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EVENTS TO BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR....
Busway Tour May 2013
Technical Sessions June 2013
WTS Summer Social August 8, 2013
WTS/ITE Transportation Mini-SeriesOctober 10, 2013
WTS Holiday Social December 12, 2013
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Our Sponsors
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Constitution Sponsors:
Mountain Laurel Sponsors:
White Oak Sponsors:
Robin Sponsors:
- Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc.
- VN Engineers
- CDM Smith
- URS Corporation
- USI
* White Oak Level Sponsors and above will have a link to their company's website on every newsletter*
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WTS CT Valley Chapter Board and Committee Members
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Board of Directors
President
Patrycja Padlo
CDM SMITH
padlopt@cdmsmith.com
Vice President
Amanda Marino
VN Engineers, Inc.
amarino@vnengineers.com
Secretary
Carrie Rocha
Keville Enterprises, Inc.
clrocha@keville.com
Treasurer
Krista Kenney
Michael Baker Jr.
kkenney@mbakercorp.com
Immediate Past President
Shawna Bartkus
Lochner
sbartkus@hwlochner.com
COMMITTEES Advisory Board Laurel Stegina Communications Jessica Peruti HAKS jperuti@haks.net Amanda Jenkins PEI ajenkins@primeeng.com Membership Sofia Nirshberg VN Engineers snirsh@vnengineers.com Mentorship Carla Tillery Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc. ctillery@fhiplan.com Shawna Bartkus Lochner sbartkus@hwlochner.com Director at Large Laurel Stegina Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc. lstegina@fhiplan.com
Transportation You Kathy Dwyer
Parsons Brinkerhoff
dwyer@pbworld.com
Scholarship Lauren DiGovanni Michael Baker Corporation ldigovanni@mbakercorp.com Shivani Mahajan URS Corporation Shivani_Mahajan@urscorp.com Events Jessica Bliven VN Engineers jbliven@vnengineers.com Stephanie Upson Parsons Brinkerhoff upsons@pbworld.com Diversity Crystal Engram Greater Bridgeport Transit cengram@gbtabus.com Back to top |
WELCOME NEW COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE MEMBER...
Amanda Jenkins
PEI
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CDM Smith is pleased to announce that we have moved our Wethersfield, CT office. The new location will help to accommodate our growth plans as well as allow us to more conveniently serve the central Connecticut region to build our operations. The new location is: 111 Founders Plaza, Suite 1600 East Hartford, CT 06108 www.cdmsmith.com |
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News and Cool Facts on Transportation
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CONNECTICUT~ CONNECTIONS
Connecticut Chapter
Newsletter
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2013/14 Presidents Message
As we begin 2013, I would like to take a moment to extend my warmest thanks to Shawna Bartkus for her two year tenure as President of the WTS Connecticut Chapter. Thanks to Shawna's strong leadership, WTS Connecticut has been successful in fulfilling the goals and missions of our organization. We were able to make many positive changes as well as carry out several "Chapter Firsts" including:
- With the assistance of the executive board, committee chairs and our advisory board the WTS Connecticut has updated its chapter goals, guiding principles, written its mission statement, updated its Bylaws, and changed our Chapter name from WTS Connecticut Valley to WTS Connecticut.
- We've advanced our Diversity Committee, developed a Student Outreach program which will allow our Chapter to participate in WTS International's nationwide Transportation You program; and established and awarded the Chapter's first Emerging Professional Scholarship.
In addition to the "Chapter's Firsts" we successfully hosted our 6th Annual Transportation Mini Series conference. Thanks to everyone's hard work and our members support this program was a huge success once again. This year we had speakers from all around the United States and represented all three sectors: Private, State and Federal.
As the 2013/14 President of the WTS Connecticut Chapter it will be my focus to increase membership, individual, corporate, public and private.
Through active participation, committee participation, corporate sponsorship, and volunteering, WTS members will have the opportunity to expand their network and grow professionally and personally.
We, WTS Connecticut, want to listen and support our existing members, encourage new members, and focus on transportation issues and goals that are significant and important to the people of Connecticut. We look forward to working with you and making 2013 the best it can be for our chapter. The New Year provides an opportunity to renew and strengthen existing commitments and set new priorities. Keep an eye out for what's coming!
Regards,
Patrycja Padlo
Planner
CDM Smith
President, WTS CT Chapter
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REGISTER NOW FOR UP-COMING EVENTS
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Immediate Past Presidents Message!
Over the past two years, so many things have flown by while others seemed never-ending. Meeting new people, reinforcing WTS' message and better defining our organization for transition have been some of the never-endings. Wishing I could spend more time with some of the folks I've had the opportunity to cross paths with are those moments that have flown by.
Serving as President of WTS I've learned about my expectations of people, what individuals are willing to commit to for personal and professional growth, and how I could make a difference. There are many talented individuals within our industry, some with career paths perfectly outlined since college and others that have landed in transportation over time. Those shining stars, the ones I wish I could have spent more time with, are driven and have passion. Each has been willing to step out of their comfort zone and is willing to share their knowledge. Each realizes they did not necessarily get there on their own and understands the importance of relationships. Each is willing to continually grow.
