YPT International

Happy 2024!
As we honor our nation’s independence, let’s also recognize the incredible role transportation plays in connecting us all. From coast to coast, our trucks, trains, ships, and planes keep America moving forward.

YPT International observes  , . Our   communities take this time to recognize and the long journey towards . As   professionals, we can acknowledge the accomplishments that   and innovators have contributed to our industry through the of fundamental . Join us in honoring the resilience, strength, and culture of Black Americans. May this day inspire , , and towards a more just and inclusive future.

📣 YPT International Board of Advisors June 2024 Spotlight Lori Labrum 🚌

Lori Labrum has joined TranSystems as a Senior Vice President and serves as the leader for the West Transit Market and National Bus-rapid transit ( ) services. In this role, she will enhance the transit market in the western region and manage BRT services nationwide. Labrum brings over 30 years of experience in and for across the U.S. She has planned and designed over 200 miles of BRT systems and has overseen significant projects such as Utah Transit Authority’s 10.5-mile BRT project and the University Line BRT in Houston. Her commitment lies in creating accessible built environments.

Thank you, Lori, for your continued support to advancing young professional in our face-paced and ever-changing industry.

Learn more about Lori on our website *Link in Bio*

🌈🚍 Happy Pride Month! 🚆🏳️‍🌈 from Young Professionals in Transportation International (YPT)! Stemming from the 1969 Stonewall Riots - and the pride marches that followed - International LGBT Pride Day is held June 28th. The month-long celebration was first recognized in the US by President Bill Clinton in 1999. We celebrate our colleagues in transportation, and recognize their incredible contributions to our industry. At YPT, we are committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for everyone, no matter where their journey takes them.

YPT International Board of Advisor Spotlight May 2024 Carita Ducre

Carita Ducre is the Vice President of Workforce Development and Educational Services for the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).

Ms. Ducre, who joined APTA in 2023, leads APTA’s educational programming (including Leadership APTA, Emerging Leaders, and APTAU) and supports APTA’s member organizations with strategic workforce development, succession , and and initiatives. She also provides oversight of APTA’s Foundation. Previously she worked as a managing partner with Insight Strategies, working on and strategic initiatives across private and public sector organizations. 

Thank you Carita for serving as a YPT-International Advisor, and for your efforts to engage the next generation of transportation professionals!

Learn more about Carita on our website (Link in bio!)

🎊 Celebrating ! 🎊

Originally designated for May to commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese immigrant to the U.S. on May 7, 1843. The month took on added significance with the completion of the first in May 1869. An infrastructure project largely completed using Chinese labor. AAPI month aims to celebrate the and of Asian American and Pacific Islanders in the United States.

This May, Young Professionals in Transportation honor the rich contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities to the transportation industry! From engineers shaping innovative solutions to drivers navigating our roads with skill and precision, AAPI professionals play a vital role in keeping our world moving. Let’s recognize and the diversity, talent, and dedication of our AAPI colleagues who help drive progress and connect us all. Together, we’re moving towards a brighter, more inclusive future.

THANK YOU YPT! This month we have reached over 2,000 active YPT members 🎉 As we continue to grow together, we’re excited about the opportunities ahead and the chance to further enrich, , and lead our industry. Your presence makes us stronger, more vibrant, and more diverse, and we’re appreciative of it.

It’s a great day to invite a colleague or friend to join YPT as well, invite them to become a member of our organization and search for a local chapter in/near your city! Link in bio

We are excited to announce that we are well underway in planning the Young Professionals In Transportation inaugural conference for 2025. This conference serves as a platform for young professionals in the transportation industry to connect, learn, and grow. As we prepare for this event, we are seeking talented individuals to join our team in key roles that will contribute significantly to the event’s success. 
 
If you are passionate about event planning and eager to be part of this dynamic team, we encourage you to click on the link below for more information on our open positions and how to apply. Join us in shaping an unforgettable conference experience for our attendees! Deadline for statement of interests is this Friday, April 19!

Learn more at link in our bio

YPT International April Spotlight Event this upcoming Monday April 15

Please join us for a YPT International Happy Hour at Bronco’s Sports Bar & Grill, 900 Airport Fwy, Suite 166, Hurst, TX 76054, featuring Andy Byford, SVP of High Speed Rail Development at . We invite you to come out and network with fellow transportation professionals and with Andy to learn more about AMTRAK’s High Speed Rail program!

Register on our website! (Link in bio)

It’s National Arab American Heritage Month!

