By Edith Tapia

Impressive, inspiring, and motivational are words that come to mind after having had the opportunity to interview the individual recipients of the 2023 WTS-DC Recognition Awards. The conversations reinforced the goals of WTS and the purpose of the WTS-DC Recognitions Committee. I feel privileged to have received firsthand advice from these leaders that encourage and support women to advance their careers in the transportation industry.

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The interviewed award recipients included:

• Renée N. Hamilton, Chief Executive Officer of Toll Road Investors Partnership (TRIP II), Woman of the Year Awardee for both WTS-DC and WTS-International (WTS-I)
• Amit Bose, Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Honorable Ray LaHood Awardee
• Jeff Parker, Vice President of Traffic Engineering at WSP, Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Awardee
• Shelley Wynne, Project Manager at Dewberry in the Mid-Atlantic Traffic Engineering Division, Member of the Year Awardee

Separate video calls were held with each recipient, during which they were each asked the same questions. The following is a paraphrased summary of their responses.

Renée N. Hamilton, Woman of the Year Winner, and WTS-I Woman of the Year 2024

1. Is there an event or person you credit with motivating you to work in the transportation industry?

I come from a family of 11 children, and I credit my parents for inspiring my journey into the transportation industry. Despite not having a college education themselves, their goal was for all their children to pursue higher education. I always excelled in math and science but didn't consider civil engineering until my brother, an electrician, suggested it.

Women often overlook non-traditional careers, so it's crucial to introduce young girls in elementary and middle school to transportation as a viable career option. I'm passionate about ensuring that young girls understand what working in the transportation industry entails. During a transportation-related event at an elementary school, a little girl amusingly asked if I drove a truck.

My love for engineering and the opportunity to work with incredible leaders have kept me in this field. It's fulfilling to look back at projects I helped advance in the planning phase, such as Amazon HQ, Silver Line Phase 2, and the Tysons Redevelopment.

2. How has winning this award made an impact on your career or inspired you to do something differently?

Receiving this award, along with the recent WTS-I Woman of the Year award, has been overwhelming. I am immensely grateful to WTS at both the DC chapter and international levels for this recognition. WTS offers excellent opportunities for women to progress in their transportation careers. Reflecting on my career, I value the lessons learned, mentoring women, and being a resource for others. This award has motivated me to continue being a role model and to support women in this field. It has inspired me to use my platform and voice to represent women as leaders in this industry.

3. What is next for you?

On a personal note, my siblings and I launched Camp Terrence last summer, a non-profit that provides services to young people in rural South Carolina, exposing them to career opportunities. The young folks involved are already very engaged with the program.

Looking ahead, I want to continue creating opportunities for young women. I aim to be more intentional and influential in conveying the message to young women about the impact they can make in their communities. Regardless of my role, I plan to keep advocating for women in my meetings with other leaders, making it easier for the next generation to succeed. My goal is to make the transportation industry more welcoming and inviting for women.

4. What advice would you pass on to those following in your footsteps?

I can offer advice in three categories: self-development, professional development, and teamwork.

For self-development, establish and adhere to core values like integrity. Strive to be honest, open, and comfortable with who you are. Build your personal brand and be known for qualities like being driven, hardworking, and professional. Remember, it takes years to build a reputation but only seconds to lose it.

Regarding professional development, be persistent, continue learning, and constantly improve your skills. Surround yourself with intelligent people from various fields. Develop your professional self by learning and being prepared. Own your role and seek challenging assignments, even if they make you uncomfortable, knowing you have resources around you. Value listening, seek to understand and be understood, and learn to read body language for better communication.

In terms of teamwork, seek mentorship opportunities and recognize the value of a strong team. Investing in the team enhances decision-making at all levels, which has been beneficial in my career. Avoid seeking the limelight and focus on serving – recognition will follow.

5. What has helped you to network and maintain relationships?

Connecting with organizations like WTS has been instrumental in taking advantage of networking opportunities. Be intentional and prepare before attending events. Identify individuals you want to connect with, bring questions, and engage in meaningful interactions. Have an elevator pitch ready and plan to follow up. Put yourself out there, don't hesitate to ask questions, and feel free to ask someone you meet to be a mentor or resource.

 

Amit Bose, Honorable Ray LaHood Award Winner

1. Is there an event or person you credit with motivating you to work in the transportation industry?

A couple of things. In terms of an event or project, it was the dredging of New York harbor to 45 feet. Getting funding and a viable solution in place was a big collaborative effort between the federal government, the White House, the military, labor organizations, the states of New York and New Jersey, and local businesses. The project impacted freight movement and affected the public. This experience really deepened my interest in delivering goods for people while considering the thousands of jobs that are at stake.

Personally, it was seeing my dad use the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) for his daily commute to work. Since we did not have a car, he took the bus, then a train to another bus to get to his office. It showed me how important public transportation is. Then, my parents had to learn to drive after they were able to acquire a car. Women driving was a cultural shock, and my mom learning to drive was a big deal after moving to the United States. Another important experience for me was walking and not having safe sidewalks where we lived in Atlanta. This is something that really fueled me to promote a safe walkable environment for people that use public transportation.

2. How has winning this award made an impact on your career or inspired you to do something differently?

Thank you, WTS-DC, for giving me this award. It is a double honor being selected and getting an award named after my former boss. It made me take a moment to pause and look back at my career trajectory, and it made me conscious of the work that my team has accomplished. It made me appreciate the work that the FRA, Secretary Buttigieg, President Biden, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law have done for transportation.

I’m proud of my efforts on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), especially related to women in transportation. As the first Asian American leading the FRA, I want to continue to do what I can to make sure women are given opportunities to take positions of leadership at the FRA, including making sure they hold advisory positions.

