Women in Transportation

Celebrating women in transportation and at ADOT

Celebrating women in transportation and at ADOT

Celebrating women in transportation and at ADOT

By Angela DeWelles / ADOT Communications

March 1, 2021

Did you know that March is Women’s History Month? Because women have made so many major contributions to the transportation field, we asked several women at ADOT to share the reasons why they entered into a transportation career.

"I have been passionate about engineering ever since I can remember. Transportation engineering includes planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of facilities that improve people’s lives every day. Being a part of this industry gives opportunities to be involved in the cutting-edge technologies that keep evolving. I am proud to be a part of the industry, especially ADOT. And I am proud to be working with those who share the same passion."

Tazeen A. Dewan, project manager, Multimodal Planning Division

"I initially 'fell into' the transportation sector as an environmental consultant, consulting for ADOT and railroads. The nature of the work and the opportunity to serve the public as part of something so integral to their daily lives are what have motivated me to work at ADOT."

Julia Manfredi, manager, Environmental Programs

"When I applied to ADOT 19 years ago, I did not think of it as trying to get a job in transportation. I saw it as another opportunity to be of service, only this time it would be for the citizens of Arizona. My passion is helping others and I knew that I could impact ADOT in a positive way and it would also give me the opportunity for career growth. ADOT has a great reputation as being family friendly, which also factored into my seeking a career with the agency."

Sonya Herrera, director, Administrative Services Division

"I credit my career in transportation to my college internship with the regional planning organization, where I conducted transportation modeling and forecasts. I couldn’t believe there was a career path where I could play SimCity all day! I’ve since enjoyed planning and designing roadway improvements throughout Arizona."

Susan E. Anderson, systems technology group manager, Transportation Systems Management and Operations Division

"Having spent years practicing law in the private sector, I had a desire to take the next step to become a judge. I was fortunate enough to be hired with the Executive Hearing Office in 2017, which has opened me up to the world of transportation. I enjoy dealing with the many interesting laws and regulations and working with a wide array of divisions and agencies."

Allyssa B. Reid, associate presiding judge, Executive Hearing Office

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Special Construction Academy session helping women moved into construction

Special Construction Academy session helping women moved into construction

Special Construction Academy session helping women moved into construction

By David Rookhuyzen / ADOT Communications

March 17, 2020

ADOT has hosted many sessions of its Construction Academy during the past six years. But the latest one held at the beginning of March in Phoenix was still a momentous first.

That's because all the participants in this academy, which kicked off March 2 and ran through last Friday, were women. That's them in the slideshow from the end of the session to the right.

And that was by design. Though the Construction Academy sessions are available and beneficial for minorities, veterans and members of other economically disadvantaged groups, including those who are unemployed, this time around it was decided to specifically target underrepresentation by women in the construction field. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, only 9 percent of construction workers nationally are women.

The training the Construction Academy provides covers construction math, flagger certification, OSHA 10 safety certification, reading construction plans, obtaining a Commercial Driver License permit and resume building. If participants have perfect attendance, they also receive a set of tools valued at $200.

And this training is especially beneficial to women. It helps them craft a powerful resume when they apply to work on federally funded projects, where contractors must adhere to regulations on representation by women and members of other economically disadvantaged groups. Beyond that, the larger goal of the Construction Academy is to help all participants view construction as not just a job but a viable career.

Though this was the first targeted session, ADOT’s Construction Academy has already done a good deal to help more women enter the industry. About 35 percent of the 600 graduates of the academy so far have been women.

Three-quarters of all Construction Academy participants have gone on to work in the construction field as flaggers, commercial truck drivers, heavy equipment operators, highway surveyors, electricians, carpenters, painters, pipe fitters, concrete finishers and block masons. Depending on the position, they start out earning $14 to $24 an hour, and sometimes more.

There are seats available for Construction Academy sessions in April and May. You can find more information or learn how to apply on our website.

