May 2024 Newsletter

Hi Valued Customer,

Greetings dear colleagues, clients, and friends!

This month’s Hollaway Highlights is brimming with excitement and meaningful celebrations.  As we dive into Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month and celebrate the rich cultural contributions of the AAPI community, I want to share a few thoughts on the importance of community and connection. 

This month, we had the joy of participating in the Texas Great Birding Classic, where we connected with nature and each other in wonderful ways. It’s events like these that remind us of the beauty of teamwork and the diverse talents within our company.

In the spirit of sharing and learning, we have some fantastic reads for you. Our Art Director, Greg Sevcik, takes us through a captivating day in his life in a new blog post that you won't want to miss. Plus, our Employee Spotlight shines a light on our brilliant GIS Specialist + Senior Environmental Scientist I, Chris Garza, highlighting his incredible contributions and journey.

May is also Mental Health Awareness Month, a critical time to prioritize our well-being. Let's take this opportunity to support one another, foster open conversations, and create a nurturing environment for all. Our Office + Human Resources Manager and Chief People Officer share how Hollaway's benefits support our team. 

With so much to celebrate and learn, I encourage you to explore every corner of this newsletter. Here’s to growth, understanding, and continued success!

With love and gratitude,

Leslie

Amiah Williams brings a wealth of experience in public relations, digital marketing, communications, and public engagement to her role as a Communications + Public Involvement Coordinator at Hollaway Environmental + Communications Services. With a keen eye for innovative critical thinking and a talent for strategic planning, Amiah's exceptional communication skills have been instrumental in driving the team's success. Her dedication to public engagement and engaging with diverse audiences has made her a valuable asset to the company.

The Great Texas Birding Classic

Have you heard about the Great Texas Birding Classic? It's the biggest, longest, and wildest birdwatching tournament in the U.S.! Our environmental team, creatively named Hold Me Closer Tiny Merganser, had the pleasure of participating last month and had an incredible experience. With 210 teams and over 1,200 birders and naturalists taking part in various categories throughout the state, it truly is a one-of-a-kind event.  The 2024 Great Texas Birding Classic ran from April 15 to May 15. We highly recommend joining in on the excitement and adventure of this amazing tournament next year!

The Environmental Team at our San Antonio Office

Our environmental team was delighted to explore our breathtaking new office space in San Antonio. The contemporary design and sustainable elements ignited their passion and determination to advance their crucial initiatives in the heart of Texas. If you haven't had a chance to experience it firsthand, reach out to Sam and schedule a visit today!

As we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, it's important to recognize and amplify the voices of this diverse and vibrant community. From cultural traditions to contributions in various fields, AAPI individuals have enriched our society in countless ways. This month, let's come together to celebrate their heritage, honor their accomplishments, and continue to support and uplift their voices. Join us in celebrating AAPI Heritage Month and let's work together to promote inclusivity and diversity.

 With May being Mental Health Awareness Month and mental health becoming a more prevalent topic in corporate settings, we wanted to dedicate Hollaway’s May Brunch and Learn session to discuss the importance of prioritizing mental health. We understand the stigma associated with acknowledging mental health, as well as the difficulties in addressing mental health on an individual and community level. Amid adjusting to a new norm post-pandemic and various world affairs, we must reserve the space to hold conversations that humanize us. Before anyone is an employee, they are a person worthy of recognition and support. 

This month, we are happy to introduce Hollaway’s GIS Specialist + Senior Environmental Scientist I, Chris Garza. Chris attended St. Edward’s University, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Biology. After graduating in 2011, Chris attended Texas A&M University for a Master of Science in Forestry and received a Geographical Information Systems (GIS) certificate at the university. After graduate school, Chris started his professional career as an applied ecologist with the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center.

In the fast-paced world of design, the role of an art director is both challenging and rewarding. Greg Sevcik, Hollaway’s Art Director, offers a glimpse into his daily routine, creative process, and the skills needed to succeed in this dynamic field. Through his insights, we learn about the balance between creativity and client demands, the importance of collaboration, and the joys of seeing a project come to life.