06/03/2026
HGA’s Government Services Senior Grant Manager, Hillary Sotello, recently visited her daughter’s third-grade class to introduce students to disaster recovery and the importance of resilient infrastructure.
Hillary shared what it’s like to work as a consultant helping communities manage grant funding so they can rebuild and recover after natural disasters. To make resiliency relatable, she used the classic story of The Three Little Pigs to show why stronger, smarter construction matters when preparing for future storms.
Students also explored why hurricanes impact communities differently based on elevation, population density, and infrastructure. One standout moment was learning how essential infrastructure is in everyday life—especially the surprising realization of how quickly (or not) toilets can flush depending on system design.
Another key takeaway was understanding that grant funding must be used correctly or it may need to be repaid—sparking plenty of curious questions and imaginative “what if” discussions.
We’re proud to see our team sharing knowledge and helping inspire the next generation to understand the real-world importance of disaster recovery and grant management in building resilient communities.
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