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ADOT offers first Construction Academy training session just for women

ADOT offers first Construction Academy training session just for women

ADOT offers first Construction Academy training session just for women

February 20, 2020

PHOENIX – An Arizona Department of Transportation training program that helps members of economically disadvantaged groups launch careers in transportation construction is getting ready to hold its first session just for women.

By focusing the next two-week Construction Academy, to be held March 2-13 in Phoenix, ADOT’s On-The-Job-Training Supportive Services Program is helping address underrepresentation by women in the field. Women comprise about 9 percent of construction workers nationally, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

With spaces still available, those interested in participating in this free training can get information and apply by visiting azdot.gov/Academy.

Through the years, ADOT’s Construction Academy has helped more women enter the construction trades. Of the more than 600 graduates since this pre-apprentice training began in 2014, about 35 percent have been women.

Steve Navis, a manager with ADOT’s On-The-Job-Training Supportive Services Program, said the certifications earned by Construction Academy participants are particularly beneficial for women. A candidate with those qualifications has a more powerful resume, especially because of regulations on the number of women and members of other economically disadvantaged groups contractors must employ for federally funded projects.

“However, the larger goal of the Construction Academy is helping participants view construction as a viable career and not just another job,” Navis said. “Modern technology and construction methods mean that all people with ability have places in the construction world.”

Construction Academy training also is available to minorities, veterans and members of other economically disadvantaged groups, including those who are unemployed.

Three-quarters of Construction Academy participants have gone on to work in the construction field as flaggers, commercial truck drivers, heavy equipment operators, highway surveyors, electricians, carpenters, painters, pipe fitters, concrete finishers and block masons. Depending on the position, they start out earning $14 to $24 an hour, and sometimes more.

Participants receive training in construction math, flagger certification, OSHA 10 safety certification, reading construction plans, obtaining a Commercial Driver License permit and resume building. If participants have perfect attendance, they also receive a set of tools valued at $200. ADOT offers the free two-week training through a Federal Highway Administration workforce grant.

For more information or to apply for this or future Construction Academy sessions, please visit azdot.gov/Academy, call 602.712.8125 or pick up materials at the ADOT Business Engagement and Compliance Office, 1801 W. Jefferson St., Suite 101, in Phoenix.

Future female engineers get an up-close look at Loop 303 construction

Future female engineers get an up-close look at Loop 303 construction

Future female engineers get an up-close look at Loop 303 construction

April 26, 2012

Phoenix Construction District Engineer Julie Kliewer leads the Loop 303 tour.

By Laura Douglas

ADOT Office of Public Information

In the transportation industry, one of the greatest ways to connect with the future now is to watch a construction project take shape.

A project begins with a crude framework. But every day it grows with additions of wood, metal, concrete and materials.

Every day it looks a little different and edges closer to completion. Until one day it looks like a freeway or a bridge or an interchange—and you can see where the future leads.

It’s tangible progress.

The same can be said for mentorships—and molding the next generation of female transportation professionals. It’s about connecting with the future now.

During a recent visit to the Loop 303 corridor, a group of women representing different transportation agencies around the Valley and the Women’s Transportation Seminar hosted a group of young women from local high schools to show them progress in action. The girls are all interested in pursuing careers in engineering and transportation. Their tour of the Loop 303, which was led by the Arizona Department of Transportation, is part of a mentorship program between transportation professionals and students.

“I like being an active person and getting involved in hands-on projects,” said 16-year-old Erika Banuelos, who attends North High School in Phoenix. “I can’t imagine myself working in an office. I want to design and visualize a project.”

Banuelos, who is interested in pursuing civil engineering or aviation as a career field, was able to put on a hard hat and vest and watch as ADOT crews worked on a bridge pier for the future Loop 303/Interstate 10 interchange in Goodyear. The tour group then traveled north along the entire Loop 303 corridor, which stretches for 39 miles, stopping at several locations along the way.

