in shaping my intellectual curiosity. From a young age, he initiated a tradition of sharing weekly economic news articles with me, creating a special time for us to delve into discussions on these intricate topics. His genuine passion for the subject became a guiding light, illuminating the profound impact economics has on shaping global affairs and individual lives.
What particularly resonated with me was not just the subject matter but the way my grandfather artfully translated his enthusiasm. He didn’t just share economic news; he instilled a sense of wonder and curiosity, transforming our discussions into intellectual adventures. Those formative experiences laid the foundation for my deep-seated interest in economics, illustrating how a shared passion and mentorship can profoundly influence one’s academic trajectory.
In essence, my choice to study economics is not merely an academic pursuit but a continuation of the legacy of shared wisdom and enthusiasm that my grandfather generously bestowed upon me. It’s a tribute to those early conversations that ignited a flame of curiosity, leading me to explore the intricate tapestry of economic principles and their real-world implications.
How did you go about combining your knowledge of economics with a career in transportation?
As a student in Argentina, I attended a relatively small university where my fascination with trade economics took root. The intricate dance of global economies and the profound impact on societies captivated me, even though there were no specific classes on transportation economics. Trade economics, however, proved to be the closest nexus to the world of transportation, offering insights into the movement of goods and the interconnectedness of markets. It was during this academic exploration that I began to recognize the fundamental role that transportation plays in facilitating trade and shaping economic landscapes.
My transition from academic curiosity to practical application took a significant leap when I joined the Latin America Chief Economist Office at The World Bank. Here, I found an opportunity to contribute to theoretical papers that delved into the critical intersection of infrastructure and economic development. The allure of understanding how transportation infrastructure underpins economic growth became evident, setting the stage for my deeper immersion into the transportation arena.
A pivotal moment came when I joined the South Saharan Africa (SSA) Transportation Unit, where my focus shifted towards studying transportation costs in five African countries. This experience provided a firsthand understanding of the intricacies and challenges faced by regions in optimizing their transportation networks. It was a transformative period that solidified my commitment to the transportation sector.
Over 10 years, I have dedicated my work to the transportation landscapes of Latin America and SSA, delving into the nuances that shape these regions’ connectivity and economic vitality. In the last decade, my focus has expanded to encompass the intricate tapestry of transportation dynamics within the United States.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve encountered working in the transportation infrastructure industry?
Navigating the intricate landscape of the transportation infrastructure industry presents a myriad of challenges, and I’ve come to view each obstacle as a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth. One of the most prominent challenges we encounter is the perennial issue of narrowing funding gaps. The financial intricacies of developing and maintaining robust transportation systems demand innovative solutions.
Embracing these challenges, I’ve found that they serve as catalysts for creativity and strategic thinking. It’s not merely about overcoming obstacles but about envisioning opportunities within them. Every funding gap is a chance to explore alternative financing models, engage in public-private partnerships, and advocate for sustainable investment in transportation infrastructure.
The recent enactment of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) has ushered in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reshape the transportation landscape. This transformative legislation opens doors to unprecedented funding streams, allowing us to lay the foundation for the transportation system of tomorrow. It’s an exciting era where challenges are met with forward-thinking solutions, and collaboration becomes paramount.
In my journey, I’ve witnessed how overcoming funding challenges requires a holistic approach. This involves fostering partnerships with governmental bodies, private entities, and community stakeholders. By cultivating these alliances, we not only secure financial backing but also ensure that our projects align with the diverse needs and aspirations of the communities we serve. Ultimately, the challenges in the transportation infrastructure industry have become waypoints in a larger journey of progress. Each hurdle surmounted contributes to the realization of safer, more efficient, and sustainable transportation systems.
What are some of your current projects at STV Group?
At STV, I have the privilege of leading the National Infrastructure Economic and Grant Advisory Group, a role that involves spearheading various impactful projects. Currently, our team is actively engaged in supporting Zero Emission Transition plans for prominent transit agencies such as HRT, CATS, and MCDOT. This involves comprehensive assistance in developing and implementing plans that align with the imperative shift towards sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation solutions.
