WTS CT Spring 2022 Newsletter

Spring 2022

In this issue: • DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION • MEMBERSHIP SPOTLIGHT • CSCE & WTS BREAKTHROUGH CONVERSATIONS: THE SELF-ADVOCACY SECRET WEAPON FOR WOMEN AT WORK Looking ahead: • MAY 18 - 20: WTS INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE | SEATTLE, WA • JUNE 2: REBOOT RE-ENTRY PROGRAM PRESENTATION WITH CMAA • JUNE 2: WTS-CT & CMAA STEM NIGHT • AUGUST 17: SUMMER SOCIAL • OCTOBER 6: TRANSPORTATION MINI-SERIES • DECEMBER 7: OPEN BOARD MEETING / HOLIDAY SOCIAL Be on the lookout for our next newsletter covering the Awards and Scholarship Banquet! Newsletter

CHAPTER VISION: OFFER A WTS CHAPTER THAT PROVIDES EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS TO ITS MEMBERS IN THE AREAS OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, CAREER SUPPORT, MENTORSHIP, AND STUDENT OUTREACH; OFFERS LEADERSHIP, EDUCATIONAL, AND NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES; ADVANCES WOMEN IN THE TRANSPORTATION INDUSTRY; AND STRIVES TO FUNCTION IN AN ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE MANNER, WITH INTEGRITY AND A COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY.

February 8, 2022 Coffee & Conversations Participants at this event viewed the TED Talk “How To Get Serious About Diversity And Inclusion In The Workpla- ce” to guide the discussion. The talk was given by Janet Stovall, where she outlined her three criteria for workpla- ces to improve in these areas: identifying the problem, setting a concrete goal, and outlining the consequences for not achieving said goal. During the breakout and group conversations, parti- cipants discussed how the job market and opportuni- ties created by businesses directly tie into housing and educational opportunites. We discussed how internships are one way for companies to bring in new hires and intro- important to not just look at what is happening in the moment, but to take the time to learn and understand why these are the actions being taken. The second video was a clip taken from Episode 3 of the documentary series Race: The Power of an Illusion. It took a closer look at how those in power consistently redefined the definition of race to exclude and oppress people of color under the law. In breakout groups, attendees shared how understanding the history of racism in the U.S. is a critical component when working to dismantle racism at a systematic level.

March 8, 2022 duce them to the industry. The interships being paid is one way to break down the finical barriers that exist for people coming from various financial backgrounds. When looking for recent graduates or established professionals to hire, it’s important that businesses take the time to look in areas with a strong minority pool. If they don’t, it’s a missed opportunity to take advantage of the existing and diverse talent. These conver- sations also brought up the question of how companies could attract and incentivize these candidates to move to or stay in Connecticut. Coffee & Conversations During this event, partici- pants viewed the TED Talk “Want to truly succeed? Lift others up while you climb”. This talk was presented by Amber Hikes, the ACLU Chief Equity Officer, where she out- lined three ways we can help each other succeed: ques- tioning your surroundings, mentorship vs sponsorship, and passing the torch for career achievements. In the following group discussion, participants shared their per- sonal experiences and career advice when it comes to su- pporting the women around you, networking opportuni- ties, and career progression. Something as simple as voicing encouragement and support might be all a co-

lleague needs to step out of their comfort zone. Partici- pants agreed that when taking on new

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Kenya Rutland, Principal and Chief Enthusiasm Officer, KJR Consulting and Steph Bogue, WTS-CT Diversity & Membership Chair that networking opportu- nities could be offered both during and outside of work hours to accommodate those who may have family respon- sibilities after work. opportunities but are feeling self-doubt, remind yourself that you are qualified for the role and capable of learning as you go. The discussion em- phasized the importance of prioritizing attendance at ne- tworking events, even if you’re the only minority identity in the room. People also shared

tain their career and have children at the same time. However, they face challen- ges with limited prospects of advancement with their company or lack support from their spouse in see- ing their career as equally important. We shared our thoughts on how companies could provide more compre- hensive solutions to address gender disparities in career achievement and upper ma- nagement. The suggestions mentioned included how companies could allow flexi- ble work hours and provide adequate entry points for full-time jobs after women take on part-time work or a career break.

