IEA Gives Back 2025 Edition
To wrap up 2025, here's a recap on what our IEA teams accomplished to help their local volunteer initiatives.
Giving back is a commitment woven into our IEA culture. Our vision is clear, “To provide a better life to our communities and our employees day after day.” Through volunteering, donations, and sharing our professional skills, we strive to make meaningful impacts both inside and outside the office.
“Enriching our employees’ lives means more than just work—it’s about empowering them to pursue their goals and values through community stewardship,” said CEO Shakeel Ahmed, “Giving back fosters personal growth, builds connections, and boosts team morale while making a positive impact.”
In 2025, every IEA office contributed to its local community in unique and heartfelt ways. From food bank and toy drives to environmental cleanups, our teams dedicated their time and energy to support those who need it most. As we step into 2026, we hope to inspire continuous acts of kindness.
Dallas Office
TSPE Shoreline Spruce Up
The Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE) maintains a portion of White Rock Lake and hosts monthly “Shoreline Spruce Up” events to keep the lake clean. Our IEA team members joined the effort, waking up early with peers across North Texas.
Emily Babcock, IEA’s Learning & Development Coordinator, said she loved participating with the cleanup. “This was my first volunteering event with any engineering association, and everyone was very welcoming and ready to help out,” she continued, “Even the people on the trail were so appreciative and thanked us while they were out for their morning walk.”
Operation Once in a Lifetime – Toys for Troops
Operation Once in a Lifetime supports military families who often face challenges providing holiday gifts while loved ones are deployed or separated. This year was IEA Dallas’ 13th Annual Toys for Troops Drive. We were proud to provide multiple boxes of toys to brighten Christmas for local military families.
NTFB Mini Golf Tournament
The Dallas Fun Committee hosted a mini golf tournament fundraiser where they built mini golf holes out of cans to support the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB). This event combined friendly competition with charitable impact, with over 1,400 cans to help local families in need. “The main intention was to get employees involved in a meaningful cause, give back to the community, have fun, and build a stronger company culture,” said Osama Ayoub, EIT, Dallas Fun Committee 2025 Chair.
Fort Worth Office
TAFB Bank Holiday Canned Food Event
Serving 13 North Texas counties and providing 1 million meals each week, the Tarrant Area Food Bank (TAFB) is a lifeline for many families. To help encourage food donations for TAFB, our Fort Worth and Dallas teams set a goal to create a centerpiece for the Fort Worth office entryway using donated canned goods. The result was a festive holiday tree display and a team-building activity that left everyone feeling more appreciative and connected.
“Participating and getting the office involved felt like we were making an impact on someone’s meal,” said Brenda Chavez, EIT, IEA Fort Worth Party Planning Committee 2025 Chair. “Small actions can still make a big difference, especially when supporting someone during a difficult time.”
Boot Campaign Volunteer Day
The Boot Campaign is dedicated to honoring and restoring the lives of veterans and military families. As part of the annual Seasons of Service program, IEA volunteers sorted, wrapped, and packaged holiday gifts destined for veteran and active-duty families.
Houston Office
The Summer Games – The Bright Futures Fair
As part of the Harris County One for All Foundation supported by Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis. The Summer Games is a program that encourages health, sportsmanship, and community engagement for kids during summer break.
At the Bright Futures Fair, IEA joined more than 100 participating groups to teach children about health, safety, and environmental awareness. The Houston team held an engaging bridge building activity using popsicle sticks and rubber bands while answering questions about the science behind it.
Waller County Young Life Donations
Houston employees gathered food, school supplies, and other essential items to support Waller County Young Life, a ministry that connects with local teens and young adults.
“Supporting our youth should be made as our priority,” said Alexandria Foster, IEA Houston Administrative Assistant, “As children grow up, it’s important they know there are not alone and they have the necessary tools to help them succeed and feel confident.”
Houston Food Bank
The Houston office participated in the food drive held by Commissioner Lesley Briones of Harris County Precinct 4 in partnership with the Houston Food Bank to provide emergency food assistance to families affected by the government shutdown.
Wilson Wong, PE, IEA Houston Area Manager, personally delivered the Houston team’s donations to Steve Radack Community Center where they received the collections on behalf of Houston Food Bank.
Austin Office
Central Texas Food Bank Volunteer Event
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) hosted a volunteer day at the Central Texas Food Bank. The Austin team worked alongside fellow civil engineering professionals to clean, sort, and pack donated food. Together, the group assembled 200 boxes, which equated to 4,583 meals for Central Texas families.
Operation Blue Santa Toy Drive
Austin Police Department’s Operation Blue Santa has supported local children since 1972, growing from 20 families to more than 5,000 families receiving holiday assistance each year.
“We can get overwhelmed buying presents for friends and family, but others do not have that luxury,” said Lindsey Salisbury, IEA Fort Worth Fun Committee 2025 Chair. “Some families struggle to pay rent or buy food, presents are the last of their worries.”
Salisbury knew of the Operation Blue Santa Toy Drive from prior years volunteering during her time as a Girl Scout.
“When I went to the warehouse, it was heartwarming to see the impact and see a smile on their faces,” said Salisbury.
Continuing to Give throughout the New Year
2025 was a powerful reminder that small acts, when multiplied across teams and communities, can create meaningful change. We are proud of the commitment shown by our employees and grateful for the partners who welcomed our support.
As we look to 2026, we remain dedicated to strengthening our local ties with the community and encouraging our team members to give back.