A significant focus of my efforts has also been directed towards the DFW Airport Modernization Plan and Zero Emission Roadmap. This involves strategic advisory services aimed at modernizing transportation infrastructure and seamlessly integrating zero-emission solutions into the roadmap. It’s a testament to our commitment to fostering advancements in transportation that are not only efficient but also environmentally conscious.
One noteworthy achievement is our collaboration with the New York City School Bus Umbrella Services (NYCSBUS) in securing a substantial $29.5 million through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Grant Program. My team played a pivotal role in this success by providing comprehensive advisory services throughout the application process. Our contributions included project review, application development, schedule management, technical writing and review, as well as overall strategy development for a robust grant application.
Can you speak to the unique challenges in working with transportation agencies at a state level or a local level?
At the state level, the scope and scale of projects often bring forth challenges tied to managing numerous competing initiatives. Coordinating and prioritizing among these diverse projects requires a delicate balance. Additionally, engaging with multiple stakeholders, each with their own priorities and perspectives, adds a layer of complexity. Successful navigation at the state level involves strategic planning, effective communication, and the ability to foster collaboration among diverse entities.
On the other hand, the local level introduces a different set of challenges, primarily centered around resource constraints. Local agencies often grapple with limited budgets and manpower, making it imperative to address the most pressing needs efficiently. Balancing immediate requirements while providing long-term guidance necessitates a strategic and nuanced approach. This involves not only solving immediate challenges but also laying the groundwork for transportation solutions that benefit the community over the long term.
Despite these challenges, the work at both state and local levels is incredibly rewarding. The impact of transportation projects is felt directly by communities, influencing their accessibility, connectivity, and overall quality of life. Contributing to the improvement of transportation infrastructure at these levels provides a tangible and positive influence on people’s daily experiences.
What is some of the best career advice you’ve received so far? What would you say to someone starting out in the transportation infrastructure field?
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to receive some invaluable pieces of advice that have shaped my professional journey. One powerful mantra that resonates with me is, “Women can have it all; just not at the same time.” This profound statement encapsulates the essence of managing goals and expectations over the course of one’s career.
In the dynamic realm of the transportation infrastructure field, where challenges and opportunities abound, the advice I would extend to those starting out is to embrace a strategic approach to their career. It’s essential to set realistic expectations, recognizing that career progression may not always follow a linear path. Instead, view your career as a series of chapters, each presenting its own set of challenges and accomplishments.
Another crucial aspect is fostering a strong network within the industry. Building connections with mentors, colleagues, and professionals in the field can provide valuable insights, guidance, and support. Collaboration and mentorship can be instrumental in navigating the complexities of the transportation infrastructure sector. Furthermore, stay informed about industry trends, technological advancements, and regulatory changes. Continuous learning and adaptability are key in a field that is constantly evolving. Seek opportunities for professional development, attend conferences, and stay engaged with relevant publications to stay at the forefront of industry knowledge.
If we were literally around the table right now, what food would you have brought with you to share?
In this virtual feast, I would proudly present empanadas, a beloved finger food from Argentina. Picture golden, flaky pastry pockets filled with a flavorful blend of meats, vegetables, and spices. These delightful empanadas are not just a snack; they are a culinary representation of the rich and diverse tastes of Argentina. Personally, my heart lies with the savory delights of the beef-filled empanadas, the sweet simplicity of corn-infused ones, and the tantalizing combination of tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella in another delightful variation.
When I came to Avid Core, not only was I starting a new chapter in my life, but I was also at a crossroads. I had just started my first semester of graduate school at American University working towards a masters in a completely different field than either of my undergraduate degrees. I started living in D.C. by myself with my dog Ozzy. And I started at Avid Core, another foray into the unknown.
At Avid Core, I hit the ground running. On the first day, myself and the other intern that started that day were given an overview of all the projects Avid Core was working on, the style guide for the company, as well as best practices. We met the team over a virtual lunch and then were given our first tasks. At Avid Core, I learned about environmental planning, community planning, community engagement, Title VI, event planning, making slide decks, story boarding, and so much more. All of these experiences I have never had before, and I tried to take each new task in stride.
