Hi, this is Devi Nallamala. I work as an Engineering Manager I in the Project Services Division in Public Works’ Engineering Services Department where we manage Countywide capital construction projects. I moved to the Engineering Services group in 2020 and have now been with the Public Works Agency for 14 years. I began my journey as Design Engineer II in Watershed Protection in 2008. I got my engineering license, became a CA licensed professional engineer in 2012, and then moved to an Engineer IV position in 2016. During my tenure as a design engineer, I developed engineering plans, specifications and cost estimates for various flood control projects and gained experience in contract and construction management under the guidance of Masood Jilani.

I was born and raised in Hyderabad, India. Growing up in India there is always a tendency in Indian families that the boys get more education and privileges than girls. However, there was no discrimination as such in our family. My parents presented the same opportunities and both my sister and I were given freedom and support to explore and do things on our own. I feel that certainly reflects my personality too. I moved to the US in 2002 on a student visa to pursue a master’s degree in Civil Engineering. I graduated from Lamar University, TX in 2003. I am one of two girls and I’m thankful to my parents for supporting us to pursue our dreams far from home. My mom has been a great influence in my life since I was a young girl. She never had a college education, but she always encouraged us to pursue a higher education, and she always thought about how important it is for girls to be financially independent.

Now as a project manager I have very challenging and interesting projects on the work front. At the moment, I’m managing the construction of the Fillmore Library Expansion project. The proposed library expansion would allow the library to offer more programs and services to meet the growing needs of the community. I’ll also be managing the construction of Ventura County Medical Center Helipad Replacement project where we will be replacing the existing helipad on top of VCMC Fainer building with a new and larger helipad to accommodate newer Blackhawk helicopters, suitable for both rescue and fire suppression. It is very satisfying to work on projects that will have a tremendous positive impact on the community for generations to come.

For me, VCPWA nurtured my career very well, putting forward opportunities and training that continues to inspire. I feel grateful to work for the Agency that values employee growth andoffers opportunities for advancement in your career. I appreciate the support I receive every day from my coworkers and Deputy Director and mentor, Brian D’Anna. I’m happy that the County fosters work-life balance as well. I enjoy the perks the County offers through wellness programs and I’m thankful for the flexible work arrangements we can use during these COVID times.

I have been married for 16 years; my husband also works for the County of Ventura in the IT Services Department. We feel extremely lucky to live and work within a mile radius; we have more time to do things that nourish us as a family – whether it is spending time together or going out for an evening stroll or meeting friends. Living close to work also allows me to enjoy walking to work somedays!

I love to cook and enjoy experimenting with different cuisine dishes by substituting meat with vegan and gluten-free options. I also love to watch old Indian movies in my free time. I have a 12-year-old son who plays tennis and basketball. I enjoy watching him play and most of my weekends are busy with matches or practice games.

I don’t consciously plan for the future, my mantra is always making the best of what you have in the present, and your future will be unconsciously bright. I guess it is working so far! 😊 You can’t predict anything that will happen in the future, so make the best out of whatever you have today, and your future will be good.