Joshua Nelson

Simply put, Joshua is a firm believer in doing work that yields good. He embodies this philosophy in his own projects and in the ways he constantly strives to help our clients see the possibilities for implementing positive change through his own work.

By continually striving to bring underrepresented groups to the table in the workplace, he does two things: improves the quality of work by bringing different perspectives from diverse teams, and demonstrates to our clients, communities, and competitors the values that are important to Hatch.

He’s a believer in always challenging himself and in asking the difficult questions. Questions like: Do I favor that candidate because they look like me? Because they’re from a similar background to me? When I pull together project teams, do I keep going to the same people over and over?

By recognizing the hard work that needs to be done, Joshua is an example of someone who recognizes the importance of challenging biased perspectives and taking steps to improve inclusivity.

We have to ask ourselves questions like, “Do I favor that candidate because they look like me?” “Because they are from a similar background as me?” “When I pull together project teams, do I keep going to the same people over and over?” “How can I expand the pool of talented people that I work with on a regular basis?” And then be honest with our answers to see where we need to change.

Why do you believe in diversity and inclusion?

I believe in diversity and inclusion because by bringing underrepresented groups to the table in the workplace—whether they be women, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, etc.—we do two things:

• We improve the quality of our work. Whether it is a technical due diligence project on a port facility or a community outreach plan, different perspectives from diverse teams yield better results.
• We demonstrate to our clients, communities, and competitors the values that are important to Hatch. Representation matters. When others see Hatch teams, project managers, and leaders who truly reflect the communities that Hatch serves, it is hugely impactful.

What do you think we need to do as individuals to improve inclusivity?

Improving inclusivity starts when we, first, recognize that, no matter what, we are inherently biased individuals and, second, strive to confront that bias wherever possible.

We have to ask ourselves questions like, “Do I favor that candidate because they look like me?” “Because they are from a similar background as me?” “When I pull together project teams, do I keep going to the same people over and over?” “How can I expand the pool of talented people that I work with on a regular basis?” And then be honest with our answers to see where we need to change.

It is not easy work, but recognizing and challenging our biased perspectives is the first step to improving inclusivity.

What does positive change mean to you?

Simply put, it means doing work that yields good. It’s an important evaluative criterion when selecting assignments, but it is also critical when engaging with our clients. We must strive to help them see the possibilities for implementing positive change through our work.

What are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of my transition from the public to the private sectors. For many years, I had a fantastic career in government, handling transformative freight and passenger transportation projects and initiatives in New York City and Seattle. Hatch is my first foray into the private sector. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed learning our business and bringing solutions to our clients’ toughest transportation challenges from the other side of the table. My unique perspective resonates with our public sector clients, many of whom make up a large percentage of our Infrastructure business, and I’m immensely proud of that.

What do you like most about working at Hatch? How do you think the Hatch culture is different from other companies?

Without question, the thing I like most about working at Hatch is the people. This is one of the most down-to-earth places I’ve ever worked. From the experienced and dedicated support staff who are the lifeblood of the organization to the most accomplished subject matter experts, our colleagues at Hatch are extremely approachable and always have their doors open. It’s quite refreshing and definitely separates Hatch’s culture from those at other companies and agencies.