November 16, 2021 Coffee & Conversations Prior to this session, partici- pants had the opportunity to read the article “Rethink What You ‘Know’ About Hi- gh-Achieving Women”. This article examined how the differences in pay, corporate leadership, job opportunities, and childcare are tied into gender, racial groups, and between generations. An interesting discussion point during the conversation was that oftentimes, there is an unconscious bias that assu- mes women will naturally want to leave or pause their careers in favor of childcare. Many women plan to main-

December 7, 2021 DEI Session 3: Understan- ding Race, Equity, and Social Justice The final session in the DEI Series had participants view two videos during the presen- tation that guided the discus- sion on race, equity, and social justice. How Can We Win, was a speech recently given by Kimberly Jones. She highligh- ted the systematic forms of oppression Black people are constantly forced to navigate and how that directly ties into the forms of protest, rioting, and looting seen in recent news. Following the video, the 48 session attendees parti- cipated in breakout groups where they discussed how it’s

Diversity is a fact. Equity is a choice. Inclusion is an action. Belonging is an outcome. - Arthur Chan

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Membership Spotlight How long have you been a member of WTS? 3 years.

CSCE & WTS Breakthrough Conversations: The Self-Advocacy Secret Weapon for Women at Work To kick off the start of Women’s History Month, WTS-CT and Connecticut Society of Civil Engi- neers (CSCE) held a virtual lunch meeting on Tuesday, March 1, 2022 (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM). At March 1, 2022

dergrad years. He has a post doctorate in planning and was very supportive of my in- terest with planning. He was instrumental in a redevelop- ment project of an industrial area through roads and pu- blic transport and increasing accessibility. I’ve also lived within a good network of public transport and roads in India which helps me value the lack of it in a lot of places. What’s one thing you can’t live without and why? Hiking with my partner! We started hiking together a few years ago, but it became a serious hobby for us during the pandemic. Now we travel and take trips specifically to hike. Out most memorable hikes have been in Acadia National Park, Baxter State Park, Kaaterskill Mountains, Grand Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, and many local places. What is your favorite part about working in transpor- tation? There are a lot of friendly ac- quaintances that I have met. It has been a field that has been both diverse in terms of meeting people of different backgrounds and locations and specific in terms of the

this meeting, Stephanie Slocum, PE, founder of Engineers Rising, LLC, gave a presentation entit- led, Breakthrough Conversations: the Self-Advo- cacy Secret Weapon for Women at Work. Over 50 participants interacted through the platform Mentimeter for recording answers and feedback during the presentation. Ms. Slocum explained to attendees how the tra- ditional methods of tooting your own horn can feel profoundly uncomfortable and inauthentic. Worse, when women and non-binary indivi- duals apply self-advocacy strategies they have

What does a typical work- day look like for you? It begins at 7 am, gathering my thoughts and gearing up for the day. The day is spent attending virtual meetings with project teams or clients and completing tasks. I connect with my fellow team members to learn any new tasks or generally help each other. The day is broken up with a short walk outside or an activity after work away from technology. What do you enjoy the most about being a WTS member? That there is a community of empowered women in the field that share knowledge on various accounts of ca- reer, from how to network to get a job to how to advance in the chosen path. I also like the usage of the platform for knowledge sharing in trans- portation between different companies. Do you have any influences - person, place, or expe- rience - that sparked your interest in the field? My thesis guide in my un-

Name: Rachana Shivaswamy Title: Transportation Planner Company: CDM Smith - - - - - -

specialized projects we work in. Who or what inspires you? My partner inspires me by exuding passion and deter- mination for any task he pic- ks up. It constantly reminds me of the reason I am in this field and motivates me daily. What is one tip you would give to someone in our in- dustry? Passion and perseverance really takes one a long way. There may not be a single path to your goal, and it is completely okay to take the short detours on the job to get to the end goal. How do you enjoy your time outside the office? I enjoy meeting friends, trying new cuisines, coffees & teas, going on short road trips locally, and soaking up the culture.

been mentored on (and worked!) for other colleagues, the strategies often backfire. People then rationalize: “If I just work harder and get so good I can’t be ignored, THEN they’ll have to listen.” The result is a cycle of emerging leaders getting stalled at lower-level positions as they work to exhaustion trying to prove themselves. Practical, authentic self-advocacy stops this cycle and allows people to rise to the leadership level they desire (recognizing everyone can be a leader no matter their title!). According to studies, 78 percent identified their “communi- cation skills” as a leadership skillset that has allowed them to stand out. And 55 percent said speaking up is the #1 “personal attribute” attributed to success. Weren’t able to join the mee-

ting? Watch the video replay here: https://vimeo. com/683488073/ f8b1d835d. To access the sli- des download here: https://bit. ly/3px439B

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