Each year, VPCS welcomes a group of talented interns who bring fresh perspectives, curiosity and energy to our team. The 2025 cohort has contributed across multiple districts, supporting major campus upgrades and developing new digital tools. In addition to their hands-on experience, they have also participated in weekly “Intern 101” sessions, where they’ve had the opportunity to learn about key industry topics such as delivery methods, the Division of the State Architect (DSA) and state funding.
Whether they returned for a second internship or joined us during the peak of construction season, they are gaining real-world experience in construction management and building the foundation for their future careers.
We are proud to highlight the contributions and stories of this year’s interns.
Emiliano Verdin
After graduating from high school earlier this year, Emiliano spent his first summer as a graduate interning with the team at Calistoga JUSD. He worked alongside Jeremy Gibb, lead VPCS project manager for Calistoga, who said, “Emiliano definitely had a full ’Construction 101’ experience this summer. He was very helpful, assisting with meeting minutes and showing subcontractors around when I couldn’t. He is on a path for success in the future.”
Emiliano said the internship experience solidified his decision to pursue a future in construction management. Inspired by what he learned and the people he worked alongside, he now plans to earn a degree in the field.
Jinal Sondagar
Before deciding to pursue a master’s degree in construction management at California State University, East Bay (which she will complete in summer 2026), Jinal worked as an architect in India for several years. Her professional background has made her a valuable asset on our Hayward USD team.
“What drew me to VPCS was the company’s deep connection to education,” said Jinal. “As someone who has gone through public schooling and is now studying on a student visa, I’ve seen firsthand how much the quality of a school’s environment can affect how students feel and learn.”
During her internship, Jinal said one lesson stood out above all others: “The VPCS motto, ‘Do Whatever It Takes,’ is more than just a phrase to describe the Van Pelt Way; it’s a mindset that everyone on the team lives by.”
Reyli Cuellar
Reyli is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of California San Diego, where he is pursuing a degree in structural engineering and serving as vice president external of the UCSD Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) chapter. This being his first internship, Reyli said he sees it as the foundation for his career.
“We’re grateful for the contributions of our summer intern, Reyli, whose hard work and dedication have made a real impact in the San Diego office,” said Sheree Stopper, VPCS Program Finance Manager, who has worked closely with Reyli this summer. “He has been instrumental in developing a new data dashboard that will improve how we track and share project information with our clients. He’s also been a key support on the Lemon Grove summer projects, stepping in wherever needed to keep things moving smoothly.”
Sadhana Varma Dantuluri
Sadhana is pursuing a master’s degree in construction management at California State University, East Bay, with an expected graduation in December 2025. She began her internship at the beginning of this year and has been supporting our Hillsborough City SD team.
This year, she has helped with several facilities improvement projects, including HVAC and roofing replacement, construction of a new multipurpose room and replacement of the domestic waterline. “Working on a diverse set of projects keeps things exciting. No two days are the same, and there’s always something new to learn or get involved in,” she said.
Christopher Escalona Barragan
Christopher began his VPCS internship in the summer of 2024 and has been a valued team member ever since, supporting districts including Santa Rosa City Schools, Cloverdale USD and Old Adobe Union SD. A graduate of Napa Valley USD’s Vintage High School, Christopher has found special meaning in giving back to the community where he grew up.
One of his favorite memories this summer was helping with a school move. “The process really showed me the advantage of using a local moving company,” said Christopher. “Plus, one of our movers ran into two of his high school teachers and one from his middle school. It was great to see teachers reconnecting with their former students,” he said. Moments like these remind him why he enjoys working with local partners who share the same roots as the students and teachers they serve.
Harshitha Paladugu
Harshitha recently completed her master’s degree in construction management from California State University, East Bay, and is now supporting the Redwood City SD team. She said she was drawn to construction management because of the dynamic and challenging nature of execution work, which keeps her motivated and eager to learn each day.
Project Manager Nick Olsen, who oversaw Harshitha’s contributions this summer, said, “She joined the Redwood City team in the middle of a summer burn and was thrown straight into the fire. She emerged like a phoenix, working late nights and weekends right alongside our contractors. Harshitha’s hard work, dedication and eagerness to learn have made an immediate impact. We’re grateful to have her on our team.”
Gabe Cabezas
Our Pleasanton USD team was proud to welcome Gabe back for his second internship with VPCS this summer. “I really enjoyed my time working with the team last year so I was excited and eager to return,” said Gabe.
Gabe spent most of the summer on site at Foothill High School in Pleasanton, where he supported the Athletics and Performing Arts Center project. He also played a key role in the final back-to-school preparations for Sylvia Mendez Elementary School in Berkeley, where he worked alongside his father and longtime VPCS team member, Cesar Cabezas. “I enjoyed seeing him in action. I’m extremely proud of him,” said Cesar.
Gabe has only one semester remaining in his program at Jessup University, so we look forward to seeing him expand his skills and take the next steps in his construction management career.
August 27, 2025