WTS CT Winter 2022 Newsletter

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News & Upcoming Events from WTS CT

Winter 2022

Newsletter

In this issue: • COFFEE & CONVERSATIONS SERIES • ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER & SCHOLARSHIP BANQUET • MEMBERSHIP SPOTLIGHT • WTS CT & CMAA STEM NIGHT • REBOOT RE-ENTRY PROGRAM PRESENTATION WITH CMAA • HIKING SOCIAL AT GIUFFRIDA PARK • CHAPTER LEADER TRAINING • SUMMER SOCIAL • MEMBERSHIP APPRECIATION EVENT • OPEN BOARD MEETING & HOLIDAY SOCIAL • TRANSPORTATION MINI-SERIES

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 NETWOR- KING OPPORTUNITIES; ADVANCES WOMEN IN THE TRANSPORTATION INDUSTRY; AND STRIVES TO FUNC- TION IN AN ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE MANNER, WITH INTEGRITY AND A COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY.

ANNUAL AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIP BANQUET April 21, 2022 St. Clements Castle, Portland, CT

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Coffee & Conversations

September 13, 2022 The discussion was guided by viewing the TED Talk “3 ways to be a better ally in the workplace.” Writer and ad- vocate Melinda Briana Epler explains how being an ally for those who face discrimi- nation can improve people’s chances for success at work. In this actionable talk, she shares three ways to support people who are underre- presented in the workplace. Following the video, atten- dees participated in breakout conversations and a group discussion. The discussion was guided by viewing the TED Talk “4 ways to redefine power at work to include women of color.” Exposing the harmful repercussions of racist, to- xic organizational cultures, soul coach Rha Goddess and corporate inclusion visio- nary Deepa Purushothaman share four pathways to rei- magine work so women of color are centered as leaders. Following the video, atten- dees participated in breakout conversations and a group discussion. November 8, 2022

WTS CT was thrilled to return in person for the 2022 Annual Awards celebrating our friends and colleagues within our Connecticut transportation industry. Congratulations to our winners: Woman of the Year: Kimberly Lesay, Bureau of Policy & Planning, CTDOT Innovative Transportation Solutions: Superpedestrian’s LINK Shared Scooter System Employer of the Year: Jacobs Engineering Group Member of the Year: Jessica Fasi, BL Companies

May 10, 2022

The discussion was guided by viewing the TED Talk “The myth of bringing your full, authentic self to work.” Wri- ter Jodi-Ann Burey outlined steps toward exposing privi- lege and achieving true equi- ty on the job -- and implores those in leadership positions to accept responsibility for change. Following the video, attendees participated in breakout conversations and a group discussion. The discussion was guided by viewing the TED Talk “A feminist reimagining of Ken- ya’s public transport.” Brin- ging a feminist perspective, activist and TED Fellow Nao- mi Mwaura calls for a revolu- tion in public transportation by making routes transpa- rent, protecting passengers from harassment and paving a career path for women in the industry. Following the video, attendees participated in breakout conversations and a group discussion. July 19, 2022

Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership: Kenya Rutland, KJR Consulting Scholarship Recipients: Saki Rezwana, Emily Trezza, Aryanna Fontanez, Claire Sullivan, Monet Massey, Eiet Anaam

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Membership Spotlight How long have you been a

STEM Night: Exploration into Transportation, Engineering, and Construction WTS CT and CMAA hosted a STEM Night at the Cora J. Belden Library in Rocky Hill on June 2nd. After a 2-year hiatus (due to the pandemic), we returned for the fourth annual STEM Night for students in 5th - 12th gra- des with hands-on activities that encourage students to pursue STEM-related careers. Thank you to all volunteers and participants -- we had the most exhibitors yet in 4 years of hosting the event!

June 2, 2022

it uplifts, it soothes, it works out emotions and tension. (Now, anyone that knows me would’ve bet I was going to say coffee! I can live without coffee – it’s just that no one around me wants to expe- rience that!) What is your favorite part about working in transpor- tation? The ability to make a positive change for real people – seeing our company work with the stakeholders to make solutions work for not just the rich or privileged but every day folks as well. Who or what inspires you? Inspiration is everywhere – I could list a million things. Most of them are summed up in that classic quote about Senator Elizabeth Warren – “Nevertheless, she persisted.” What is one tip you would give to someone in our in- dustry? Always listen to the people that live there. Those are the folks that you need to buy in and are too often forgotten. Don’t forget that they are people, with lives and joys and hardships, and they are

member of WTS? About three years.

