WTS-Boston Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee

Event Recap - June 2024

The DEI Committee hosted an amazing event on June 20, 2024 titled “Implementation of DEI Strategies through Programming”. The event included a panel discussion by:

• Alysia Ordway - Undersecretary for Workforce Development at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, 
• Darnell Williams – Deputy Chief Diversity Office for External Programs for MBTA/MassDOT, 
• Mariangely Solis Cervera – Chief of Equity and Inclusion for the City of Boston, 
• Kerin McManus - Director of Diversity, Inclusion, Title VI, ADA for Keolis Commuter Services, 
• And moderator, Abou Konate - President of COMTO Boston and Structural Designer at VHB. 

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The panel discussion began with a question that asked the panelists to share a challenge they had faced in their careers and how that experience shapes their decisions in their current roles. The panelists spoke about previous positions where growth and opportunities were restricted. Another significant challenge was the misalignment between their personal vision and the organization's mission. Kerin pointed out the need to know when to say no and to recognize the right opportunities to pursue. She emphasized that it is vital to ensure that your vision matches the organization’s and to inspire others to share that vision. Darnell suggested it could be helpful to ‘be a butterfly and invite other butterflies to fly in the same direction as you.’

Agencies in the transportation sector have adopted various innovative approaches to advance DEI programs. For example, they have engaged third-party companies to facilitate discussions on DEI structures within the agency and to help implement additional measures. Expanding mentoring opportunities was also highlighted as an effective strategy by the panelists. Keolis has implemented such mentorship opportunities, with 50% of participants being women and 50% being people of color. Looking at the bigger picture, Alysia noted the importance of mitigating unintended outcomes of these strategies and having experts who understand those outcomes.

Mentorship and leadership are key elements in advancing DEI programs in the transportation industry. The panelists discussed how a leader can play a crucial role in successfully implementing such strategies. A leader can amplify different voices in the room and ensure all are heard. Darnell emphasized the need to change the narrative and make it align with the new needs of incoming generations, and Mariangely stressed sharing knowledge within the DEI world to build a new norm. Leaders initiate this change within the organization and bring in allies to achieve it.

Regarding advancing careers as women in the engineering industry, the panelists offered valuable advice. Kerin stressed the importance of finding a group of peers with similar experiences and collectively coming up with ways to engage others and help them grow. Mariangely highlighted the need to trust your instincts, support other women, and identify who’s in the room and never hesitate to question those around you.

Finally, the panelists shared parting thoughts and advice for the audience. Alysia and Darnell emphasized the importance of seeking allies and being intentional about connecting with people. "Invite people to win with you," as Mariangely put it, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in the industry to ensure everyone's voice is heard.

Our goal for this event was to create a space for engaging conversation between key players in DEI initiatives in the transportation sector. Many lessons were learned along the way of the planning process and we look forward to incorporating that feedback in our next event. 

Thanks to HDR for hosting and sponsoring this event!

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