On the academic side, I was adjusting to graduate school and the workload that comes with that. My life became a balancing act between school and internship and personal life. Eventually, I fell back into the normal school pattern of studying, reading, and writing. My personal life fell into place soon after with friends I had made at school and finding a new favorite walking trail with my dog. My internship, however, never quite fell into a pattern.
Elizabeth (left) and Melissa Gomez, at an Avid Core karaoke event. Both joined the team as 2023 winter communications interns.
Since Avid Core offered an abundance of new tasks, a lot of my time was throwing things at a wall and seeing what stuck. As a recovering perfectionist, this came with a lot of anxiety. But Avid Core was a safe place to do this. When I was tasked with designing a flyer for a project, I put together a few different variations for my team members to review. I received constructive feedback and tailored the flyer to their specifications. Then rinse and repeat until we were all happy with the final deliverable.
When I was asked to put together a slide deck about a topic I knew very little about, I followed the same steps. When I proposed procedures for database management, we followed the same process. Even when I was tasked with making an animated video, something I have never done, I dove in headfirst, throwing out ideas, making a schedule, and asking for feedback. I relied on the skills I had developed before coming to Avid Core and the ones I learned during my internship. I started to embrace the unknown and enjoy the ever-changing nature of the tasks assigned to me.
As I progressed into my academic semester and was exposed to more opportunities in the field, I realized my five-year plan may not be what I want anymore, and I was met with a crossroads. When I first started at Avid Core, I thought I would get my master’s and then move on to get a Ph.D., but as I learned more about the homeland security field, I realized I did not want to go into the world of academia nor did I absolutely need a Ph.D. to do the jobs I am interested in. This left me unsure of what the future held.
It wasn’t until an in-class activity that I felt more comfortable with the unknown. In my Causes of Terrorism and Political Violence class, we were tasked to develop a strategy to handle misinformation in Ethiopia in an hour and a half. During this time, we had to develop a pitch to present to a guest from the Department of Homeland Security. Obviously, this is quite a lofty task for anyone, let alone a group of students. So, we started throwing out ideas to see what stuck. I had the idea to put together a toolkit for community leaders to use. I cannot take credit for this idea by any means—this is something I learned about from Avid Core.
A core value in Avid Core is to meet people where they are so they often create toolkits as a way for leaders to personalize messages to their community. Given the task at hand, this seemed like an effective solution, and our guest from the Department of Homeland Security agreed. He was impressed by this suggestion and our pitch ended up being selected over the other group.
As inconsequential as this in-class activity was, it gave me a lot of hope for the future. Though I may not know what the future holds, I have gained experiences and skills from working at Avid Core that I can use in creative ways in any future position. I also, and more importantly, learned to embrace the unknown and to continue to throw things at the wall and see what sticks.
Welcome to Around the Table, a regular series where we talk to fascinating people in our network and share the incredible work they are doing in their community. Pull up a chair and join us for conversation and connection.
Name: Victor Gonzalez, Director of the Mica Sonrisas Foundation
How was the Mica Foundation born and what motivated you to create an organization to help disadvantaged populations in Colombia?
Mica [Me.ka] is short for “Mi Cámara” (My Camera). Mica began in a photography studio in the city of Bucaramanga, Colombia. As a group of photographers, we wanted to capture the candid smiles of children with our cameras, but more so, we endeavored to show the interesting realities of our country seen through a lens.
During our photographic explorations in coastal towns, we focused on the curious fact that despite not having much, children were constantly smiling. Even though they lived in very vulnerable and poor conditions, these kids remained hopeful. We wanted to preserve and strengthen this hope represented in their warm smiles.
As a photographer, I realized that my camera could be utilized in a different way and so could my hands. I learned that my heart could beat strongly toward people I didn’t even know and that through my actions, I was able to instill optimism in someone in need.
