Going Above and Beyond…Again and Again and Again

If you want to learn the breadth and depth of volunteer/work possibilities with WTS-LA and how the chapter really works, ask Mahsa Pan. But it’s not because she’s done it all. It’s because she’s doing it all. And given her penchant for excellence, she’s also making everything she gets involved with better, redefining what it means to be the WTS-LA Member of the Year.

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A Senior Civil Engineer at the Port of Los Angeles (POLA), Mahsa Hematabadi Pan has risen through the ranks at POLA for the last 15+ years. She has distinguished herself there and is an extremely valued member of an accomplished port team. So, it’s no surprise that she brings that dedication, commitment, and excellence to WTS-LA.

Pan joined the chapter in 2011, volunteering in various committees from the outset. In 2016, she participated in the WTS International Mid-Career Leadership Program. One year later, she was nominated and joined the WTS-LA Board. Today, she is a board vice president and still participates in numerous committees. When asked why she always does so much, the question seemed outlandish to her. Deep commitment and involvement in what matters is simply the way she approaches life. Characteristically modest, perhaps the best way to understand how much Pan matters to the chapter is through the words of her peers.

WTS-LA Membership and Communications Vice President and Parsons Business Development Director Eileen Ryder said, “We are so fortunate that Mahsa is involved with WTS-LA! She brings ideas, energy, persistence, and organization to the chapter. She’s been instrumental to the chapter’s mentorship and professional development program and significantly improved our chapter’s systems and organizational structure. Mahsa always has a positive outlook and is passionate about the chapter and its mission.”

“Mahsa is someone who is ALWAYS willing to take extra steps and even hops in to help others and remind us of tasks without making us feel bad,” adds WTS-LA Secretary and Arcadis Vice President Christi Fu. “I’ve been extremely lucky to be on the board with her and appreciate all she does.”

WTS-LA Treasurer and Foothill Transit Facilities Director Sharlane Bailey emphasizes that, “Mahsa is very helpful in so many ways. She’s been with WTS-LA for several years and knows the ins and outs of the chapter. She always offers her time and is very willing to help others.”

Finally, WTS-LA President and Berg & Associates Communications and Marketing Director Jenelle Saunders points out, “I can’t think of a time that Mahsa missed a board meeting. She’s shown dedication, enthusiasm, and leadership in all areas of WTS and she’s one of the first to step up when help is needed. I routinely look to her for guidance with proper procedures and accurate accounts of information—and she always has it!”

When Pan joined WTS-LA, she initially sought to help high school students learn more about the transportation industry and gain access to mentorship opportunities. So, she volunteered with the Transportation YOU Committee and participated in numerous events. She also joined the WTS-LA Mentorship Program, first as a mentee and then as a mentor. Eventually, she chaired the committee. That pattern would repeat, many times. In fact, there just isn’t enough to room to list every committee, task, or event that Pan has contributed to, led, or advanced.

At present, Pan is the Student Outreach and Professional Development Vice President. She’s actively involved in Transportation YOU, College Outreach, Scholarships, Mentorship/Professional Development, and she actively participates on the Executive Board. She also recently joined the WTS International Standard Operating Procedures Subcommittee, meeting monthly with WTS leaders from around the world. And that’s the short list for Pan’s current activities. For these reasons and so many more, the chapter proudly names Mahsa Pan as the 2021 WTS-LA Member of the Year.

Also see this previous profile on Mahsa Pan published in the WTS-LA archived articles. 

Photos © John Livzey