Carina Harvey

WTS South Florida President

carina.harvey@volkert.com

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

February 2025:

Safe Streets Summit

The 2025 Safe Streets Summit was hosted by the Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency (TPA) on February 6 & 7, in the City of West Palm Beach. The Safe Streets Summit is South Florida’s premier complete streets event focused on promoting and creating healthier, safer, and more vibrant communities by encouraging and building the necessary skills to implement Complete Streets throughout the South Florida region. This year’s conference theme, “Mobility at the Heart of It All,” highlighted how investing in mobility solutions can improve quality of life and stimulate economic development in Southeast Florida. Sessions covered important topics such as enhancing street safety, creating livable communities, improving land use and transportation connections, and fostering innovative partnerships and mobility solutions.

We would like to thank Valerie Neilson AICP, the Palm Beach TPA, the Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization (TPO), and the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for their partnership in organizing another outstanding transportation and mobility conference. This collaboration allowed us to share valuable insights into transportation planning from our region and beyond. WTS South Florida Chapter was honored to volunteer and participate in this year's Safe Streets Summit as an In-Kind Sponsor.

March 2025:

Annual Membership Meeting

On March 7th, the WTS South Florida Chapter held their Annual Membership Meeting at the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District 4 Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale.

We were honored to hear from the inspiring speakers Yvonne Lopez-Diaz and D4 Secretary Steve Braun, who shared powerful insights on workforce development, collaboration, and the importance of building strong, connected communities. Your words lit a spark and reminded us why we do what we do. A huge thank you as well to Florida Department of Transportation District 4 for hosting us. We’re grateful for your support and look forward to continuing our partnership.

The meeting was a great success, providing attendees with enriching experiences and valuable knowledge. Thank you Secretary Braun and Ms. Lopez-Diaz for their involvement and enthusiasm.

March 2025:

Coffee and Convos

On March 12th, the WTS Central Florida Chapter hosted an inspiring virtual session titled COFFEE & CONVOS: Redefining the Impact of Motherhood on Careers. This engaging conversation featured five dynamic panelists (Amanda Woods, Kathrin Tellez, Juliana Ortiz, Dawn Ratican, and Lori Treviranus) and moderator (Abgail Donkor) who shared personal stories, challenges, and strategies for navigating the demands of work and caregiving, particularly motherhood.

While the discussion focused on the unique experiences of working mothers, many of the takeaways resonated more broadly with anyone balancing multiple roles in their personal and professional lives. Each panelist highlighted strategies that have worked for them in managing the demands of both roles. From setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, communicating expectations, and staying adaptable, the panelists offered valuable, practical insights for maintaining personal well-being and career success.

A recurring theme throughout the conversation was the importance of open dialogue with family members, colleagues, and employers to foster mutual understanding and create supportive environments. The panelists reinforced that being a great parent and a dedicated professional doesn’t require perfection. Rather, it’s about aligning your priorities, giving yourself grace, and making intentional choices that support your values and goals.

WTS South Florida was proud to have Juliana Ortiz represent our chapter as one of the panelists. Thank you, Juliana, for your authenticity, leadership and for inspiring all of us with your story.

March 2025:

Celebrating Women in Engineering

March was National Women's History Month, and Francisca Kasubi was incredibly honored to be a panelist at the inspiring Women in Engineering Social and Panel Discussion held on March 13, 2025. The event was organized by WTS South Florida, the Florida Engineering Society, and the Society of Women Engineers. Francisca said that it was truly empowering to share the stage with an amazing group of women in engineering: Judy Solaun-Gonzalez, P.E., Wendy Conforme, P.E., and Enit Medina, P.E. A heartfelt thank you to Helga Sommer, P.E., PPM, for skillfully moderating the discussion.