I went from just being a photographer to becoming a philanthropist with the purpose of demonstrating to the world that everything is an equilibrium or a balance and that we need to redistribute. Just as life had given me the opportunity to have it all, I could also give back to someone who truly needed it.
Victor has been visiting Wayuu children and families in La Guajira since 2013.
In what ways has the Mica Foundation benefited people in need and what causes and groups do you focus on?
Mica’s slogan is “Living, feeling, and sowing a passion to help.” We seek to show the world that helping others is one of the best ways to transform society for the better and that lending a hand is how we evolve as human beings.
Among the groups we have helped are different indigenous tribes in La Guajira and the outskirts of the Sierra Nevada in the North of Colombia. We have also helped natives who arrive in our city of Bucaramanga. These populations particularly struggle with malnutrition and dehydration issues and lack infrastructure and government support.
Some of these tribes are located in arid regions where national and international big-scale coal and mineral extraction takes place. Despite the significant royalties these operations yield, they don’t receive adequate care and protection against the environmental consequences of open-cast mining and overall poverty in the area.
We strive to provide them with food, water, and other necessities. Moreover, our core project is donating mobility for education, which means facilitating bikes for children to go to school. During our visits to indigenous and other low-income areas, we discovered that kids had to walk 10 kilometers or more to reach the nearest school. This long trek under the scorching sun made their access to education quite difficult. We set out to mitigate this problem and reduce transportation times by bringing them hundreds of bicycles, which also served as a means of green transportation for Wayuu families in the Guajira peninsula.
“A blue bike can change the world” – Mica has organized 17 expeditions to remote desert areas in La Guajira bringing aid to disadvantaged families for the last seven years.
In terms of communication, marketing, and public relations, what have been the most successful strategies to engage with the public, promote your cause, and raise funds?
Social media is our main channel of communication. Particularly, we have focused on strategizing via Instagram which is our most powerful social media network. We use influencer marketing and seek collaborations with celebrities and local brands, as well as partnerships with national companies. We directly appeal to them publicly and also send requests privately to invite them to join our cause. By establishing connections and having honest conversations about our passion for helping others, we have had a great response from actors, singers, community organizers, small businesses, and brands.
We are proud to say that all our campaigns have achieved positive results. Despite not having any type of government or religious affiliation, we continue to reach new goals as a small nonprofit through organic engagement. We get people to fall in love with our project not just because of the energetic and passionate attitude with which we approach every activity, but also because we have reached a high level of transparency and credibility that allows people to trust in our mission.
The Mica Foundation helps unhoused individuals in Bucaramanga, beautifies low-income streets, and fundraises to benefit other local non-profits.
Victor actively documents Mica’s activities on Instagram and uses a megaphone during his outreach events to engage with people in the streets.
What lessons learned and advice can you share with other nonprofits from developing countries that seek positive changes in their communities?
My advice to anyone who wants to engage in philanthropic activities is to correctly administrate the resources they gather. For any social entrepreneurial endeavor, one needs to turn the projects into self-sustaining initiatives. We don’t seek personal profits, but also don’t want to generate losses because we need to continue helping people. Therefore, being frugal with resources, seeking volunteers and support, and believing in the impressive power of the work we do are lessons we have been learning along the way.
Additionally, to all the people who want to help their community, I tell them that they are never alone. There will always be hands to help and doors to open. Sometimes we may feel discouraged because social work is hard, but I guarantee you that there is always someone willing to help.
I feel like humanity is designed to help, but we need to foster and stimulate that altruism in others for it to be manifested in actions. I encourage everyone to never falter, to bring that message of selflessness everywhere they go, and to practice empathy and tolerance. This is the best way to transform society and evolve as conscious human beings. If you hear me or read this blog, please continue helping others in any way you can. The world needs people like you and me, willing to make a difference and spark positive change.
The Mica foundation has gathered support from individuals, local celebrities, and companies in Colombia to bring nutrition and green mobility to disadvantaged indigenous children, low-income nurses, and other populations in need.
