Enrique C. Zaldivar ('85, Civil Engineering)

Enrique C. Zaldivar

Director & General Manager, LA Sanitation (LASAN)

BS Civil Engineering, Cal Poly Pomona, 1985

Born in Zacatecas, Mexico, Enrique C. Zaldivar immigrated to the U.S. at age 15 to reunite with his family. Even as a child, he had an affinity for math and science. He was drawn to the construction of projects, which led him to the field of civil engineering—and ultimately, to Cal Poly Pomona.

After graduation, Enrique started out as an assistant engineer, eventually progressing to associate engineer, full engineer, project manager, program manager, assistant general manager, and finally, director and general manager for LA Sanitation for the City of Los Angeles. He accepted increasingly challenging assignments and responsibilities, which included the management and leadership of staff. In his positions, the ability to work effectively with the political leaders of the large City of Los Angeles has been equally crucial.

“I realized early in my career that it was important to demonstrate personal initiative—not only delivering on my own projects, but also assisting others. English was a second language for me, so I also learned to overcome that early barrier.”

Enrique shares what he has learned through the years. “The engineering profession has become more interdisciplinary than ever before. Being able to work well with others of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds remains paramount to the success of one’s career. Choose to become an expert in a particular field of engineering, once you’ve had a chance to test your skills and professional preferences.”