On September 28, 2022, WTS-LA hosted a lunch that showcased an amazing panel of women leadership at Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

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Sponsored by corporate partner HDR, the panel featured the following women leaders at Metro:

• Sharon Gookin, Deputy CEO
• Allison Yoh, Executive Officer, Countywide Planning and Development
• Carolina Coppola, Senior Executive Officer – Vendor / Contract Management
• Edna Stanley, Deputy Chief Operations Officer
• Jean Osborn, Chief Safety Officer
• Debra Avila, Deputy Chief Vendor / Contract Management Officer

To start the program, Tom Kim, HDR, moderated a conversation with Sharon Gookin, PE. She is applying her experience delivering large transportation projects as part of a contractor team – most recently the Automated People Mover project at LAX – to Metro. There, she is working to realize the vision of the capital program by connecting communities through transformative projects. Sharon discussed the importance of partnership and aligning teams on project objectives.

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She joined the WTS-LA Mentorship program in early 2022, before she joined Metro. She enjoys passing on knowledge – one piece of advice for women starting in the field was to “find your voice.” Hone strong communications skills and ensure you’re passionate about what you are doing.   

Highlights from the panel conversation include:

• Excitement and challenges about bringing the K-Line online. October 7 was announced as the line’s opening day.
• Discussions for small businesses: join Metro’s “How Metro Does Business,” the second Tuesday per month. A great forum for understanding the agency and learning about upcoming opportunities.
• Commitment to safety

See more photos here.