Gerardo Berthin, U.S.
“Beyond a static definition, diversity and inclusion mean action, moving forward in understanding our organizational needs and in doing something to ensure we live our mission through our core values.”
Gerardo Berthin is a Senior Associate in our Democracy and Governance sector. With more than 20 years of experience, he came to Tetra Tech five years ago after spending over a decade working in the field with the United Nations. Throughout his career, Gerardo has worked in over 40 countries across the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Central and Eastern Europe. His experience has taught him that, “by nature, international development is about diversity and inclusion.” He recognizes that the participation of people across cultures, sectors, disciplines, age groups, etc. is central to solving the most complex challenges and focuses on strategies and approaches to break inflexibility and exclusionary systems. Though the industry continues to face challenges in realizing diversity, inclusion, and equality, Gerardo believes he, as well as Tetra Tech, can lead by example as effective messengers and catalysts of change for a more diverse and inclusive field.
Gerardo’s passion for international development has stemmed from a combination of factors. As an intern for the Organization of American States in Washington, D.C., he gained a critical insight and perspective into the work. He is grateful for the many mentors, advisers, and professors who have supported him throughout his career and provided him with the theoretical and academic background necessary to be an agent of change. “I learned development is about more than income and wealth. Effective governance is central to human development. I dedicated most of my career to understanding that relationship through research and evidence, enabling me to offer ideas on how to strengthen governance and expand people’s choices.” Gerardo feels constantly nourished by his role implementing a set of principles and core values that focus on how people can gain power through participation and influence decisions that directly impact their lives.
With its credibility and impact globally, Tetra Tech enables its experts to contribute to a diverse range of technical services for clients and beneficiaries. Gerardo highlights the camaraderie, passion, and shared values amongst his colleagues, working to solve complex democracy and governance challenges. He is grateful for and inspired by the opportunities to work with several experts as well as manage and provide technical support for large value projects. These are examples of ways Gerardo has been encouraged to grow professionally and learn new tools, approaches, and strategies. “Having these opportunities have inspired and challenged me to work effectively to achieve desired results. I feel privileged to be a part of an organization that values my voice and helps me learn and grow.”
Diversity and inclusion are often thought of as race and gender. Though they are good starting points, Gerardo defines diversity and inclusion as going beyond and incorporating culture, opportunity, multiple and varying perspectives, and intellectual thought into every project and situation. “Beyond a static definition and meaning, diversity and inclusion means action, moving forward in understanding our organizational needs and in doing something to ensure we live our mission through our core values. It means pausing and reflecting on areas that we can improve, individually and collectively. It means leading by example and charting a path towards an organizational culture that is wrapped around diversity and inclusion goals and values. It means promoting diversity and inclusions not only in our technical activities and services, but across our recruitment, communication and outreach activities, and strategic decisions.”
As an active member of the Equity Initiative, Gerardo champions diversity and inclusion every day. The Equity Initiative is a volunteer task force dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the work place and was established by Tetra Tech’s senior management and is led by employees. The Initiative’s goal is to bring equity to the forefront of our organization priorities and help us foster equal opportunities by providing a forum to discuss issues and propose action to support a positive working environment for all employees.
“The collaborative work of the Equity Initiative invites and values all employees, embracing the diversity in our workplace. This is one of the factors that makes us qualified to deal with the complex challenges of international development. Collectively, the Equity Initiative strives to promote diversity as one of our organizational strengths and is a means to engage senior management, bringing issues to their attention and providing ideas for effective solutions.”
Key actors in the international development community have been actively developing high-level reference frameworks, such as the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and USAID’s Journey to Self-Reliance, to promote local solutions and a culture of accountability, diversity, and inclusion. “As long as we continue to strengthen our capacity to be open to diversity and inclusion, I believe Tetra Tech will be in a strong position to respond to future challenges and continue to lead by example.”