Because of WTS I've had the opportunity to meet some of these extraordinary people. What it has done is confirm the importance of maintaining honest, genuine professional relationships, to listen, to mentor, to learn and to challenge.
I look forward to my new role within WTS, serving on the Board of Directors as Immediate Past President, participating in the growth of the chapter, myself and those around me.
Shawna Bartkus
Regional Marketing Representative
LOCHNER
Immediate Past President, WTS CT Chapter
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WTS Hosts Roundtable Discussion with USDOT
On December 6th, 2012, WTS Connecticut had the pleasure of hosting a roundtable discussion with the U.S. Department of Transportation Acting Under Secretary Polly Trottenberg and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Northeast Corridor Project Manager Rebecca Reyes-Alicea.
A by-invitation only event hosted and sponsored by WTS, attendees included key local agency representatives, ConnDOT's Commissioner James Redeker and Director of Management and Technology Service Cheryl Malerba, NYSDOT Commissioner Joan McDonald, representatives from various Councils of Government and leading local transportation industry leaders, as well as representatives from WTS Connecticut's corporate sponsors. Polly Trottenberg and Rebeca Reyes-Alicea led the discussion by outlining the view from Washington DC, covering transportation investments and specifically highlighting MAP-21. The big question on the table was, Hhow do we support projects with a diminishing highway trust fund? With transportation being in the same pool as all other interests, the battle for funding has increased. Discussions are around an increased gas tax, and the continuance of programs such as TIGER, Everyday Counts and Sustainable Communities. A meeting of the minds and understanding of what is best for sustainable growth is of course a hindrance. MAP-21 does address some of these questions, but does not cover all. What MAP-21 does cover is a project's performance potential; is it appropriate and does it support national programs. Another leading question is how to address the needs of the differing generations. The demand for funding for contrasting modes of development/growth, which can support one another yet calls for increased funding in the end, is a challenge. A goal of the USDOT is to begin 'talking transportation'. Getting the word out and educating citizens about how their money is being spent and what infrastructure costs will be the key to gaining understanding and buy-in for future work. FRA is also looking into long term investments to support growth. And regarding growth, they are discussing and planning projects for the next 50 years, looking at where we will be and not just how we function now. Commissioner's Redeker and McDonald shared their mutual concerns with funding and aging infrastructure. Commissioner McDonald further discussed NYSDOT's program for tracking performance and its success to date.
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Taking It All In ~ 2012 Summer Social
On August 16th a group of WTS members and friends met at Gouveia Vineyards for the Chapter's Annual Summer Social. In its fifth year at Gouevia, the group has not tired of the beautiful scenery and breathtaking sunsets from this location! With wine tasting available inside the vineyard attendees meander in, out and around the property. With snacks to nosh on to accompany the wine the group kicks back to toast the friendships that have transpired through membership and naturally the good the fortune that has arisen through networking.
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Tis the Season ~ 2012 Holiday Social
On December 13th WTS held its annual holiday social at Park Central Tavern in Hamden. A joyful, laid back event, promoting networking with old friends and new re-connecting. Attended by transportation professionals from the public and private realm the evening was a true meeting of the minds. Along with great company, was food and drink, a heartfelt thank you to outgoing President Shawna Bartkus of Lochner, and the Chapters annual collection of donations for the Interval House.
This year, through the generous donations of all participants, we were able to provide $420 to the Interval House. The Interval House is a shelter for battered women; providing a 24-hour hotline, crisis counseling, emergency shelter, and support groups, advocacy, education and programs for children of victims.
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WTS International Leadership Training; Jacksonville, Florida
Each fall, WTS International offers Leadership Training to WTS Chapters. This year's, Leadership Training took place in Jacksonvill e, Florida from November 9th-11th. This training is open to all chapter board and committee members, with cost for participation left to the individual and or their chapter for participation. With speakers providing professional, personal and chapter relevant discussions this training is beneficial for the individual on all levels. WTS Connecticut sponsored Amanda Marino of VN Engineers, 2013/14 Vice-President and Krista Kenney of Michael Baker, 2012 and 2013/14 Treasurer. In addition, Patrycja Padlo of CDM Smith, 2013/14 Chapter President, attended under the sponsorship of her company.
Having a strong showing from the Connecticut Chapter provided a better opportunity for networking which has proven beneficial in the long run. Connections were made with Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, California, Texas, Wisconsin, Illinois and many other chapters. Learning of other chapters' successes and pitfalls, fresh ideas have already been discussed for the coming years. Being able to divide and conquer, all the breakout sessions were attended and a discussion held nightly of what each had learned. These sessions included: financial management and governance, communications and public relations, events planning, recruitment and retention of members, and succession planning.
