There are two strong women who are the seeds of Emily Chiarizia’s legal career.

The first is her mother, Kathy, who Chiarizia identifies as the inspirational source for becoming an attorney.

“My mom is by far the person I credit for my entire career,” she says. “She has opened every door for me. She and my Dad are the people I thank every day for my accomplishments.”

The second woman is Tamara Goorevitz, a demanding mentor Chiarizia worked for early in her career who introduced her to transportation law.

“I think she saw my talents as an individual,” says Chiarizia of Goorevitz’ influence. “She saw the abilities within me and helped me bring them out.”

Outside of the legal arena, Chiarizia’s older sister Heather Darby has been a major source of inspiration and strength. On bad days, her phone rings. Pep talks are her specialty.

“No matter how old we get I will always look up to her and want her to be proud of me,” says Chiarizia. “She is so smart, she could have done whatever she wanted to do in life, but she chose to raise five boys which is the hardest job in the world.”