On April 9, 2021, Engels Tejeda, partner in Holland & Hart’s Salt Lake City office, was interviewed by Doug Jessop on the ABC4 Utah “Jessop’s Journal” program. Tejeda shares aspects of his “only in America” journey of emigrating from the Dominican Republic to the United States as a teenager speaking no English, to becoming a litigation partner in a national law firm.
With the support and encouragement of several women in his life—his mother, grandmother, and a high school teacher—who helped him believe he was meant to “do something,” Engels became the first member of his family in the United States to graduate from college and become a professional.
Passionate about the importance of giving back to his community and investing his skills, time, and talent to public service and pro bono activities, Engels tells Jessup his professional goal is to contribute however he can “to that story of America, to this place where dreams are possible, where we want you to achieve your potential, to maximize your contribution. And to solve all the conflicts that come along with that diversity in a civil way. If I can do that while making a living, I’ll be very, very happy."
Jessop’s Journal provides in-depth interviews with people from all walks of life. Hosted by Doug Jessop, each episode features people that share their experiences: “Everyone has a story. Stories have Power. They help us Understand each other.”
Watch the full interview and read more on ABC4 Utah: Rags to Riches, the American Dream comes true – Engels Tejeda on Jessop’s Journal.