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Finding Cultural Roots: Davin Clark’s Journey for Latino Heritage Month

Davin Clark, Stationary Engineer at the SFPUC, standing in front of a machine with a notepad and pen.
  • Sabrina Suzuki

When you meet Davin Clark, a Stationary Engineer in the San Francisco Public utilities Commission's (SFPUC) Water Enterprise, his pride in his work is as clear as the water he helps deliver to 2.7 million Bay Area residents. Based at the San Antonio Pump Station in Sunol, Davin helps maintain and operate systems that move 250 million gallons of clean drinking water each day.

But beyond his technical expertise, Davin is also on a deeply personal journey—one of reconnecting with his Latino heritage and rediscovering the cultural richness that shapes who he is. “I grew up in Salinas, a community known for agriculture and hard work,” Davin shares. “My grandmother raised us in a time when being Hispanic wasn’t widely accepted. Speaking Spanish wasn’t encouraged in our home, and for a long time, I felt caught between worlds - not fully embraced by Mexican culture and not fully embraced by white culture either.”

Celebrating Latino Heritage Month

Today, Davin sees things differently. “Now it’s something to celebrate. Latino culture is thriving in music, film, and everyday life. I want to learn Spanish, embrace my roots, and make up for lost time. It’s about being proud of who I am.”

Latino Heritage Month spotlight graphic featuring Davin Clark, Stationary Engineer in the Water Enterprise.

For Davin, that pride is grounded in values he learned early in life: hard work, resilience, and family. As a teenager, he worked in the fields picking berries, helped with irrigation on his grandfather’s farm, and supported himself through school by working multiple jobs. “I know the value of a dollar,” he says. “Everything I have, I’ve earned on my own. That’s something I carry with me into my work today.”

At the SFPUC, Davin has found both purpose and belonging. “This is a diverse place where people respect each other. What matters most here is your teamwork, your attitude, and the connections you make. I’m proud to be part of it.” He also credits mentorship from colleagues who pass down not just technical skills, but wisdom and perspective.

Looking Ahead

Davin hopes to keep growing both professionally and personally. “I want to contribute to making SFPUC even safer and stronger for the future. And on a personal level, I want to keep learning more about my heritage, learning Spanish, and sharing that pride with others. I’m Mexican, and I’m proud of that.”

As Latino Heritage Month shines a light on cultural pride and identity, Davin’s story is one of rediscovery. It’s about honoring the past, embracing the present, and creating new opportunities for the future. “At the end of the day, I am who I am,” he reflects. “I’ve learned to be confident in that—and that’s something worth celebrating.”