In April 2021, President Biden declared April National Arab American Heritage Month to recognize the 3.5 million Arab Americans that exemplify “so much of what our country stands for: hard work, , , and .” The Arab America Foundation formally recognizes the achievements of Arab Americans through the celebration of National Arab American Heritage Month ( ). Across the country, cultural institutions, school districts, municipalities, state legislatures, public servants, and non-profit organizations issue proclamations and engage in special events that celebrate our community’s rich and numerous to society.

YPT International acknowledges the achievements and contributions made by those in our industry, and embrace their history and culture. Learn more about YPT Equity at the link in our bio

YPT International celebrates Women’s History Month!

Please join us for our March 2024 Board of Advisors spotlight event Leader’s In Motion: A Conversation with .usa Women Leaders, at WSP’s New York City office featuring YPT International Board of Advisor Sofia Berger, SVP Transportation National Business Line Leader at WSP in the U.S. She will be moderating a panel with Amanda DeCesare, PE, PMP, Vice President, National Aviation Design Director, Caroline Decker, SVP, National Rail Business Director and Federal Government Affairs, and Jennifer Grenier, SVP, East Advisory & Planning Business Leader. There will be a hour following the event at the WSP office.

This event is open to all YPT Members. Link in bio to register today!

March 2024 YPT International Board of Advisor Spotlight: Sofia Berger

Sofia Berger is a Senior Vice President and the National Business Line Executive for Transportation and Infrastructure .usa . In this role she oversees the strategic direction, business development performance, client management, and knowledge management of WSP’s U.S. transportation and infrastructure market, which includes , , and , , , and , as well as and infrastructure. Previously, Sofia served as Deputy National Business Line Leader in the Advisory group with a range of responsibilities from strategic planning, operational management, and complex project management across all types of .

We are looking forward to our March YPT International Spotlight Event on the 25th, highlighting women leaders at WSP for . Stay tuned for more details next week! *link in bio for a sneak peak!*

Thank you, Sofia, for being one of our Advisors and for our work to advance the industry.

💜 INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY 2024 💜
Happy ! YPT International takes this time to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of women; past, present, and future; who advance our industry. As transportation professionals, we acknowledge the achievements incredible women have brought into our industry! Together, let’s continue to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and build a more inclusive workplace. Tag a woman in our comments to give them a shoutout!

WEEKEND RECAP:
Our Board of Directors met for our Annual Strategic Meeting in Philadelphia, PA. We are excited to roll out some new initiatives for 2024 that aim to continue to expand our organization and provide mentorship, guidance, and community between young professionals in the transportation industry.

From Top Left to Bottom Right:
JD Humphrey - Deputy Director of Communications
Thomas Davidenko - Director of Programs
Carter McCoy - Director of Sponsorship
Eric Magazu - Co-Director of Administration
Kelvin M. Russell - Director of Chapter Development
Christopher Lau, PE, MBA - Chair
Byron Flores, EIT - Co-Director of Administration
Chris Fralinger - Co-Director of Finance
Isabella Steiner, EIT - Co-Director of Finance
Alina Gavrilov - Director of Membership
Amanda Minutello - Director of Communications

Stay tuned for updates via email, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter!

February 2024 YPT International Board of Advisor Spotlight: Audrey Wennink

Audrey is the director of transportation efforts at Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) and oversees coordination with other planning facets, such as  ,  ,  , and the  . Her responsibilities include leading transportation research, advocacy, and sustainable funding pursuits in Illinois. She focuses on integrating performance-based   methods and enhancing transportation equity. Under her leadership, MPC developed reports like “Toward Universal Mobility” and “Where the Sidewalk Ends” addressing the needs of people with disabilities and seniors in the Chicago Metropolitan Area. Audrey contributes to research on   barriers for marginalized communities and prioritizes equity in transportation projects.

She has spearheaded reports like “Transit Means Business,” emphasizing the importance of   investment for job support in the region. Audrey also leads the MPC Transportation Advisory Committee, consisting of regional business and public policy leaders. Prior to her role at MPC, she was a transportation planning and policy consultant for 12 years with expertise in transit, traffic safety, freight, and performance-based planning. Audrey has a background in communications and has been a Chicago resident for over 20 years. She is actively involved in professional organizations, serving as an advisory board member for the WTS Greater Chicago Chapter and the national advisory board of Young Professionals in Transportation. Additionally, she is a member of Lambda Alpha International and serves on the   committee of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. Audrey holds a B.A. in English and Spanish from Colby College and a Master’s in Urban Planning and Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is also a fellow of the University of Chicago’s Harris School’s Civic Leadership Academy.

Thank you, Audrey, for being one of our   Advisors and for your work to advance the   industry in  !

Learn more about Audrey by visiting the link in our bio!

EVENT UPDATE: Our January Board of Advisors Spotlight Event has been rescheduled for Monday, February 26, 2024.

