Join the NC Triangle Chapter for a luncheon focused on the Future of Transportation in the Research Triangle Park (RTP) on Aug. 15. Featured speakers will be Research Triangle Foundation’s Travis Crayton and NCDOT Division 5 Engineer Becca Gallas.

The event will be held at the RTP Frontier building on Park Offices Drive. Register here.

On July 28, the Transportation YOU Committee of the WTS NC Triangle Chapter coordinated an engaging, hands-on event for more than 70 incoming freshmen from Wake STEM Early College High School, introducing them to careers in transportation and STEM.

Students teamed up with professionals to explore career opportunities and tackle creative engineering challenges—designing bridges and planes to support human transport. These activities offered students a valuable glimpse into the real-world problem-solving that transportation professionals navigate every day.

Thank you to volunteers Margaret Tartala, Nastasha Earle-Young, Sarah Searcy, Natasha Henderson, Sharon Freeman Noshin Siara Promy and the entire Transportation YOU committee for making this event such a success!

NC Secretary of Transportation Joey Hopkins donated a mentorship breakfast at this year's Go Gala and recently posted a follow-up on LinkedIn. The NC Triangle Chapter received a generous donation for our scholarship program, and two lucky professionals got advice from the top transportation offical in the state over breakfast.

WTS members at Morgan Street Food Hall at lunchtime

WTS members at Bend Bar for happy hour

Professional Connections officially relaunched in May, offering members a chance to connect in a more intimate, small-group setting. A total of 39 members signed up and were placed into eight small groups. Since then, there have been nine successful group outings, including happy hours, lunches, and even a paint & sip night! The momentum continues with six more events planned through the end of the month, including a board game night and an escape room adventure. The next round of groupings will kick off in September. If you’d like to sign up, fill out the form here.

Name: Natalia Arbelaez

Hometown: Greenville, SC  

When did you join WTS? 2024

Why did you join WTS? My supervisor was already a part of WTS and shared with me information about the organization. 

Where do you work/How long? NCDOT / 6 Years. I started on the TEA program and have been working in Division 5 Construction.

What is your title? Senior Assistant Resident Engineer

What do you like best about your job? It is rewarding that I get to see the tangible long-term results of the effort that goes into our projects. I also enjoy being able to explain the work to people – once people understand what’s happening and why, they’re often much more patient and supportive. It helps turn construction from a frustration into something they can appreciate!

What is your favorite project you’ve worked on and why? I enjoy all ranges of projects from resurfacing to larger scale projects. They all have their own unique set of challenges, and you learn different things along the way.

What do you like to do in your free time? I enjoy spending time with my fiancé, family, and two dogs. 

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself. I am getting married in September this year. 😊 

The month of August does not have a specific theme that speaks to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in transportation. However, the chapter's ABIDE Committee put together some information about observances during the month that emphasize those traits:

• International Youth Day - Aug. 12
• World Humanitarian Day - Aug. 19
• Women's Equality Day - Aug. 26

Read the committee's monthly newsletter here.

RK&K is a full-service engineering firm with 1,850 award-winning, diverse technical experts across more than 35 offices in 13 states and Washington, DC. Now in our 102nd year, we recognize the critical role women play in shaping the future of the industry. Achieving true gender equality both in the office and in the field remains a core priority.

We are proud to exceed industry averages in the number of female engineers, including two women Partners.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is reinforced through initiatives like our Women’s Employee Resource Group (ERG). This year, the ERG celebrated and supported women across RK&K with events such as firmwide International Women’s Day celebrations and a “Town Hall” forum designed to foster connection, share experiences, and exchange advice among female team members.

The Freese and Nichols team at our Charlotte office’s Open House event, overlooking the Charlotte skyline.

The newsletter is publishing a correction to the July edition, in which the link associated with the Freese and Nichols photo, above, was incorrect. The photo is included here with the correct link. We apologize for the error.

Below are a list of the committees within the NC Triangle Chapter and contacts for each committee. If you are interested in learning more about a committee or volunteering, please reach out to the listed contact(s).

Data – Sara Christoph

Programs – Katharine Mather

Professional Connections – Alexa Kennedy

Awards – Anamika Laad

TransportationYou – Sharon Freeman and Noshin Promy

Communications – Les Tracey and Lily Cloud

Fundraising – Mike Holder and Eva Ingram

Scholarships – Allison Thorburn

ABIDE – Kim Gillespie

Membership – Tanya Thompson

Mentorship Program – Ines Nizeye

2025 Partners

Emerging Business Partners

Public Agencies