2025 Reflections from WTS-Boston’s Emerging Professionals and Emerging Leaders
The 2025 Emerging Professionals and Emerging Leaders programs brought together early- and mid-career professionals from across the transportation industry to learn, connect, and grow through mentorship and active involvement in WTS-Boston. In the reflections below, participants share how the program shaped their confidence, expanded their networks, and strengthened their commitment to leadership and service.
2025 Emerging Leaders - Reflections
Maria Briones
Storm Unit Supervisor
Massachusetts Department of Transportation
I was convinced to become more involved with WTS by my close colleague and supervisor, Anna Jenks. Since I started at MassDOT two years ago, Anna has been my MassDOT guide and cheerleader. She gently nudged me towards this opportunity to become and Emerging Leader, reflecting on her own time with WTS as a great opportunity to connect and form long lasting relationships with women in our field. I am deeply grateful to Anna for this because I can now confidently say that I see my involvement with WTS as a career long investment.
This past year participating in WTS there has been one strong theme that I have learned – in WTS you make lasting relationships. This started with my Emerging Leader cohort, Robin Hunter and Alexandra Campos. Two women also from MassDOT who were just as eager and interested in learning more about this organization and all of the wonderful people in it. It was always such a pleasure to have those familiar faces at many of the WTS events and debrief on our latest WTS or work adventures. Additionally, the relationships with my Emerging Leader mentor, Francisca Heming (MassDOT District 1 District Highway Director) and advisor, Loretta Doughty (New Hampshire DOT, Program Administrator) both gave me insight into what a future career as a senior in the transportation industry could look like. Not only are these women powerful leaders in their sectors but they also let me be human and vulnerable, modeling the type of professional in transportation I want to be.
There were many events that were highlights of my WTS Emerging Leader experience this past year. Some of these included the golf tournament, awards banquet, and speed networking at UMass Amherst. One event that stands out was the WTS April Luncheon that celebrated 45 Years of Trailblazing Women in Transportation. This luncheon was the epitome of what WTS is in my opinion: generations of women coming together to help build their communities (literally and figuratively) and pave the way for other women to do the same. I left that particular luncheon feeling both inspired by past work and motivated to continue carrying the torch as a woman in transportation.
In addition to attending various WTS events I was also involved in the DEI committee. What I appreciated most from the DEI committee is the openness of the group to have difficult conversations, without judgment. While one focus of the committee is working on structured changes to WTS practices to promote DEI, such as developing a DEI guidance document for other committees to use, it was also an open forum to bring difficult conversations to light and share experiences.
I feel grateful to have been given this generous opportunity to be so involved with WTS this year and even more excited to be woven into the WTS fabric for years to come. I want to thank all of the people I have met along the way this past year, but especially Cassandra, Maria, Francisca and the WTS board for making this program possible.
Alexandra Campos-Castillo
Resident Engineer - Construction - District One
Massachusetts Department of Transportation
The Emerging Leader Program helped me step out of my routine and reignite my excitement for my career. It was a year dedicated to investing in myself, my professional growth, and my education.
One of my favorite aspects of WTS was the opportunity to expand my knowledge by attending luncheons, online presentations, and other events such as the airport tour, the awards ceremony, and the Transportation YOU Summit. There was always something new to learn—and learning felt effortless because it was also enjoyable. It was a pleasure to meet other women who have faced similar challenges and to hear their inspiring stories of success at the awards ceremony. It was also incredibly rewarding to see children exploring different STEM concepts at the Transportation YOU Summit.
During the program, I worked closely with my amazing mentor, Kari Richards, and the mentoring committee. I learned to rely more on structured planning tools, such as calendars, and to manage my time more effectively to avoid burnout. I also updated my LinkedIn profile, which became an invaluable resource for maintaining connections and learning more about my expanding professional network.
I chose to volunteer with the Professional Development Committee because I wanted to help expand the tools available to WTS members as they prepare for licensing in the transportation field. I am excited to remain involved long-term and look forward to working with my professional development team in the months and years ahead to support others, like myself, who are striving to succeed in their next challenge.
Additionally, I volunteered for the Transportation YOU Summit and am committed to continuing my volunteer efforts and becoming even more involved next year. I happily accepted the opportunity to serve as the next Transportation YOU Committee Co-Chair in 2026 and look forward to helping ignite interest in STEM among future generations.
It was truly a pleasure to meet the strong and talented women and men who make the WTS-Boston Chapter a success. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of this remarkable organization.
Robin Hunter
Environmental Analyst II – District Two
Massachusetts Department of Transportation
I have truly enjoyed my year in WTS-Boston’s Emerging Leaders Program. Since I recently moved back to Massachusetts and transitioned into a position at MassDOT, my main goal for the program was to expand my professional network through WTS. I have been fortunate to meet so many inspiring people through my involvement in the DEI Committee, the Management Networking Roundtable, and by attending events such as luncheons and the Scholarships & Awards Banquet.