Please join us for our YPT Board of Advisors spotlight event at AECOM’s NYC office, featuring our  , Sally Librera, Americas   Market Leader at  . The Q&A session also features Amtrak’s Jeannie Kwon, VP of Mega Programs Development & Coordination, and Jaidev Sankar , VP of   Project Delivery at  . We will also have a   happy hour after the Q&A at Sinigual.

Register here: https://lnkd.in/gbVEWMYp *Link in Bio*
   

celebrates Black History Month 2024. From the Underground Railroad to today’s technology, Black pioneers in have paved the way for . Throughout the month, we will be highlighting some of our YPT Directors, and various transportation leaders who have paced and are continuing to be for our .

Learn more about YPT Equity in our bio!

Amtrak is looking for a Community Engagement Manager in New York City to assist in the , and ex*****on of a community engagement strategy to support Amtrak’s brand and role as both a provider and partner in communities that we serve and desire to serve. This role will report to the Sr. Director of Community Engagement. This role will act as a liaison between the and Amtrak, providing open communication about the projects Amtrak is looking to advance. In addition, this role will build goodwill in communities by identifying and supporting local and national non-profit organizations.

Learn more about the position at the link on our bio!

Don’t forget that   International Members can learn about   jobs and opportunities through our social media, newsletter, and website - where Sponsors can share their postings.   

Changemakers in Transportation Award Winner: Jaime McKay | Deputy Director at Transit Services of Frederick County Government, MD

Jaime is the quintessential cheerleader, especially a strong advocate for transit serving rural areas & people with disabilities. She is an avid transit enthusiast & proponent, working in the industry since 2012 in roles at the U.S. Department of Energy’s program, helping to implement in , & at Central Maryland Regional Transit - CMRT, helping to develop feeds for agencies across MD.

In 2017, Jaime joined MDOT Maryland Transit Administration just before its implemented largest system redesign in 50 years of . She managed the Statewide Transit Innovation Grant Program which helped fund & implement over a dozen meaningful improvements at local statewide. She helped create the Inclusive program which continues to engage people with disabilities, caregivers & older adults in meaningful human-centered projects. She has won multiple awards, including 2016 Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT) 40 Under 40, 2020 Mass Transit Magazine 40 Under 40, Frederick County’s 2022 Up & Coming Woman of the Year, 2020 Disability Awareness Day Award issued by Anne Arundel County Commission on Disability Issues, and the WTS Baltimore President’s Award in 2019.

In 2021, Jaime joined where she authored 3 project proposals for County Executive review, all of which were accepted & earmarked for funding. These projects strengthen the service that Transit offers to residents of , with Jaime having identified & implemented real time tracking for the fixed & shuttle , expanding rural service to operate on Saturdays for the first time in the system’s history, & improving the physical of 25% of the system’s 400 stops in the first year of ARPA funding. She also oversaw the launch of the agency’s Adopt-a-Stop Program & the enhancement of a Training program.

See more: https://lnkd.in/dWftQ6UJ

The development and evolution of in the United States has followed a fascinating , from it's inception as private entities providing , intercity , and services - to the current landscape of separate freight , , and regional and state-operated rail authorities.

Join for a virtual brown bag lunch event to hear from rail expert and Amtrak leader, Richard Slattery, and engage in an informal conversation about the evolution of rail ownership and responsibility and why it's important to know the histories of such a vital part of the ecosystem of this country.

Register and learn more here: https://lnkd.in/diwMMS5P

2023   International Board of Advisors Spotlight: Sally Librera

Sally is AECOM’s Market Leader for the Americas. She focuses on designing and delivering sustainable, innovative, and cost-effective . Sally has extensive experience in successfully leading large, complex through system modernization, with a strong focus on improving system performance and customer service; growing transit ; identifying and implementing efficiencies; and maximizing the value of operating and capital investments.

As the former Senior Vice President for Subways at New York City Transit, Sally oversaw North America’s largest urban transit operation, leading a team of 30,000 employees and serving nearly six million daily . She led the NYC team through a dramatic performance turnaround, significantly improving on time performance, cutting train delays in half, and safely reducing customer journey times on every line in the system. Sally also led MTA’s Staten Island , a 24/7 heavy , and has served in executive posts focusing on safety management, , workforce development, operations efficiencies, and reliability-based maintenance.

Sally is active across the . She is on the Board of Directors and serves as an Executive-in-Residence for the Tech Partnership – an organization focused on growing engagements between providers and seeking solutions for their most pressing challenges. Sally holds two graduate degrees from the University of California, Berkeley – one in and another in & Regional . She earned her bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University. View on our website here: https://lnkd.in/dn8nqp3Z
 

 International celebrates  . Our take this time to embrace their   and appreciate their cultural roots. As   professionals, we can acknowledge the achievements that  leaders and innovators have contributed into our industry. Join in the celebration to learn more about  culture, traditions, stories and its inspiring  .