Name: Kelley Kelly Title: Contracts and DBE Manager, Associate Company: FHI Studio - - - - - -

What does a typical work- day look like for you? Lots of coffee and screentime. I work from home mostly (using my lun- chbreak to pick up my older two from school). It allows me to focus on the rather persnickety language issues better but I do try to make sure I reach out to colleagues to touch base via Teams so that I don’t completely lose all my social skills! What do you enjoy the most about being a WTS member? The ability to keep learning – I’ve learned so much from the others here. Do you have any influences —person, place, or experience—that sparked your interest in the field? I fell into this field by acci- dent 20+ years ago and have had my interest sparked just by working here. What’s one thing you can’t live without and why? Music. It feeds my soul in a way that nothing else does –

the reason our projects exist.

How do you enjoy your time outside the office? Mostly driving children to hockey but mostly music (professional choral singer), art (Zentangle, crochet), and various geeky pursuits (D and D, Lego) :) Is there anything else you’d like to share? I see myself as a heart- driven geek, mom and wife, musician, artist, fat chick, pilot, and lover of beauty and equity. I live in Newing- ton with my husband, three feisty teenagers, and an even feistier cat. What is your WTS CT Leadership/Committee position? Chair of the Membership and Diversity Committee Are you involved in any other organizations? Only organizing my house- hold...which doesn’t count and isn’t very organized... ;-)

Reboot Re-Entry Program Julie Lucas and Sara Vararigos from CDM Smith discussed their success with the Reboot Re-Entry Program that focuses on integrating profes- sionals into the workforce after a long break in their careers. The overview of their program and its success rate is a great model for other companies to think about when trying to fill the need for more STEM professionals. June 2, 2022

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Membership Appreciation

Summer Social

September 1, 2022 Paradise Hills Vineyard & Winery

On September 1st WTS CT returned in per- son for the Summer Social at Paradise Hills Vineyard & Winery. This year the Student Outreach and Scholarship committee hosted a lollipop garden fundraiser which proceeds went to our scholarship fund.

October 23, 2022 Giuffrida Park, Meriden, CT

In October, WTS CT members and supporters experienced the beautiful fall foliage and vistas on Lamentation Moun- tain in Giuffrida Park in Me- riden while connecting with colleagues and enjoying the fresh air! The hike was about 3.5 miles long and was led by Jim Kulpa , VHB. Jim gave tons of tips on hiking and sa- fety to the group and shared things he’s learned over the years in his hiking trips and leading his son’s Boy Scout Group. We already can’t wait for next year’s hike!

Chapter Leadership Development

Headshots & Happy Hour

This year’s Chapter Leadership Develo- pment training was hosted in Kansas

November 14-16, 2022 Kansas City, MO

September 20, 2022 Elicit Brewing Co, Manchester, CT

City, Missouri and attended by people from chapters across the United States and Canada. The two day conference provided sessions on best practices for Chapter Leaders and panels to hear the experiences of industry leaders. It was fi- lled with many opportunities to network with the inspiring group of professionals in attendance. WTS CT Secretary, Steph Bogue , attended the training.

Members had a lively evening of ne- tworking with colleagues over drinks and dinner! This event was a wonderful way to celebrate our members and say “thank you” for their continued su- pport of our mission to advance women in transportation. Everyone took the opportunity to get their headshot taken and Brian Ambrose was an excellent photographer.

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16th Annual Transportation Mini-Series October 6, 2022 Sheraton Hotel, Rocky Hill, CT

Open Board Meeting & Holiday Social

December 8, 2022 Wood-n-Tap, Newington, CT

The 16th Annual Transportation Mini-Series was held on October 6, 2022. This was our first in-person TMS in three years, and we had the highest level of attendance in the conference’s history! We heard topics ranging from Transportation GIS Initiatives to Electric Vehicle Charging, and a lunchtime keynote on avoiding burnout. We’re looking forward to next year’s TMS – stay tuned for the

The final event of the WTS CT calendar year, the Open Board Meeting and Holiday Social, was held at the Wood-n-Tap in Newington on October 8th. It was highly atten- ded and the food and drink was plentiful. Happy holidays to all our members!