Dat Cao and his family are from Vietnam. He moved to the United States when he was ten years old and has lived in the City of South El Monte for more than 10 years. Dat graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a degree in Landscape Architecture. As a lifelong learner, Dat seeks opportunities to grow while helping others reach their full potential and work toward shared goals. He thrives on projects that involve teamwork and collaboration across multiple disciplines because he values the sense of community found in places such as churches, schools, and workplaces. He enjoys working with people from different backgrounds who bring unique perspectives and strengths. His passion includes designing gardens and community spaces that promote health and wellness. He also enjoys spending time in nature, appreciating the beauty of the natural world and finding inspiration through photography, sketching, and watercolor painting. Learn more about Dat in his own words!
How did you get started working at ActiveSGV?
I discovered ActiveSGV and its mission through a project involving Merced Avenue that ActiveSGV is collaborating on with Alta Planning + Design and the City of El Monte. The project is called the Merced Avenue Linear Park, and it happens to be along the route I usually take when visiting my uncle's house in the neighborhood. After exploring the park in person and learning more about it, I became fascinated not only by its design but also by the positive impact it has on the health and well-being of the community. Features such as bike lanes, walking paths, native landscaping, seating areas, stormwater management systems, and outdoor fitness equipment really piqued my interest as someone who enjoys fitness, garden design, landscape architecture, and learning about the outdoor environment.
What do you like most about working with ActiveSGV?
One thing I really like about working with ActiveSGV is how welcoming and supportive the staff were during my onboarding for my internship. I feel that the office culture truly reflects the organization's values as a community-based nonprofit. There is a strong sense of belonging and a community of talented individuals with unique experiences and skills that I can learn from as I grow as a future landscape architect.
Favorite and memorable ActiveSGV experience:
One of my most memorable experiences at ActiveSGV was during my first week of onboarding, when we learned about the GoSGV program from its director, Jose Jimenez. I had actually met Jose before my internship during a community event at Nike Hill in the Puente Hills. I learned many useful insights about biking and the different types of bike infrastructure. The best part of the experience was when my fellow interns and I participated in a three-mile bike ride led by Jose and other ActiveSGV staff members. It was both exciting and meaningful. I hope to create many more memorable moments with ActiveSGV and the communities we serve during my time here.
If a friend from out of town were to visit, which place in the SGV would you take them to and why?
We would go straight to The Huntington in Pasadena for a stroll while enjoying the beauty of nature. On our way out, we would grab some light snacks and coffee before heading to a local LA Fitness for an epic leg-day workout. After a hard workout, we would definitely treat ourselves to an all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue meal in Alhambra. To wrap up the day, we would search for the best boba spot we could find and take a walk there to burn off at least a few of those calories.
What are you currently listening to, reading, watching, or digging?
I have always been a big fan of podcasts and usually listen to them while driving. My all-time favorite is Mind Pump, a fitness podcast hosted by four experienced trainers who are dedicated to providing honest and practical health and fitness information. When it comes to books, I enjoy reading about nature and topics related to landscape architecture and design. One book I am excited to read is Schools That Heal: Design with Mental Health in Mind by Claire Latané, who was one of my professors at Cal Poly Pomona. The book explores how schoolyard design can significantly impact the health and well-being of both students and teachers. Drawing from her experiences as a former student, educator, professional landscape architect, and researcher, Claire advocates for nature-based approaches to schoolyard design that can help reduce stress, anxiety, and crime while creating healthier learning environments.
