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Each month we are featuring one of our 2021 WTS Metropolitan Phoenix Awards recipients. This month we are spotlighting Member of the Year, Amanda McGennis with the Associated General Contractors. Amanda worked jointly with our other Member of the Year Award Recipient as the 2020 WTS International Conference Co-Chairs.  Amanda and Lisa are essential members of our chapter and jointly worked together to pull off what would have been a showcase event for our chapter, our city and WTS International.

We talked with Amanda about why she became involved in WTS and why other women can benefit from volunteering their time as well.

How did you first become involved in WTS?

During Prop 400 in 2004 Laurie Roden and I worked together on the grass roots campaign to engage other organizations that would benefit from the initiative passing.  Laurie encouraged me to join WTS.  Working in construction and materials for over 20 years I wanted to understand how all the pieces of planning an infrastructure project fit together from conception to construction contract.   WTS seemed like the perfect place to network with other professional women that were a part of those elements of transportation I rarely had an opportunity to work with.  Once I joined, Melissa Boyles recruited myself and Jody Sims to help with the annual golf tournament. I’ve been a part of WTS ever since.

What would you say to someone who was considering joining our chapter or taking on a role with a committee?

Join and get involved.  This is one of the best organizations in Arizona and nationally that focuses on developing women into leaders. It’s also the place where there is no shortage of trail blazing women who can mentor you.

What is one thing you think every WTS member should do to get more out of their WTS experience?

Attend the monthly meetings and events. The board in conjunction with the programs committee work very hard to bring quality programs to the chapter. Next become a mentor or a mentee depending on where you are in your career. The last two years I participated in the mentorship program were so rewarding. I enjoyed hearing how my peers (other mentors) developed into their current roles and the challenges they overcame to be the influencers they are today. Volunteering with the mentorship program provided me the opportunity to get an idea of the strength of our next generation of leaders.  The future of transportation in Arizona is in very good hands. Our chapter is loaded with talented and dynamic women ready to lead.

Who is your biggest source of inspiration and why?

My mother, a woman with incredible style and grace. She taught me to be independent, resourceful, respectful, and to always have compassion for others. Next it would be each and every one of you that I work with in transportation.  You inspire me to be a better person. I am so blessed to have had the opportunity through AZAGC to partner with such immensely talented individuals for the last 21 years.

What’s one thing you can’t live without?

My family - my husband, my daughter and, my DOGGIES…

What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not at work?

Hiking, travel, cooking & entertaining – Butcher block talks with friends in my kitchen solving the world’s problems