“A tour like this helps the students understand what civil engineering is all about,” said Julie Kliewer, Phoenix Construction District Engineer and the leader of the Loop 303 tour. “This is a field where you can actually put your hands on what’s being built. And I think it helps them to see other women in the field and see their passion in their work. That’s how we often get our passion—from the passion of others.”

These future engineers are encouraged to pursue STEM studies now, which focus on science, technology, engineering and math. They are also paired up with female transportation professionals as part of the WTS Phoenix Chapter’s Transportation YOU program, a hands-on, interactive mentoring program that offers young girls ages 13 to 18 an introduction to a wide variety of transportation careers.

Banuelos, who is involved in the WTS’ Transportation YOU program, is one of two Arizona students who were selected to participate in the D.C. Youth Summit last month in Washington, D.C. The conference is designed to inspire, train and prepare young women for a future in STEM studies and a career in the transportation industry. Banuelos’ mentor is Hillary Foose from METRO Light Rail. ADOT State Engineer Jennifer Toth and her mentee Britton Hammit were also selected to attend the conference.

Banuelos says she’s already working on her STEM studies, and adds that a trip out to the Loop 303 construction site is where education meets real-world experience.

“Construction was always considered a man’s job. But that’s going to change,” said Banuelos, whose father has worked on Valley freeway construction projects. “More women are going to take part in construction and other engineering jobs.”

The Loop 303 tour ended with a drive through the completed 14-mile stretch from Happy Valley Parkway north to I-17. Kliewer, who enthusiastically pointed out every accomplishment along the way, said there will always be something exciting to build—it’s tangible and it’s progress.

“I’ve spent 29 years as an engineer and I still love it,” said Kliewer. “The great thing about my job is that it’s always challenging—there’s nothing routine about it. And I like sharing my knowledge with others.”

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STEM studies are at the forefront of upcoming transportation event

STEM studies are at the forefront of upcoming transportation event

STEM studies are at the forefront of upcoming transportation event

March 13, 2012

ADOT State Engineer Jennifer Toth, left, and ADOT Human Resources Administrator Nancy Gomez were recognized recently by the WTS Tucson Chapter.

Something kind of cool came across our desk and we wanted to share …

The Metropolitan Phoenix Chapter of WTS – an organization aimed at advancing women in transportation – sent out a news release that says two Arizona students and their mentors are headed to Washington DC to meet federal officials and take part in some key transportation-related events, including the DC Youth Summit.

Britton Hammit, a recent graduate from Prescott’s Tri City College Prep High School, will be accompanied by her mentor, ADOT State Engineer Jennifer Toth.

Joining them will be North High School student, Erika Banuelos, and her mentor, METRO Light Rail Public Information Officer Hillary Foose.

According to the news release, the WTS Metropolitan Phoenix Chapter is one of the few chapters in the U.S. to be sending two mentor/mentee pairs to this prestigious event and is one of many chapters to establish the organization’s Transportation YOU program, a joint initiative of WTS International and the US DOT that launched with the 2010 signing of a memorandum of understanding by US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood.

The news release goes on to state …

These four women will be attending a new conference for young women designed to inspire, train, and prepare them for a future in STEM studies (science, technology, engineering and math) and a career in the transportation industry.

Erika and Britton were selected based on their commitment to learning, as well as demonstrating interest and initiative in areas that would benefit a career in transportation, including the STEM studies.

A little more about Transportation YOU

WTS Metropolitan Phoenix Chapter Transportation YOU program provides scholarship, internship and networking opportunities.

The idea is to link young women with professionals in the field to pursue STEM-related coursework and expose them to career possibilities in areas of the transportation industry not typically pursued by women.

The DC Youth Summit – a four-day summit, which kicks off March 28 – is the pinnacle of WTS’s Transportation YOU program, as it brings together participants from across the country for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

We’d like to say congratulations to all the participants!!

More information on the summit can be found on the WTS website.

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