Also born in Shiraz, Iran, and currently located in Dallas, Texas, Jacobs Roadway Engineer Hosna Mousavipour helped Firoozeh coordinate some of the internal campaign activities – feeling inspired to speak up after the personal support she found in her colleagues.
“Once the protests erupted across Iran, there were about five days where I couldn’t get a hold of my mom, who still lives in Shiraz,” shares Hosna. “I was terrified, but I knew I could find support at Jacobs – that’s what we do here. I turned to my colleagues, who were incredible – responding immediately and dropping everything to put me in touch with people who could help. After I was finally able to connect with my mom and confirm she was safe, I just started bawling. I’m so thankful for the support I’ve found at Jacobs – it’s beautiful to feel so cared for by people who have no idea what I’m going through personally.”
For Hosna, this year’s UNiTE to End Violence Against Women campaign is particularly timely, given the ongoing protests in Iran and around the world. It’s a reminder that we have a lot of work to do, and that together, we can help give others a voice.
“Some people are very vocal, while others may not have the courage to do anything. If we come together, we can be the voice for those that don’t.”
Hosna always knew she wanted to be a strong and confident woman – something she’s aspired to be since she was six years old. Receiving her master’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas Arlington, Hosna credits her parents for always supporting her in becoming the woman she is today.
“I was born in Shiraz, but I moved around the world for my dad’s job,” shares Hosna. “I learned at a very young age that life was different in Iran – a culture that didn’t support strong, independent women. Life was very restrictive. We couldn’t paint our nails in school, and we’d be sent to the principal if our Hijabs weren’t perfectly placed. When we moved to Spain for my dad’s job, my family became very close to our neighbor, Maria. She was a successful nurse who lived on her own. I told my parents that’s who I want to be like when I grew up – something I never felt was possible in Iran. Living in Spain, seeing this potential and having my parents’ support changed the course of my life – it’s why I left, and it’s why I am the person I am today. Strong and independent.”
With continued injustices and discrimination against women worldwide, we lean into our Culture of Caring at Jacobs. We rally together, and we lift each other up – taking collective action to make a difference.
“It’s incredible to feel and be seen at Jacobs – from the very top. Our leaders are vocal in supporting all of us. I’m passionate about this issue because I’m an Iranian immigrant, but to also feel that same passion from others who aren’t, that means a lot,” shares Hosna.
At Jacobs, our differences are accepted and celebrated to create a world where everyone can thrive. And with commitment and accountability for leading with inclusion in all we do, it starts with our Executive Leadership Team – a culture that permeates the entire company from there.