What impact do you expect to have through your work and how do you see Mica in the future?
From the people I help every day, I expect nothing in return. However, there is an undeniable satisfaction in being able to contribute and I would like to be recognized as a “social rock star.” I am working to help the biggest amount of people possible and would like to position Mica as a reference for individuals and organizations pursuing philanthropic initiatives. I want people to think of Mica when they think of supporting others. My biggest aspiration, however, is to instill this message of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others into as many individuals as possible.
In cities like Bucaramanga, it is quite challenging to see results with social projects that don’t have governmental or religious support. Nevertheless, I have transformed the way to gather aid and I have been rocking this way of helping for years, taking our non-profit to the next level. I look forward to sharing this ecstatic vibe with the world and seeing more people fall in love with our projects.
Mica fundraises to combat children malnutrition in impoverished areas of Bucaramanga.
If we were literally “around the table” right now, what food would you have brought to share?
I love fast food! Especially burgers and pizza. However, my absolute favorite food is the one I share with my friends who do not have a home. Preparing warm meals and bringing them to those in the streets who long for love and hope is my favorite way to enjoy food.
Given the significant homelessness in Bucaramanga, Victor organizes picnics and other activities to bring food to unhoused individuals.
Virginia Quiambao Arroyo and Amanda Roberts are co-founders of Avid Core, Inc, a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Small, Woman, and Minority-owned (SWaM)-certified communications firm based out of Woodbridge, Virginia.
As a “people first” company, Avid Core consistently tries to explore ways through which to improve transparency in the things we do—both in terms of our clients and our team.
Our approach to hiring, for example, reflects the understanding that job searching can be both stressful and time-consuming. Consequently, Avid Core’s growth is bolstered by our respect for a candidate’s time, energy, and the effort that goes into applying for a job.
Accordingly, we continue to evaluate flexible and non-traditional work arrangements, emphasizing results-based work—which is why we launched the option for a 32-hour workweek late last year.
If a team member is providing their project deliverables on time, consistently meeting or exceeding expectations, we feel that there should be no need to work an arbitrary amount of time (like 40 hours a week). While there are always improvements to be made in terms of the work/life balance across all staff levels, the results-based approach encourages an increased and consistent balance, a more comfortable repartee, and reflects our commitment to our employees as people first.
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Through recurring anonymous surveys—which we use to gather feedback from staff and get an idea of their routines, progress, and challenges—we have observed a consistently high satisfaction rate with the four-day workweek.
Staff has repeatedly pointed out that the flexibility offered by this option helps people focus on their mental health, with one team member reflecting, “I’m so grateful we’re allowing people to prioritize their needs and find a work/life balance…the people I tell are amazed that our company would even give us [this option].”
Another team member shared that the four-day workweek “helped…tremendously in the last couple of weeks with personal family matters and appointments.”
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Since Avid Core’s inception three years ago, we have strived to create a company that we would want to work for. And a solid work/like balance is a major part of that. With the option to work a four-day week, there’s an opportunity for staff to personalize their schedules. An extra day off can provide more time to pursue a hobby, run errands, or catch up on a favorite show.
Staff members aren’t expected to be on call on their day off, although they may be pinged if there is an urgent matter or request from a client (for example, staff have been willing to pop in on calls during their days off to fulfill a last-minute need or request).
Additionally, people have been good about making the process work on the whole, without increasing the burden on us by requesting fill-in support.
As with any initiative, some expectations were set early on; it was made clear that the four-day workweek was contingent on an individual’s ability to consistently meet important deadlines and provide high quality deliverables.
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We never want our internal initiatives to impact Avid Core’s responsiveness and service. To that end, days off on the four-day workweek option are tiered off, so that we can still provide our services five days a week (this simply means that some staff members are off on Mondays, while others are off on Fridays).
In the end, this fits into our core belief about responding to our team as individuals and acknowledging their different needs. Asynchronous work allows members of the Avid Core team to make adjustments as they see fit, successfully operating on their own unique schedules.
