In mid-March last year, Sehitoglu approached HNTB’s Massachusetts office leadership and suggested creating an Inclusion and Diversity Task Force. He volunteered to lead the task force with the mission of recommending and/or developing programs, training and resources around inclusion and diversity. “In a short time, Taskin’s initiative and leadership has advanced practices, activities and discussions that model diversity, inclusion and multicultural awareness in our organization, with the intention of improving our office, company and industry,” said Anna Barry, program manager and vice president at HNTB. “He has provided significant benefit to all office personnel, particularly women and minorities, by providing information, diverse perspectives and a safe forum to tackle some of our country’s most difficult workplace challenges.”

Sehitoglu joined HNTB in 2017 as a transportation planner and is focused on creating complex transportation models for some of the nation’s largest public transportation systems. In his work, he identifies access to safe, reliable and efficient public transportation as a crucial part of economic equality and racial justice. He cites his mother, who herself was an advocate for women and minorities in STEM, as an early influence. Furthermore, he hopes that the increased awareness of inclusion and diversity related issues in our industry will lead to projects that provide transportation equity to all users.  In addition to his planning responsibilities with HNTB, Sehitoglu has been a committed volunteer and former co-chair of the WTS-Boston Diversity Committee. He also has helped organize WTS events, including 2019’s Diversity in Motion Workshop and 2020’s Diversity TED Talk with Massport’s Kenn Turner.