Newcomer to Self Driving

My time at Aurora has been a journey filled with opportunities to grow and experience the culture of self driving. I was asked to share my path to Aurora and how my experience has shaped my outlook on the importance of culture within an organization.

What brought you to Aurora? Reflecting on your time at Aurora, in what ways have you personally grown, both professionally and personally? Are there specific challenges or successes that stand out?

Aurora's core values initially attracted me to the company. It was crucial for me to ensure that the values I hold personally align with those demonstrated by my colleagues in our day-to-day interactions, rather than just being words on a website. Throughout the interview process, I was consistently impressed by every individual I met, and I found myself filled with a sense of excitement akin to planning a new outfit for the first day of school the night before.

Within Aurora, I've experienced significant personal growth, particularly in learning to be part of a team that genuinely cares. This has been especially meaningful for me, as previous experiences in my career sometimes left me feeling differently. Being able to relax and feel appreciated for my contributions on all levels has been invaluable. Professionally, Aurora has reignited my passion for learning and curiosity. Having spent over a decade in the trucking industry, delving into unfamiliar tech territory has been both challenging and exhilarating. The fusion of these two worlds has sparked wonder about what the future holds for myself and my family.

One of my most significant challenges at Aurora has been navigating the transition into the Tech World. Admittedly, I wouldn't consider myself the most tech-savvy person—I only recently learned how to create gifs on my iPhone using pictures from my camera roll. However, what sets Aurora apart is the willingness of my fellow Aurorans to patiently explain each step and ensure that I stay on track with the information provided. Given my tendency to sometimes wander off into uncharted territory during conversations, I deeply appreciate their efforts to circle back and ensure my understanding, never taking this support for granted.

Aurora's mission is integral to shaping the future of transportation. How do your values align with Aurora's mission, and how does being part of the AUG contribute to that alignment?

My favorite values at Aurora are "Win Together" and "Celebrate Our Diversity." These values guide my actions and conversations every day. They're not just abstract concepts; they're the principles I've passed on to my son and the foundation of our family.

I've always taught my son to embrace who he is without apology. Being authentic not only brings people together but also opens doors to limitless success.

Being part of the Aug Committee has been a tremendous opportunity for personal growth. I've had the chance to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and professions. It's like being in multiple places at once despite having only two legs. Every day, people crave recognition and understanding. I'm proud that I can fulfill that need on a larger scale beyond my immediate work environment.

What advice would you give someone considering joining Aurora or getting involved in AUGs? How can they make the most of their experience and contribute to the culture?

If you're thinking about joining Aurora, imagine the excitement of every "first" experience you've ever had. That same energy is what the Aurora world offers every day. You nailed the interview because you embody our culture. Just be yourself, and don't forget to bring tacos on Tuesdays. I mean, who can resist tacos, right? They're irresistible!

Culture is all about you, and you are the culture. No need for any extras, except maybe on Tuesdays when Taco Bell is an acceptable addition in my book.

Can you share what pivotal moment or experience led to your involvement in Aurora Unified Groups(AUG)? What has your involvement looked like?

The pivotal moment when I felt compelled to join the Aug Committee came after receiving decorative items from various Augs in the company. It sparked a curiosity about the individuals driving the push for inclusion. This curiosity fueled my desire to join the Aug Committee. Collaborating with members from different functions allowed me to connect with and comprehend each mission.

Reflecting on your time with Aurora’s AUGs, could you highlight a specific collaboration, experience or project that had a meaningful impact on you? How did it contribute to your growth within the organization?

As a member of the Aug Committee for Pride Aug, there's been a strong desire among our members to collaborate with Black Aug members. However, there were concerns about expressing needs in a way that benefits everyone without diminishing the space dedicated to each Aug's unique mission.

In a collaborative meeting, I was able to bridge this gap by asking questions that others might have found uncomfortable, as I represent both Augs as an individual.

Through this interaction, I realized the importance of representing people from all backgrounds and providing a space where they can be themselves and feel heard. It begins with the willingness to ask questions and the necessity to learn from the answers.

What does being part of this AUG mean to you personally? How has it shaped your sense of belonging and connection within the larger Aurora community? How has it helped you put Aurora’s Celebrate Our Diversity value into action?

Every day, I make a conscious effort to observe the small details about others when I walk through the door. It's these little gestures that make people feel acknowledged and recognized, like they're not just another face in the crowd. Diversity, to me, is about recognizing and embracing our differences, using them as ingredients for an incredible recipe.

This mindset of openness has completely changed how I connect with people and comprehend the unique paths we all tread. While I may not fully understand your experiences, I'm committed to taking steps toward understanding how your journey of diversity has contributed to the diverse mix that makes up Aurora.