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These factors make up the basis of our decision to offer a four-day workweek—it’s another way to help our employees prioritize their well-being, mental health, and support their work/life balance.
This option is a continuous experiment—as we assess the financial impacts of this approach, and as we take on new clients and projects, it might become too difficult a practice to maintain, especially with contracts that necessitate full-time employees. In the meantime, however, the four-day workweek has proven to be a good fit for several of our team members.
As our staff continues to grow—we recently added three new colleagues to our team—things may change. In the long term, though, initiatives like this represent crucial steps toward greater employee satisfaction and, simultaneously, stronger results and deliverables for our clients.
Avid (adjective) – having or showing a keen interest in or enthusiasm for something. It’s more than just our company’s namesake. Passion for our work and for the things we love is part of our core values. In this recurring series, we’ll share some of the things we’re Avid Fans of with you.
“To understand the radiance and wealth of a festive meal we must be alive to the interplay of things and humans, of ends and means […] In a festive meal, however, the food is served, one of the most generous gestures human beings are capable of.” — Albert Borgmann, “Focal Things and Practices” in Technology and the Character of Contemporary Life.
“Turkey Day” is coming and we wanted to relive cherished moments around one of America’s most beloved meals. In this edition of Avid Fans Of, members of the Avid Core team share their favorite Thanksgiving dishes, recipes, and memories with you.
Melissa Gomez – Pecan Pie
I had never celebrated Thanksgiving before, but soon after my arrival to the U.S. as an international student, my host family invited me to join a wonderful gathering of 25+ people around the nicest feast I had ever seen in a private home. Sitting by a big bonfire enjoying the view of the sunset on the Wye River and seeing about 12 of the extended family’s dogs playing around the lawn was the cherry on top!
Ever since that first Thanksgiving when I gave myself a bellyache because I tried every single dish and dessert on the table, I look at this emblematic holiday with a lot of gratitude. It is a reminder of the abundance, people, and blessings we are fortunate to enjoy, and it holds a warm resemblance to the way I celebrate Christmas back home: with a big family reunion, a delicious dinner, and lots of laughter and treats.
Choosing a favorite dish when you have good contenders like stuffing, sweet potato gratin, and casseroles galore is no easy task. However, my sweet tooth had to pick Pecan Pie because pecans were also new to me, and I’ve liked them ever since (on a cake or on some trout). For this yummy Bourbon Pecan Pie use only ½ cup of light brown sugar, top it with a bit of vanilla ice cream, and you’ll have an iconic, craggily delicious Thanksgiving delight.
Sunset on the Wye River.
Pecan pie. Image source: The Banana Diaries.
Stephanie Mace – Fried Oreos
My Turkey Day mix usually starts blasting in my air pods around 5 am on Thanksgiving morning. I treat Thanksgiving like a marathon because it’s a full day of prepping, parade-watching, planning with Post-Its and entertaining. That’s part of the joy of hosting some of my favorite people for my favorite holiday in our home.
I love it because we can come from different backgrounds to share a really indulgent meal together that lasts for hours. We take it seriously with two types of turkeys (fried/traditional oven roasted), two types of stuffing, every kind of pie and a variety of sides. But more recently, we have become known for experimenting with our deep fryer.
Usually after a friendly game of flag football and a full safety briefing, my husband fires up the fryer and he starts with fried Old Bay pickles, sweet potato fries, French fries and fried Oreos. We usually fry an entire package of Oreos using Bisquick mix and add a touch of vanilla extract. It’s the perfect appetizer and post-feast night cap.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, my kids love walking around the neighborhood delivering grease-splattered bags of fried Oreos to our neighbors. If you see the plume of smoke coming from our backyard, stop on by for your oil-drenched goody bag.
Steph’s Thanksgiving dessert spread: fried Oreos with ice cream, ice cream turkey cake, three types of pies, and she still wonders how her mom’s cherry Claufouti and Moroccan cookies (Montecaos) snuck in.