A keynote speaker for the training was Shelley Row, President and CEO of Shelley Row and Associates, LLC, and former U.S. DOT Executive. Her workshop focused on how to learn and adopt new skills to advance from management into leadership in all aspects of life. All attendees received a mini-book titled "Leadership Pitfalls of Over-Thinking". One of her most inspiring ideas was "Think Less, Live More".
Chapter leaders also engaged in a workshop designed to develop consensus on how WTS International and its chapters can best fulfill the mission of our organization. Our mission: advancing women in transportation, providing mentorship opportunities for students and professionals and continuing to grow on an international level. Beyond the training sessions, the strategic planning workshop, and even the informal sharing of ideas; attendees always forge professional relationships and made lasting friendships.
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What is "Work/Life Balance"?
It is without question, wellness can easily be
considered "Work/Life Balance".
Wellness is the active, alive and vital process by which people become aware of and decide to live more meaningful, sometimes even successful lives. Wellness encompasses lifestyle, mental and spiritual well-being
and the environment.
So, how do you know if you are balancing work and life? Ask yourself what is meaningful to you and how it affects those things or people who mean the most to you, either professionally and personally. Be mindful to consider the six areas of wellness: physical, occupational, emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual. I believe if you make a conscious, self-directed and evolving decision of achieving full potential, work/life balance, will come naturally. It is about being mentally alert, physically strong and morally right.
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Job Postings
To see job openings submitted by companies throughout
the industry
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Thank You To All Of Our Corporate Sponsors!
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Meet The Executive Board!
Patrycja Padlo
is the chapter's new President. She has been employed by CDM Smith since 2005. Her responsibilities include micro-simulations of complex interstate networks; overseeing travel pattern surveys; collecting and geo-coding data using ArcGIS; developing traffic count profiles for study corridors; development of traffic and toll revenue forecasts; and investigating, analyzing, and assisting in the development of tools to efficiently and effectively run thousands of micro-simulations. She has a strong background in project management, construction management, and schedule development. She is a graduate of the University of Connecticut, earning a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Structural Engineering. She also earned a Master of Science from University of Connecticut in Civil Engineering and Transportation and Urban Engineering.
Pat has been a member of WTS since 2007 and has served on the WTS Connecticut Board as Vice-President and Event Chair Committee. She always assisted in leadership responsibilities at the committee level. In 2010 she was selected as WTS Connecticut Member of the Year. When possible, Pat loves to sail, hike, and travel.
Amanda Marino
is the new Vice President of our Connecticut Chapter. Amanda became part of WTS shortly after she joined VN Engineers, Inc. in 2009 as their new marketing specialist. With the support of VN Engineers, she became an active member. She participated in the 2011-2012 mentorship program and has assisted with communications and various Chapter events whenever possible. Prior to joining VN Engineers, Amanda graduated from Central Connecticut State University with her B.S. in Management with a focus in Human Resources. Immediately after graduating she applied to Southern Connecticut State University where she completed her Master's in Business Administration. She has experience in many areas of business including: Marketing, Human Resources, Accounting and Management. In her spare time Amanda enjoys spending time with her family, vacationing and reading.
Krista Kenney
has served as the chapter's Treasurer since April 2012. She has worked at Michael Baker Jr., Inc. as a marketing specialist since August 2011 and has twelve years marketing and communications experience in the A/E/C industry. Her specialties include proposal development and management, marketing collateral and presentation development and client relationship management. She enjoys working with multiple stakeholders in fast-paced environments.
Carrie Rocha, P.E.
is the chapter's new Secretary. Carrie recently assumed the role of Deputy Program Director on the CTfastrak Project (formerly the New Britain-Hartford Busway). She is also the Connecticut Area Manager for Keville Enterprises, Inc. Carrie has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. She is a licensed Professional Engineer with a strong background in project management, construction management, project controls, schedule development, cost management and claims analysis.
Carrie has been a member of WTS since 2002 and has served on the WTS-Boston Board as a Director, Treasurer and Secretary, as well as having had leadership responsibilities at the committee level. In 2012 she was selected as WTS-Boston Member of the Year. She became an active member of WTS-CT Valley in 2008.
In her "free" time Carrie enjoys spending time with her husband and two young daughters, playing golf and traveling.
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The Women's Transportation Seminar (WTS) was created in 1977 as an international organization dedicated to the professional advancement of women in transportation. WTS has grown to over 4,100 members both men and women. WTS is helping women find opportunity and recognition in the transportation industry. Through its professional activities, networking opportunities, and unparalleled access to industry and government leaders, WTS is turning the glass ceiling into a career portal.
The Connecticut Chapter is one of 46 WTS chapters spread out across the globe and has gained recognition through its determined and devoted professional members.
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We are excited to continue bringing you what you want to read about and to keep you updated on WTS Connecticut Valley Chapter events and opportunities!
If you have any suggestions to make our newsletter better, please contact Jessica Peruti at jperuti@haks.net and we would love to incorporate them!
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