The Greater Chicago Chapter is pleased to announce the inaugural Storytelling Stipend Recipients. Congratulations! 
 

2026 Storytelling Stipend Recipients

 

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Mary Luba
DB Sterlin Consultants, Inc.

Selected Course: Storytelling For Everyone, Story Lab Chicago

Mary is a civil engineer with over 10 years of experience in utility design and coordination, roadway design, and transportation infrastructure projects. She has contributed to the planning, design, and delivery of complex infrastructure projects, working closely with government agencies, utility companies, contractors, and multidisciplinary project teams.

As she continues to grow in her career, Mary aims to expand her leadership capabilities and strengthen her communication skills beyond traditional technical settings. She is interested in stepping outside her comfort zone to explore storytelling as a tool for more effectively connecting with colleagues, stakeholders, and business leaders. This stipend will help her build confidence in sharing her experiences and develop skills that support her growth as both an engineer and a leader.

 

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Day Rodriguez
AECOM

Selected Course: Storytelling 101, The Second City Training Center

Day Rodriguez is a civil engineer in Chicago specializing in transit and transportation projects. Outside of work, she is active in ASCE, WTS, and the ACE Mentorship program, supporting students and emerging professionals while advancing leadership within the transportation industry. She is passionate about creating meaningful connections through communication and hopes to continue growing into leadership roles that combine technical expertise, strategy, and public engagement. This stipend will support her in strengthening those communication skills and continue to grow as a leader, mentor, and advocate in the transportation industry.

 

 

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Jen Moran 

CMAP

Selected Course: Motion Graphics: Video, School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Jen Moran is a graphic designer and illustrator. Originally from South Carolina, she moved to Chicago to pursue a master's degree at DePaul University and fell in love with the city. She has been a senior graphic designer at Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) since 2023 and intends to use the WTS stipend to learn animation basics that will enhance CMAP’s web and social content.