My advisor, Anna Barry, gave me excellent advice and background on how best to navigate WTS-Boston and work within a public agency. She has a wealth of knowledge, and I’m so grateful to learn from her career experiences. I am also thankful for my time spent with Francisca Heming, who has taught me so much about MassDOT and inspired me to continue my career growth here. I’m grateful that we had a strong Western Mass contingent to be able to carpool to events in Boston!
As a member of the DEI Committee, I led the DEI Book Club discussion of Justice and Interstates in March. I also wrote DEI-in-Motion newsletter articles in January and May, on the topics of World Braille Day and Global Accessibility Awareness Day. Along with another Emerging Leader, I joined a subcommittee on incorporating DEI more broadly within WTS-Boston. I am looking forward to attending the December DEI Book Club, on Inclusive Transportation: A Manifesto for Repairing Divided Communities. My work on the committee has expanded my knowledge of how our transportation systems can both connect and divide us, and how as transportation professionals we can create a more inclusive future.
This year I also collaborated across WTS-Boston committees. I volunteered at the Student Chapter speed networking event at UMASS in April. Through the DEI subcommittee, I presented the DEI Event Guide to the Transportation YOU and Professional Development committees and provided tailored guidance on DEI practices that would be most relevant for each committee.
I’ve forged strong relationships within the DEI Committee, with the other Emerging Leaders, (Alex and Maria), the Emerging Leader team (Francisca, Maria, and Cassandra), and my advisor. I look forward to bringing new faces into the fold and deepening these relationships in the coming years as I stay involved with WTS-Boston.
2025 Emerging Professionals - Reflections
Paola Benavente
Manager – Capital Program Planning
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)
When I applied to the Emerging Professionals Program, my goal was to deepen my understanding of how public agencies and private partners collaborate to deliver transportation projects—and to better grasp the challenges that make this collaboration so complex. I came into the program with experience both internationally, in Peru, and locally, at the MBTA, where I work on the financial and planning side of capital projects. I was eager to broaden my perspective and connect with others who are navigating the same questions around project delivery—and how planning, finance, and collaboration come together to make meaningful impact.
This program has offered exactly that opportunity. Through site visits, luncheons, committee work, and conversations with peers and senior leaders, I gained firsthand insight into how consultants, contractors, and public agencies approach the same project from different angles. I learned that successful collaboration depends not just on technical alignment, but on a shared sense of purpose—one rooted in public service, and long-term impact.
One of the most valuable lessons I gained this year was understanding that partnerships cannot thrive on contracts and expertise alone. They require trust, transparency, and mutual accountability. While public and private actors may operate under different incentives, when there is clarity around the “why”—when we remember that transportation exists to connect people, expand opportunity, and support vibrant communities—collaboration becomes much more meaningful.
At the same time, I developed a deeper appreciation for the careful balance public agencies must strike. Delegating responsibilities to third parties can bring innovation and efficiency—but only if the public sector maintains clear ownership of core functions. Learning to navigate that boundary—what to delegate, and what to retain—is fundamental to the work transit agencies do and the kind of work I hope to continue contributing to.
The Emerging Professionals Program also helped me bridge the gap between my financial background and the realities of project delivery. Exposure to different voices—from environmental specialists to engineers to agency leaders—gave me a broader understanding of how planning decisions shape outcomes on the ground. It also reinforced the importance of listening, patience, and adaptability in a field where complexity is the norm.
Perhaps most inspiring were the stories shared by women leaders who have spent decades shaping the transportation field. Their openness, grit, and clarity reminded me that real progress often comes through persistence, creativity, and the courage to speak up. Their leadership showed that transformation is not only about technical capacity, but also about conviction—and community.
In that spirit, I can confidently say that this program has been a meaningful journey of both personal and professional growth. I have become a more empathetic listener, a more intentional communicator, and a more confident advocate for stakeholder collaboration. The WTS experience reminded me that the future of transportation depends not only on robust infrastructure, but also on strong relationships—built on trust, respect, and a shared commitment to the public good.
As a woman in transportation, I am proud to be part of a professional community that empowers, supports, and uplifts. The Emerging Professionals Program has reinforced my dedication to helping build transportation systems that are not only efficient and resilient, but also inclusive and transformative for the diverse communities they are meant to serve.
Luana Huang
Project Coordinator
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)
Being new to the transit world, I didn’t know what to expect; however, joining WTS taught me that growth, confidence, and connection often happen in the spaces we least expect. I was encouraged by my coworker, Alison Sweeney, to apply to the WTS Emerging Professionals Program, and that program helped me navigate the challenges of my new job.
