Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month
In celebration of Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month this May, McCarthy partners share how their cultural backgrounds shape their work, leadership and relationships across the construction industry. From lessons in resilience and humility to advice on curiosity, authenticity and lifelong learning, these stories highlight the diverse experiences that strengthen our teams.
Row Amelung
Commissioning Director, Central Region, National Water Group
What’s one thing you enjoy most about your job?
I love the ability to work with clients, designers and project teams throughout the entire project life cycle. It allows me to leverage best practices and lessons learned from our projects and make continuous improvements for our partners. I also enjoy learning about how water and wastewater plants operate, including the process of cleaning water.
How does your cultural background influence who you are at work?
My parents were very hard workers and spent their entire careers at the same companies from the time they immigrated. They had a strong influence on my work ethic and taught me to value the people around me. They also built a supportive Filipino community since coming to the United States, which taught me the importance of having a sense of community at work.
What advice would you give to the next generation entering the construction industry?
Take on new opportunities, even if it’s not part of your master plan. This can broaden your perspective when taking leadership roles within the business - and you may find that you really enjoy a role you never thought of before. I am so grateful to have taken on several roles within MBC and across various business units. It’s helped me to identify and mitigate risks to our projects, become a better builder and grow an internal and external network of partners to help with anything that I need.
What’s a fun fact about you that co-workers might not know?
During the pandemic, I parlayed my piano and violin skills into learning the ukulele. I have a vision of singing and playing the ukulele at a future Water event. We’ll see if our leaders are open to it!
Kevin Lew
MEP Preconstruction Director, Northern Pacific Region
What’s one thing you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy building a future where every generation of MBC partners, including my own, grows stronger than the previous one.
How does your cultural background influence who you are at work?
Looking back at my grandparents’ experiences — growing up in the Guangdong Province in China without formal education and not speaking English — and comparing that to what my parents have accomplished gives me a strong sense of drive and responsibility. It motivates me to work hard, overcome obstacles and create even greater opportunities for my children, so they can build on that progress and achieve more than the generations before them.
What advice would you give to the next generation entering the construction industry?
Always be curious and never stop pursuing knowledge, especially with the growing presence and impact of Artificial Intelligence.
What’s a fun fact about you that co-workers might not know?
I grew up in Hayward, California, but my mom was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. I was fortunate to spend entire summers there from when I was born till I was 18. It feels like a second home and the Hawaii culture and Aloha spirit are a big part of who I am today.
Sandeep Tamrakar
Estimating Manager, Southern Region
How does your cultural background influence who you are at work?
Born and raised in Nepal, my Nepali background has shaped a strong sense of humility, respect and work ethic in how I approach my job. Growing up, I was taught the importance of education, family, supporting others and staying grounded, regardless of success. At work, that translates into being a team player, respecting different perspectives and staying calm and solution-focused even in challenging situations. Coming from a culture rooted in adaptability and resilience, I’ve become comfortable navigating change and finding practical solutions.
What advice would you give to the next generation entering the construction industry?
I received some really helpful guidance early on in my career that I would pass down to the next generation. Stay curious and be intentional about your development. Relationships are super critical in our industry. While they take time to earn, they can be lost quickly, so treat them with care. Surround yourself with talented construction minds and absorb as much from them as possible.
What’s a fun fact about you that co-workers might not know?
I actually have three:
- I am married to my middle school sweetheart (we started dating in eighth grade).
- I am quadrilingual. I can communicate fluently in four languages: Nepali, Newari, English and Hindi.
- My last name, Tamrakar, literally means ‘copper worker’ in Nepali. I still have relatives back home who are skilled copper artisans and run copper-related businesses.
Sheila Ramos
Compliance Analyst, Southern Region
What’s one thing you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy supporting project teams in an area I am passionate about. As project requirements vary, the opportunity to provide guidance is a meaningful way for me to contribute to MBC’s overall success.
How does your cultural background influence who you are at work?
Growing up Filipino American has given me a unique outlook and a set of values I carry with pride. My cultural values include service, hard work and humility and they are reflected in my commitment to support partners and add value wherever it is needed most.
What advice would you give to the next generation entering the construction industry?
Proactively seek out opportunities and don’t hesitate to voice your perspective. Show up as your authentic self.
What’s a fun fact about you that co-workers might not know?
I'm a fan of Korean dramas and K-pop.
Sara Zahbihi
Associate General Counsel, Northern Pacific Region
What is your role at the company?
I recently stepped into a role as Associate General Counsel for the Northern Pacific Region, where I partner with our project teams to navigate complex legal and risk issues. Prior to that, I was a Senior Corporate Counsel for McCarthy Holdings, Inc.
What’s one thing you enjoy most about your job?
I really enjoy collaborating and working directly with our project teams at every level to solve problems in a way that both manages risk and keeps the work moving in the field.
How does your cultural background influence who you are at work?
It shapes how I show up — with humility, a strong work ethic and a focus on success. It also guides how I listen, collaborate and advocate for our people.
What advice would you give to the next generation entering the construction industry?
Stay curious, open and humble. Ask questions whenever you can, not just of your direct team, but of the many different people and roles we have across the enterprise. When you ask questions, listen really well to their answers with an open mind.
What’s a fun fact about you that co-workers might not know?
I love learning about different cultures and people, and one of my favorite ways to do that is by traveling to remote, non-touristy places that offer true cultural immersion.
