WTS-Boston Announces 2025 Emerging Professionals and Emerging Leaders

WTS-Boston welcomes this year’s Emerging Professionals and the second year class of Emerging Leaders, furthering our mission to attract, sustain, connect, and advance women’s careers to strengthen the transportation industry.

WTS-Boston recognizes the importance of continuous support to women in the transportation world and is announcing the selected candidates for the 2025 Emerging Professionals (EP) and Emerging Leaders (EL) Program.

The Emerging Leaders (EL) Program aims to provide a platform for women in the transportation industry with 5 to 10 years of experience to continue enhancing their leadership skills, expand their knowledge of the industry, and build a strong network of professional connections. This program will run in parallel with the Emerging Professionals Program.

The Emerging Professionals (EP) Program will continue to be tailored to women with 5 or less years of experience in the transportation industry.

We believe that supporting and empowering women in transportation is not only essential to the success of our organization, but also for the advancement of the industry as a whole. Through mentorship, speakers learning series, networking events, and career enrichment opportunities, both programs (EP and EL) will equip participants with the tools and resources they need to thrive in their careers and create connections in the transportation sector.

The WTS-Boston Emerging Leaders and Emerging Professionals provide annual awards to the WTS-Boston community. Eligible applicants must work in a transportation-related career and not be eligible to receive reimbursement from their employer for WTS membership expenses.

Selected participants of each program receive:

Paid membership dues from January through December 2025.
Opportunity to attend any virtual events and paid attendance to a variety of in-person events in 2025.
Advisor commitment from a senior WTS-Boston board member or industry leader through December 2025.

For questions, please contact Mentoring Committee Co-Chairs Francisca Heming or Estey Masten at [email protected] or [email protected].

Emerging Leaders

Maria Briones joined the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) in July of 2023 and currently serves as the Environmental Section's Stormwater Unit Supervisor. At MassDOT, Maria trains and supports staff on reviewing stormwater designs and permit applications to ensure that stormwater requirements are met for MassDOT projects. Maria is also responsible for ensuring compliance with MassDOT’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit with the EPA. Prior to working at MassDOT, Maria worked as a Water Resources Engineer in the consulting industry for 5 years where she worked on stormwater design, BMP design, hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, and MS4 compliance. Maria is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV) where served two and a half years in rural Panama working alongside locals to improve their water and sanitation needs.

Alexandra Campos is a Civil Engineer III - Construction Resident Engineer for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), District 1. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Connecticut (UConn) in 2014. Since then, she worked in bridge and structural design for Connecticut DOT and then New York State DOT before landing with MassDOT in the construction and preservation of roads and bridges around Berkshire County. Alexandra takes pride of the benefits of her work for the community and likes to motivate other women to join the field of engineering, design and construction. In her spare time, Alexandra enjoys exploring all the outdoor adventures that the Berkshires has to offer with the company of her Saint Bernard dog, her family and friends.

Robin Hunter is a biologist and project manager who specializes in the intersection of environmental and transportation resources. She is currently an Environmental Analyst for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), District 2. She earned her M.S. in Environmental Management from the University of San Francisco and is a certified Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS). Prior to moving back to Massachusetts and joining MassDOT, Robin worked in private environmental consulting in California. Outside of work, she enjoys cycling, gardening, and skiing. She is excited to join the 2025 WTS Emerging Leaders program and looks forward to connecting with other WTS-Boston members.

Emerging Professionals

Paola Benavente is a Senior Analyst in Capital Planning at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), where she supports transit capital projects with a focus on cost management, scheduling, and performance analysis. Her experience includes managing national road infrastructure and connectivity projects in Peru's Ministry of Economy and Finance and Ministry of Transport, providing her with a global perspective on advancing equitable and efficient public systems. A graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School with a Master’s in Public Administration in International Development, Paola specializes in policy strategy, institutional effectiveness, and data-driven public service. She is passionate about fostering inclusive transportation solutions and amplifying diverse voices in the sector.

Eileen Ong is a Civil Engineer at the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), working in its HQ Asset Management team. She interned with the team as a Tufts University undergrad and later returned in July 2023 as a full-time employee. Eileen has since been involved with the development of inventories for assets such as retaining walls, dams, drainage structures, and pavement markings, as well as the updates of MassDOT’s DJW and cost estimation tool. In addition to data work, she is also interested in learning about design. In her free time, Eileen enjoys planting, ﬁgure drawing, and watching soccer.

Luana Huang joined the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) as a Project Coordinator in April 2024. Drawing from her background in urban planning, architecture, and engineering, she supports Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and Transit-Adjacent Development (TAD) projects that improve public transit access and safety while fostering sustainable urban growth. This role marks the start of Luana’s professional career, where she continues to hone her passion for transit and construction. She holds degrees in Architecture, Materials Engineering, Urban Planning, Sustainability, and Public Policy. Outside of her professional pursuits, Luana not only perfects her casting skills but also curates her own aquarium, bringing her love for aquatic life indoors. When she’s not on the water, you’ll find her shredding the gnar on the slopes in winter or climbing to new heights in the summer.