WTS Connecticut Spring 2021 Newsletter

Getting Involved

WTS CT 2021 Officers Board of Directors

Membership Spotlight What does a typical work- day look like for you?

We could never be successful without our volun- teers! If you are interested in serving on one of the WTS CT Chapter Committees please contact Rebecca Hall, WTS CT Chapter President, at hall- rr@cdmsmith.com.

cancer and raising my sister and me. She is now 16 years cancer-free! Finally, the Walt Disney World Resort. Their transportation systems are amazing and work so well. I had an internship there un- der the project management team that oversaw all of the road and parking lot mainte- nance across the resort. What’s one thing you can’t live without and why? Traveling! Currently, I have been to 40/50 U.S. states, 8 countries, and have comple- ted dives in 2 countries (I’m a certified SCUBA diver). Now, I plan several vacations every year, including at least one trip to Walt Disney World for the runDisney Star Wars Rival Run race weekend. I am working on running a half marathon in every state! So far I have CT, RI, TX, LA, FL, OH, NY, and SC. What is your favorite part about working in transpor- tation? The people I get to work with on a daily basis, and the people I get to connect with during WTS events. I’m very grateful to be able to work with and connect with so many hard-working and incredibly smart people.

President Rebecca Hall, PE, PTOE, PMP CDM Smith

I get to work with an ama- zing group of people at CT- DOT headquarters and learn something new every day. In the Bridge Design Unit, I can ask anyone a question and everyone is more than willing to help. We also get to work with different de- partments to collaborate on projects. After work, I either attend class for my master’s degree in Construction Ma- nagement at CCSU or return home to start my second job as a travel agent for Key to the World Travel, a full-servi- ce travel agency that specia- lizes in Disney vacations. What do you enjoy the most about being a WTS member? I love meeting new people in transportation and learning about what they do. It’s really helpful and easier to connect to women in a similar field. Do you have any influences that sparked your interest in the transportation field? Both my dad and grandfa- ther were mechanical engi- neers, and my grandfather held patents. My mom has shown me the strength of women by beating breast

Current Chair Vacancies: • Events Committee • Leadership & Mentorship

Name: Emily O’Keefe Title: Transportation Engineer Trainee - Bridge Design Company: CTDOT - - - - - -

The leadership committee began, in 2017, crea- ting a leadership training program that consists of 15 core competencies based on OPM’s defini- tion of leadership characteristics. To date eleven of the fifteen core competencies have been held with two additional sessions planned for 2020. The different sessions are typically held in per- son and are an hour long with a light breakfast/ networking in the beginning but will be offered through virtual webinars during this difficult time. WTS CT is looking for a chair and co-chair to help lead efforts to complete the program. “The WTS Connecticut Chapter provides ex- ceptional benefits to its members in the areas of professional development, career support, mentorship, and student outreach; offers lea- dership, educational, and networking opportu- nities; advances women in the transportation industry; and strives to function in an environ- mentally sustainable manner, with integrity and a commitment to diversity.”

Vice President Lisa Slonus, PE, PTOE Weston & Sampson

Who or what inspires you? Mary Baker. She is a very hard working and intelligent woman and it’s great to see a successful woman in our industry who also has been able to have a family. What is one tip you would give to someone in our in- dustry? Meet as many people as you can and learn something from them. Everyone has their own story and it’s ins- piring to see what they’ve overcome. How do you enjoy your time outside the office? At home, I enjoy running, ka- yaking, reading, and playing with my rescue rabbits, Beast and Cocoa. Both were adop- ted from CottonTail Rabbit Rescue in Wallingford. My husband and I also started a small vegetable garden.

Treasurer Katherine Klose, RSP1  BL Companies

Secretary Cara Radzins, AICP CTP CRCOG

Immediate Past President Bonnie Damato-Torres Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc.

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