Cerasela Cristei, P.E., Attends the WTS Chapter Leaders Training

On November 16, 2017, over 100 WTS leaders from across America met at The Golden Nugget Hotel in Downtown Las Vegas for two days of Chapter Leadership Training.

Cerasela Cristei, P.E., the Chair of the Professional Development Committee for the WTS D.C. Chapter was selected to attend this training, along with Chapter President, Avital Barnea and Hospitality Committee Chair, Brittney Gick.

Cerasela was selected for the training due to her service on the committee for the past four years, as well as her dedication to the advancement of women in the transportation industry.

On the first day, presentations and group discussions involved diversity, marketing and branding, membership, and mentoring. Leaders shared ideas and strategies they have successfully applied in their individual chapters. The WTS Foundation was at the center of the afternoon discussions, including review of the strategic plan, goals and program components, as well as IRS rules for filing tax returns.

On the second day, the group collaborated to complete a SWOT analysis for the organization (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats). 

While this event focused on concerns relevant to the WTS board members and chapter leaders, the content and lessons were widely applicable across many disciplines and professions. It also afforded a variety of networking opportunities.

While in Las Vegas, Cerasela and Avital were able to sample transportation of the future, by experiencing a driverless ride in a Keolis shuttle. Both noted that the vehicle was equipped with an emergency brake, for passenger peace of mind!

Amy Morris, P.E., Presents on Panel for Women in the Building (WIB) Industry Event

Northern Virginia Building Industry Association (NVBIA) Women in the Building Industry: 2017 Leadership Development Roundtable on November 14, 2017

“Leadership Opportunities for Women”

On November 14, the NVBIA Women in the Building Industry hosted a 2017 Leadership Development Roundtable at the International Country Club in Fairfax, Virginia. B.A. Spignardo of Shapiro, Lifschitz & Schram gave the keynote address and then moderated a panel of three other women in the industry: Amber Peebles of Athena Construction Group, Nancy Gilreath of Van Metre Companies, and Amy Morris, P.E., of T3 Design Corporation. The panel focused on the topic of "identifying opportunities that unlock your leadership potential."  

The panelists shared their experiences in career advancement and how they have implemented programs and priorities to help other women reach their own career goals more quickly. Both Amber and Amy discussed challenges leading teams in male dominated fields and how they established credibility and confidence in their skills and abilities. 

Other topics covered included work-life balance, how to find a mentor and then how to become a mentor to others, along with lessons learned from decades of experience.

Related link:

https://nvbia.com/about-nvbia/committees/women-in-the-building-industry-committee/

Amy Morris, P.E., Presents on Panel for Women's Transportation Seminar (WTS) Event

WTS-DC Professional Development/Scholarship/Mentoring Committees joint event on Oct 23, 2017.

“Making Stride in Your Career”

On October 23rd, the WTS professional development, scholarship and mentoring committee hosted a joint event “Making Stride in Your Career.” This event was built on the last year’s “Developing your Personal Brand” theme by focusing on career advancement. The event was held in the Arlington County Board Room.  

The event featured four panelists from different transportation sectors: public, non-profit, as well as both small and large private companies. Panelists included Jennifer Aument, Group General Manager at Transurban; Neil Pedersen, Director of the Transportation Research Board (TRB); Amy Morris, P.E.,, president of T3 Design Corporation; and, Bill Cuttler, Assistant District Engineer for the Northern Virginia District of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). 

Panelists answered questions and shared advice from decades of professional experience and learning from their own mistakes. A few tidbits from the event are shared below:

• Do not be too rigid in your ideal career path or worry about hitting specific milestones within particular time frames. If you are too specific about job positions, you may be closing the door to greater opportunities.

• Surround yourself with people who complement your skills.

• Learn from your mistakes, but do not dwell on them.

• Be cautious about the temptation to jump between employers to broaden your experience. You may be able to broaden your experience with your current employer.

• Go out of your way to genuinely compliment others, including your supervisor.

• Mentor others. At almost every level, you have experience to help others.

• Volunteer for professional organizations that can broaden your experience and leadership skills.

• Reading, taking classes, and learning are just one piece of career development. Just remember that knowledge is trumped every day by action. Apply what you learn.

• Do not expect other people to give you praise and be able to document and market your own track record of successes. You often must be your own advocate.

• Market yourself for higher level jobs that attract your interests.

• The greatest failure in performance appraisals is a lack of mutual understanding about what factors are to be monitored and how they will be measured. It is important to communicate goals and objectives, with regular feedback.

• Hire for diversity, not just the people who are the most like you. This ensures better ideas, backgrounds, and ways of thinking are represented to solve today’s challenges.

http://www.wtsinternational.org/washington-dc/