For Women's History Month, we highlighted two female leaders in the Arizona transportation industry! Chapter DEI Chair Fatemeh Sefid sat down with CEO Alicia Robertson and discussed career paths, pivotal moments and the advice she'd give to young women aspiring to success in the field.

Alicia Robertson is CEO/President of PSM2, an experienced Woman-Owned Small Business providing support services to airports experiencing disruption including project management, communications, wayfinding and signage, guest experience, employee engagement, culture change, and more. With 23 years’ experience in the design and construction industry, much of her experience has been with Los Angeles International Airport and Phoenix International Airport, providing her with tremendous opportunities to be a key part of ensuring that multi-billion dollar projects get implemented successfully while maintaining the guest experience in an operating airport. 

Can you share a pivotal moment or experience from your journey to success that was influenced by your gender?

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I remember my “I can do this” moment!  I was in the IT closet fixing internet connection issues for staff.  This was far from my role at the time, but it had to be done so that we could continue to work. That’s when it hit me like a ton of bricks! The light bulb went on that no matter my gender, I am capable of excelling in a male-dominated industry and deserve my place at the table. I realized that not only am I capable, but my experiences and insights as a woman add value and perspective to discussions and solutions that may not occur without my voice.  It was a huge burst of confidence that made me realize that no matter the obstacles, I can do this through thoughtful communications and genuine collaboration.  This experience also reinforced the understanding that diversity, including gender diversity, is a strength that enriches the fabric of any industry.

Who are some of the women throughout history who have inspired or influenced your career path?

Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to witness and be inspired by a cadre of remarkable women who have significantly influenced my professional journey in the aviation industry. In fact, during my first few years at LAX, the CEO at the helm of the airport was a woman. These visionary leaders not only navigated one of the world's busiest airports but did so with excellence and passion during exciting and challenging times. Their ability to guide such a complex and dynamic environment left an impression on me, setting an exceptionally high standard for leadership.

Witnessing these women in action has been a constant source of inspiration as I embarked on leading my own company and team. Their stories continue to remind me of the tremendous impact that female leaders can have on an organization and its workforce. 

What advice would you offer to young women aspiring to achieve success in your field?

Don’t second guess yourself.  You are strong and smart and can achieve above and beyond what you think you can.  Embrace self-confidence as a driving force. Trust your instincts and don't be afraid to pursue goals that may seem ambitious initially. Success often lies just beyond the boundaries of our comfort zones. Surround yourself with mentors and allies who can offer guidance and support and be proactive in seeking out opportunities for growth and learning.  Furthermore, don't underestimate the value of building a strong network. Connect with fellow professionals, both women and men, who can provide insights, share experiences, and open doors to new possibilities.

Have you encountered any specific barriers or inequalities in your career journey, and how have you addressed them?

Yes, when you are a woman in a working group of career-mature males, I was often times not heard, but relied upon to “summarize” meetings.  Even though I’m a note taker for retention for myself, I was not taking “minutes” for the meeting organizer.  I worked to be able to make sure I had enough written to be able to retain the information without it looking like I was taking minutes for the group.  It’s not a career crusher, but perception means so much. It’s important to be able to recognize how things are perceived and adjust professionally to counter any misperceptions. 
It's essential to navigate these situations with resilience, ensuring that you are not only recognized for your contributions but also actively shaping the way your efforts are perceived within the professional landscape.

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