Being paired with my adviser, Jacqueline Carver, became one of the most grounding and transformative parts of this experience. Her background, the way she navigated her career, and the wisdom she shared provided a vivid picture of what professional growth could look like. But what mattered most was her genuine care. Her guidance never felt distant or formal; it felt human, steady, and real. Our conversations over coffee, lunches, and simple “how are you?” messages became anchors in an otherwise intimidating world. She became someone I instinctively looked for in a crowd, a steady presence that reassured me I belonged. For someone naturally introverted and soft-spoken, having that anchor made all the difference, turning overwhelming rooms into spaces where I felt seen and welcomed.
When I walked into WTS events, her face, along with my fellow EPs and EP mentors Francisca, Maria and Cassandra, were the first faces I looked for. Slowly, throughout the lifespan of the program, my comfort and the number of faces I recognized began to increase. As I continued showing up, participating, and simply being present, something shifted. I found myself no longer just attending events but belonging in them. That shift, from feeling new and unsure to feeling connected and part of something, has been one of the most meaningful parts of this experience.
WTS also provided space to talk with women outside of my own work bubble. At events and in conversations, we shared challenges like balancing workloads, navigating communication dynamics, finding confidence to speak up, and learning how to grow within our roles. Hearing these experiences mirrored back to me by women across different agencies, firms, and career stages made me feel less alone. The connections I made didn’t stay confined to WTS events; they extended to conferences, panels, and industry gatherings, where seeing familiar faces made those spaces feel instantly more welcoming and approachable.
Slowly growth began to be something that was no longer just outward, through networking and making industry connections, but inward as well. Being surrounded by driven, generous, and thoughtful women has helped me find confidence in myself, not only as a professional, but as a young woman finding her place in a field that can sometimes feel intimidating. The conversations we shared were not just about projects or job titles, but about navigating workload pressures, building confidence to speak up, and learning how to carry ourselves with purpose. Realizing that many of us face similar challenges and that support exists beyond the boundaries of our offices has been incredibly empowering.
This year, I had the privilege of joining the WTS Fundraising Committee, where I had the opportunity to work on strengthening our sponsorship structure for 2026. Collaborating as a team to evaluate existing offerings, benchmark against other professional organizations, and determining areas for growth gave me a deeper appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work that sustains this community. It showed me that organizations like WTS don’t just thrive by accident rather they grow because people invest time, intention, and care to keep this community strong and welcoming for the next generation of women in transportation.
Looking back, I can see how much I have grown. I’ve gained confidence in my voice, learned to step forward instead of shrinking back, and found mentors, peers, and friends who inspire me simply by being who they are. I carry myself now with more confidence, curiosity, and self-trust. I am deeply grateful for the familiar faces that welcomed me, the conversations that strengthened me, and the community that reminded me I am not navigating this path alone.
Being a 2025 Emerging Professional has been a truly transformative experience, and I am excited to continue growing alongside this network of women who uplift, encourage, and inspire each other every day; women who remind us that we have space here and deserve to take up that space.
Eileen Ong
District 6 Utilities Review Engineer
Massachusetts Department of Transportation
My boss approached my cubicle and recommended that I apply to your Emerging Professionals Program. In a recent check-in meeting, I admitted to him that I struggled trying to network at the recent conference. I found that I lacked a sense of confidence when talking to other professionals, feeling I had nothing noteworthy to offer them. Because of this experience, I know I have a lot to grow professionally.”
For as long as I can remember, I’ve struggled with time management, so I made it one of my two goals for this program. With my EP advisor’s advice (shoutout to Laura), I implemented an organization system where at the end of each day, I'd make a to-do list for the next day. This way I’d start the next day with a clear agenda, and I’ll know from the start what tasks I need to allocate my time between.
Outside the two goals I set for this program, I realized I also accomplished something else—the reason why I applied to the program in the first place: to grow my confidence. Obviously, confidence comes with time and experience, but it was at those advisor and peer mentor check-ins, luncheons, and events (I loved the airfield tour of the Logan Airport) that I had the space to practice, fail, ask for guidance, and improve. I forced myself to try networking, and while there have been some awkward silences and clumsy conversations, they were learning experiences and I’ve gotten to meet people who worked on some very cool projects. I still feel nervous all the time, but I have a little more courage now. This courage has translated into me taking more agency in my work and even wanting to take the lead in some tasks and meetings. It’s even helped me accomplish my other set goal of tackling my first design project, which I got to do because I repeatedly advocated for myself until an opportunity came. The project experience and my new organization system made me more competent, and in turn, also made me feel more confident.
I knew I wanted to work with the Mentoring Committee because I believe having a good mentorship is invaluable. My EP peer mentor Cas connected me with the Formal Mentoring Program leads, and I volunteered at their 2025 cohort graduation event. Now I am part of the planning group for the 2026 Formal Mentoring Program with Shranvanthi and Estey. I’ve helped come up with session topics and revised application materials. I’m excited to continue working with them to ensure this upcoming run is successful.
Thank you to Laura, Cas, Maria, and Francisca for being warm and welcoming faces and for providing me guidance throughout this year. I’ve grown to feel that I do have something to offer in my professional life, and for that, I am grateful to have been part of this EP Program.
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