Ashley Dobson – Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Growing up, Thanksgiving celebrations were more about gathering with family than the food itself. I usually spent the day running around with my cousins or working with my mom and sister to map out our Black Friday shopping action plan.
But Thanksgiving is my husband’s favorite holiday so now we take our menu planning pretty seriously. We switch out a couple of items each year to try some new options or to replace ones that were simply “okay” instead of “FANTASTIC!” but the one recipe that has been consistent is the mashed potatoes. You can’t go wrong with Thanksgiving recipes from The Pioneer Woman because her recipes are all drowning in butter. These mashed potatoes are no exception (plus, they include cream cheese!), and they are absolutely the creamiest mashed potatoes you have ever tasted.
I always make this the day before and refrigerate and then throw a few extra pats of butter on the top before heating it up in the oven while the turkey rests. Don’t skimp on the Lawry’s seasoned salt either!
Ashley’s 2022 Thanksgiving spread featuring the creamy mashed potatoes in the upper left corner.
Sarah Cox – All the Seafood
I have no issues with what I consider a traditional Thanksgiving feast menu. Sampling nap-inducing foods and washing them down with wine is one of my favorite ways to spend the day. However, if we’re talking about memorable food events, the Friday after Thanksgiving is the day to look forward to.
While most Americans refer to it as Black Friday, my family calls it “Fish Friday” because it’s not just a day, but THE DAY to indulge in the bounty of the ocean. All the credit goes to my uncle, who catches fresh fish, brings it from the Carolina Coast to Northern Virginia, and turns some of it into ceviche and much of it into seasoned, grilled fillets.
My parents also sponsor a few pounds of fresh shrimp, which my uncle steams to perfection. To offset all these healthy choices, my aunt bakes a homemade cake or two. There are always leftovers on Saturday, but not on Sunday!
This is what it would look like if I were a cat. Image source: iStock.
Rashaun Bennett – Candied Yams and Baked Ham
When I was growing up, one of the rites of passage as we grew older was mastering a family recipe. Everyone had their specialty, some took ownership of a dish sooner than others, but everyone at some point would be responsible for a dish that they could cook blindfolded.
Around my early teenage years my grandmother taught me her recipe for her famous candied yams and baked ham that was so tender that it would fall off the bone. The measurements, timing, ingredients all had to be precise because as I quickly learned (dare I say it, the hard way), a little nutmeg goes a very long way.
Ever since taking ownership of those dishes, I cook them every Thanksgiving, remembering my grandmother’s guidance and hoping to pass it on to the next generation of Bennetts.
Candied yams. Image source: Healthier Steps.
Slices of baked ham. Image source: Atlanta Business Chronicle.
Rossana Gonzalez – Cuban Tamales
My family and I immigrated to the U.S. from Cuba, and we never quite got the Thanksgiving dinner norms. I didn’t know we ate unconventional Thanksgiving foods until I saw what my friends were having on Thanksgiving.
A traditional spread usually looks like a turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, stuffing, and macaroni and cheese. My family tries to have an “all-American” vibe on Thanksgiving but has no idea what the tradition is. Because it was the norm in my family, I never questioned it. Our spread consists of a turkey, a lechon/pernil (roast pork), Cuban croquettes (I’m convinced they’re the best in the world of croquettes), tamales, fried plantains, rice and beans, and when we’re feeling “daring”, we add a lasagna, mashed potatoes, or macaroni and cheese – one year, we even had mozzarella sticks.
I literally can’t have a Thanksgiving without Cuban tamales now. Sometimes we buy it cooked, other times, I make it FROM SCRATCH with my grandma. I’m at a point in life where it doesn’t feel right if this isn’t the spread. This year, we’ll be hosting my family at my new place and yup, this will be the spread again. I wait all year for those tamales!
Though it is unconventional, we do take the holiday very seriously. We all come together, sometimes even my extended family throughout the state comes over. We go around saying what we’re thankful for and make sure everyone gets plenty of TLC. Lots of photos are taken and you can eat the leftovers for the rest of the week. I’ve had some relatives pass away in recent years and I’ve grown to cherish Thanksgiving so much.
