Celebrating Native American Heritage and Community

In November, we observe Native American Heritage Month and the diverse cultures, traditions, histories and important contributions of Native American people. At Giroux Glass, we embrace and appreciate every person’s background – including their culture, heritage and experiences. Such recognition upholds the values that strengthen the communities in which we serve, and is likely one reason that we consistently rank a great place to work.

We are committed to our Native American partners and community. We’re grateful especially for our Native American clients, and for our own teammates, whom we would like to recognize here.

Kelly Henry, Navajo Tribe

Kelly Henry, project manager, Giroux Glass, Phoenix, is a member of the Navajo Tribe. She was born and raised on the Navajo reservation in a small town called Crownpoint, NM. Her uncles all worked in the carpenters union in Las Vegas for many years, which inspired her to learn the construction trade. When she was young, Kelly’s grandmother would always tell her, in Navajo, “T’áá hwó’ ají t’éego.” Translation: “It is up to you.” Kelly embraces this and includes, “You have to make things happen for yourself, no one is going to do it for you.”

Kelly came to Giroux in June 2021 as a project coordinator and has shined ever since. Marty McKinley, vice president of Arizona operations has this to say, “Since her arrival, Kelly has worn many hats for our Arizona team. From project coordinator, to safety coordinator, now as a PM, all while running high-profile projects. Because of Kelly’s dedication, work ethic, and many other intangibles, she shows her commitment to excellence every day. I am excited to see what the future holds for Kelly at Giroux.”

Angel Apodaca, Akimel O’odham (Pima) Tribe

Angel Apodaca​, project manager, Giroux Glass, Los Angeles, is a member of the Akimel O’odham (Pima) tribe. This early American tribe traditionally lived along the Gila River and Salt River in Arizona, calling themselves “Akimel O’odham,” meaning the River People. Angel was born and raised in Pico Rivera, California, and spends time regularly with her family. She grew up with construction in her blood. Angel’s grandmother was a tool grinder, in addition to a mom who raised six children. Her uncles were also in the trade; they worked as framers on the reservation. Her grandmother and mother were very strong women and taught her from an early age the value of hard work.

Both role models would remind Angel that nothing would come knocking at her door. They reminded her, “You need to go get it!” They saw life as both an adventure and a reflection of what you make of it, and that view inspires her to this day.

Angel has worked in construction since 2001, when she started at F. Rodgers Insulation. Throughout her career, Angel honed the skills that drive her success. She started with Giroux Glass in 2019, and recently project managed our award-winning Metro Crenshaw/LAX Transit project, part of the current $15B capital improvement program for a reimagined Los Angeles International Airport. Other notable work she has completed includes Kaiser Irwindale, Eva Airways Headquarters, La Biomedical Research, Rams Stadium, Queen of the Valley Hospital, and Intuit Dome Arena.

As we observe Native American Heritage Month, we’re inspired by both Angel’s and Kelly’s families and philosophies that life is both an adventure and reflection of whatever you make of it. We celebrate the diverse cultures, traditions, histories and the important contributions of Native American people. Throughout the month, we encourage everyone to learn more about Native American heritage and culture in an effort to further our own culture of inclusion for all partners, employees and clients.