3. What is next for you?

Being the FRA Administrator is a big honor and the highlight of my career. It reminds me of the privilege of being part of a new era in transportation. It is an incredible public service role, and I’m not sure it can get better than being nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The increase in employees at the FRA from 850 to over 1,100 has provided me experience growing and transforming an organization and preparing it to meet expectations. In my next role, I would like to be part of an organization where I can use my skills and the tools accumulated in both this role and my past life working in the private sector, rolling up my sleeves to continue to advance projects in infrastructure.

4. What advice would you pass on to those following in your footsteps?

Do what is in front of you and be successful in that! That will lead to other successes. Small things add up. Also, keep an eye on the big picture and how what you do fits into the broader picture of the organization and community. As a leader, it helps me when FRA employees consider the big picture and not just their office’s interests.

Also, effective communication with executives is important. I like that my team simplifies and summarizes information for me to digest quickly and then they follow up. I remember that my former boss, the Honorable Ray La Hood, would tell me that he liked that I followed up. Be proactive and follow up to close the matter at hand.

5. What has helped you to network and maintain relationships?

For those who are lucky enough to go to conferences or events, take advantage of the opportunity to meet someone new and follow through. Don’t just leave it to them, especially if you are looking for new opportunities. Consider the limited time they have and send a quick note to follow up after meeting for coffee or lunch. I really like LinkedIn – it is great for networking and finding new career opportunities.

 

Jeff Parker, Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award Winner

1. Is there an event or person you credit with motivating you to work in the transportation industry?

My introduction to traffic engineering was really at Virginia Tech studying civil engineering. I found it fascinating to use computer simulations to analyze traffic flow on highways. I also had the opportunity to complete an internship there studying commercial truck traffic on Interstate 81 (I-81), which was interesting because I had to drive on I-81 to get to and from college. As a kid, I was always interested in transportation. I had a model a train set and built an entire city around it using office supplies! I also loved looking at road atlases and would draw my own imaginary city maps. After college, I started my first job with Barbara Hoage at a company where she was the Director of Traffic Engineering. Barbara also served as a past President of the WTS-Baltimore Chapter. She was a mentor to me and supported my career growth in the transportation industry.

2. How has winning this award made an impact on your career or inspired you to do something differently?

It has been inspirational and motivational. Being part of this group of awardees comes with an expectation of what to do afterward. It really made me double-down on my efforts to promote both WTS and the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO). As the President of the COMTO DC Chapter, I’m working with our dedicated chapter leaders towards increasing our membership, hosting events that allow members to be more engaged, and to feel included in the transportation profession. I want to continue to support COMTO’s mission of inclusivity by supporting the professional growth of people with diverse backgrounds and working with small, women-owned, and historically underutilized businesses by providing meaningful roles on projects that focus on safety and equity.

3. What is next for you?

I joined WSP just over two years ago with the goal of growing the traffic engineering team in our Washington, DC office, so that continues to be one of my main professional goals. Regarding COMTO DC, we are trying to get the younger generation (i.e., students) engaged in transportation systems, uplift people through activities and scholarships, and collaborate with WTS and other professional organizations.

Personally, I have a self-care goal of walking more with my new dog, Lexi.

4. What advice would you pass on to those following in your footsteps?

Try to recognize the opportunities for change provided around you. Try not to be stagnant. Change your position to be challenged. Recognize your professional self-worth, know your value to your organization, and make sure you always place yourself within an organization that recognizes your value and understands your goals. Seek situations where you also have the opportunity to uplift others. Attend activities where there are opportunities to meet or be introduced to decision makers, and be prepared to ask them simple questions like “What do you love about transportation?”

5. What has helped you to network and maintain relationships?

I’d probably be lost without LinkedIn! It helps me keep the faces with the names. Think about using your browsing time effectively by spending time on LinkedIn rather than other social platforms. Don’t be afraid to post positive aspects of your job and your accomplishments on LinkedIn. Other people will notice it.

In person, try to attend professional activities. I suggest one per month. When you are there, say hello to one new person - this person does not even have to be in the transportation industry. Set the expectations low to reduce anxiety but be prepared to tell them something interesting about your job. Also let them tell you what they love about what they do. In the end, make sure you get their contact information and add them on LinkedIn to remember.

Additionally, ask to join a committee at a professional association. It is a guaranteed way to network because they are going to say yes! Just make time to help, but keep in mind your own bandwidth limits.

 

Shelley Wynne, Member of the Year Winner

1. Is there an event or person you credit with motivating you to work in the transportation industry?

I became interested in transportation after taking a few engineering classes in high school, and I completed the Core Development Program at the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) while attending Old Dominion University.

2. How has winning this award made an impact on your career or inspired you to do something differently?

It solidifies my desire and passion to be involved with WTS. To be recognized for hard work motivates me to advance women in transportation.

3. What is next for you?

I’d like to continue working towards advancing my career in transportation. I am also the Vice President of the WTS-DC Chapter and will continue to work hard in this role to support the Chapter.

4. What advice would you pass on to those following in your footsteps?

Participate in mentorship programs. It is something that I recommend, and I highly suggest to those in leadership roles. The higher we move up and take on more responsibilities, realizing our capacity threshold and prioritizing what is important is key. Remember to always be friendly and welcoming to new coworkers or students coming to your team.

5. What has helped you to network and maintain relationships?

Joining professional organizations like WTS and the American Society of Highway Engineers (ASHE) has helped me with networking and professional development. Participating in events helps gaining confidence, expand your network, and build relationships. I recently volunteered at a WTS-DC event with Transportation YOU and met other Chapter members and had fun planning activities for students at the same time. When attending a professional event or conference, be engaged, and interested in the topic, panelists, and other attendees.