Cuban tamales wrapped in corn husks.
Rice and beans, fried tostones (or plantains), and ropa vieja (or pulled beef).
Alex Russell – Green Bean Casserole
Thanksgiving is my dad’s favorite holiday – his brothers and sisters prioritize this holiday as a time to get together, share great food, and catch up on each other’s lives, and this is something that he emphasizes with us, too.
My parents combine their forces and typically prepare a ton of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and roast pumpkin topped with cinnamon. And while all of this is great (except maybe the cranberry sauce, which I still can’t get used to), my all-time favorite Thanksgiving dish is the green bean casserole both my parents make (they take turns, and sometimes we get two on the same day). With crispy French-fried onions on top, the casserole comes with ham, cream of mushroom soup, onions, and, of course, the green beans. It’s a great, filling dish – and makes for amazing leftovers. It can be made without the ham, and still tastes great (I’m just a big fan of ham, so I prefer it with ham).
Thanksgiving is an iconic American holiday, but the more I think about the variety of food my family (and extended family) eats on this day, and the variety of food my friends eat, I realize that different people’s perspectives on Thanksgiving have helped recontextualize it as something more – a pure, humanist practice that succeeds without its “American” labels.
Thanksgiving combines food, company, and a time to reflect on the things that make one’s life worthwhile – providing friends and family with a warm, safe space to share together.
Green bean casserole topped with French-fried onion.Image source: Cook With Campbells.
Susan Hernandez – Mac and Cheese
For Thanksgiving, it’s only my immediate family. Our extended family live in Puerto Rico, Honduras and New York, so we can’t see them during the holidays. However, that doesn’t stop us from enjoying our time together.
My mom, sister and I love to cook for Thanksgiving. My mom doesn’t cook turkey, she cooks pernil. Pernil is a Puerto Rican rendition of roast pork. Our food spread consists of pernil, ham, rice and beans (arroz con gandules), pasteles (a tamale that’s made with plantain and yuca), mac and cheese, and a few other options.
I usually make mac and cheese because I love it. I first started using this recipe from Sweet Tea and Thyme but now I’ve made my own rendition of it. I love Thanksgiving because my family and I eat great food and we spend time together. Even though we live together already, it’s nice to just relax and enjoy the day.
Mac and cheese.Image source: With Two Spoons.
Elizabeth Gay – Day-After-Thanksgiving-Waffles
My mom’s side of the family has a tradition where we all go to my grandparents’ house for Thanksgiving dinner and the day following Thanksgiving, we have leftovers with waffles and maple syrup. I know this sounds like a strange food combination, however, do not judge it before you try it! Each cousin has their own food combinations, but my go-to combo is waffles, turkey, stuffing, with gravy and maple syrup, and corn and mashed potatoes on the side. My dad used to be very skeptical of this tradition. He thought it was strange and not really his cup of tea. That was until three years ago. For many, Thanksgiving 2020 looked very different than previous years. This was true for my family.
In 2020, we made our own Thanksgiving dinner for the first time ever. However, that did not keep us away from day-after-Thanksgiving-waffles. Even though we were incredibly worried about COVID-19 and my grandparents’ health, we still found a way to have socially distanced waffles. That was the year my dad was all in on the day-after-Thanksgiving-waffles, much to the surprise and joy of my grandparents and my family.
This year, we are visiting my dad’s father, so we will not see my grandparents on Thanksgiving. However, the day-after-Thanksgiving-waffles tradition lives on. We will be flying back right after the holiday to join the rest of my mom’s extended family for day-after-Thanksgiving-waffles. My dad even told my grandma to make extra turkey and stuffing so we can have plenty for waffles, much to my grandma’s delight.
Waffles topped with gravy and turkey slices.Image source: Spending Time In My Kitchen.
Amanda – Creamed Corn
Forget the canned stuff! My homemade creamed corn is the request of the whole family every year. It’s the only time I make it, so this is what stands out for me.
A bowl of creamed corn.Image source: The Blond Cooke.
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