Please read more about   on our website: https://lnkd.in/dMVYcRG

   

honors all those who have served their country. Thank you for your service!

Join Nashville on their annual event as they volunteer with 2nd Harvest Food Bank of Middle TN on Wed, Nov 15th! Be sure to email at [email protected] to sign up for more info!

American Society of Civil Engineers-ASCE Philadelphia YMF, Young Professionals in Transportation - YPT Philadelphia, and WTS Philadelphia Emerging Leaders are coming together to provide a Headshot Happy Hour on Tuesday, November 14th at Ladder 15 in Center City Philadelphia. Join as a photographer takes professional headshot photos, while everyone meets and mingles with fellow young professionals in !

Attendees must be 21+ to attend and purchase and/or consume alcohol (3rd floor cash bar). Light appetizers will be provided. While parking garages are nearby, public transit is strongly encouraged. The venue is accessible via the Broad Street Line, PATCO, and Suburban Station.

Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2023
Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Where: Ladder 15 Philly
Address: 1528 Sansom St, Phila, PA 19102
Cost: $10
RSVP: Sign up by Monday, November 13, 2023 at the link below:
bit.ly/2023hhh

Boston University is seeking a talented and motivated Assistant Director of Operations for Parking & Transportation Services (PTS), who is responsible for the day-to-day oversight and maintenance of all Charles River Campus (CRC) and Boston University Medical Campus (BUMC) and shuttle services.

Apply Here: https://lnkd.in/eAJAezh6

Don't forget that International Members can learn about jobs and internship opportunities through our social media, newsletter, and website - where Sponsors can share their postings.

YPT’s mission is to connect young professionals and cultivate the future within the industry. Our are Fellowship, Education, and Professional Development, in which we provide opportunities for networking, advocacy, mentorship, scholarship, career guidance and leadership. Join today: yptransportation.org

2023 International Board of Advisors Spotlight: Christof Spieler, PE, AICP, LEED AP

Christof Spieler is Director of at Huitt-Zollars, Inc. His recent work includes planning in Philadelphia, Boston, Fort Worth, and the Twin Cities, a vision for Galveston, in Houston, design manuals for Dallas , and the City of Houston’s response to a proposed expansion. He teaches at Rice University and served on Houston METRO’s board from 2010 to 2018, spearheading the redesign of the network. His book “ , , People: An Opinionated Atlas of ” was published in 2018; a second edition that includes Canada was published in September 2021. View on our website here: https://lnkd.in/eaYbfkBR

2023 International Board of Directors Spotlight: Director of Finance

Isabella Steiner, EIT, is a Site/Highway within the and team at WSP in the U.S. in Newark, NJ. Isabella is involved in the design of various civil , , and site projects. Her tasks include geometric design, design, preparation of contract plans and documents, & cost estimates for highway projects for local and state agencies. She has developed data analysis and organization software tools for the team and project members to evaluate alternative construction analysis. Isabella is a Local Lead of the WSP Developing Professionals Network ( ).

Before joining her team, she interned at Faithful+Gould Project Management for Formula 1 in Singapore and in Boston, MA. Isabella is interested in the intersection of planning, design, construction, and operation of the . She is passionate about and moving society and towards a and future.

Isabella is originally from Venezuela, but moved to the States to obtain a B.S. in with a minor in from Northeastern University in Boston. During her time in college, Isabella was closely involved with her school’s American Society of Civil Engineers ( ) student chapter and helped organize volunteering activities. Outside of work, Isabella enjoys scuba diving, skiing, playing volleyball, and . She loves hosting dinners, , and exploring new neighborhoods in her free time. Read more of her responsibilities on our website: https://lnkd.in/dDJGKfX

Congratulations to our 2023 YPT Awards winners! Our annual International Awards program was created to fill the void presented to young professionals in large, established organizations. We are excited to witness your great accomplishments and are honored to have you as part of the YPT !

YPT in Transportation Award highlights several outstanding who are making a significant impact in the field of transportation.

Jaime McKay | Deputy Director, Services Division at Frederick County Government, MD | Member of YPT Baltimore

Amanda Minutello | I at AECOM | Member of YPT At Large

Taylor Novitsky | Specialist at STV Inc. | Member of Young Professionals in Transportation - YPT Philadelphia

Stay tuned as we will post more on each winner, and feel free to read more on our website: https://yptransportation.org/2023/10/06/2023-ypt-international-awards-winners/