The panelists shared their personal journeys, the challenges they have overcome, and lessons learned throughout their careers in engineering. One of the most rewarding moments for Francisca was connecting with the high school students in attendance, encouraging them to pursue their passions and reinforcing that the future of engineering is both bright and diverse. Francisca was deeply grateful for the opportunity to take part in this event. Special thanks to Carina Harvey, Tejsingh Rana, P.E., Angela Foreman, P.E., and everyone involved in making this event a success and fostering such impactful conversations.

March 2025:

Mentor-Protégé Kick-Off Meeting

The Mentor-Protégé Kick-off Meeting was held on Thursday, March 20 at Topgolf Miami Gardens. The event marked the launch of the 2025 South Florida WTS Mentor-Protégé Program, which aims to foster meaningful mentorship relationships within the South Florida transportation industry. The program aims to provide participants with practical tools and invaluable guidance to advance their careers through meaningful mentorship relationships. Throughout the year, protégés will meet at least monthly with their mentor to discuss various aspects of professional growth, including career management, interpersonal skills, self-advocacy, and leadership. The kick-off meeting marked a successful start to the Mentor-Protégé Program, with participants eager to embark on a journey of mutual growth and empowerment. The participants were also introduced to the new Chair of the Mentor-Protégé Program, Kat Regnier. 

March 2025:

Joint Society Bike Ride

On March 22nd, WTS South Florida teamed up with South Florida ITE, Palm Beach FES, Palm Beach ASCE, Broward ASCE, Miami-Dade ASCE to celebrate Florida’s Bicycle Month. Perfect weather and great company made for an incredible Joint Society Bike Ride in West Palm Beach! Despite the busy boat show traffic, we navigated downtown, historic neighborhoods, and the new Clear Lake Trail—gaining insight into WPB’s forward-thinking infrastructure projects along the way.



This event was a great opportunity to champion cycling as a healthy, safe, and sustainable transportation choice. A special thank you to Linda Hess for leading the ride in celebration of Florida Bicycle Month, and to FES, ITE, and ASCE for the collaboration. We also appreciate everyone who joined us.

March 2025:

FIU-FAU-WTS Professional Development Event

The WTS South Florida chapter recently hosted a highly successful professional development panel on March 28th, 2025, at the FIU Miami campus. Organized by the WTS University Liaison committee in partnership with the FIU and FAU chapters, the event featured inspiring speakers such as Jessica McRory, PE, LEED AP (President and Founder of AREHNA Engineering), Orianna Caschetta, M.A (GIS District Coordinator for FDOT-District Six), and Ytve Guerrera, PE (Traffic Engineering Lead – Senior Project Manager for HNTB). The panelists shared valuable insights on career development, internships, mentorships, and career paths within the transportation industry. The event saw a full room, with attendees engaging in insightful discussions, asking numerous questions, and enjoying vibrant networking sessions. The committee and student chapters were left eager to continue developing events and opportunities throughout the calendar year to advance the industry and nurture future leaders.

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS

Nathalia Amaral

Jose Clavel

Stephanie Garcia Martinez

Alexandra Lombardi

Mauricio Micolta

Maria Scudella

Lisa Tamayo Smith

Irene Velez-Londono

Eileen Wheeler

WTS STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Soheila Saeidi

Florida Atlantic University

Name

Soheila Saeidi

School

Florida Atlantic University

Major(s)

Ph.D. in Civil Engineering with a concentration in Transportation and Environmental Engineering

What inspired you to pursue a career in the transportation industry?

I’ve always been motivated by a desire to solve real-world challenges, and transportation is one of the most impactful areas where engineering directly serves the public. I’m especially passionate about issues that affect safety and everyday mobility—things like traffic accidents, freight movement, and access in underserved communities. My research focuses on improving transportation systems in rural areas and making them more efficient, safer, and equitable. I’m the kind of person who’s always looking for problems in the real world that need solving. For me, engineering isn’t just about numbers or models—it’s about creating practical solutions that make life better for people.

How and when did you get involved with WTS?

I got involved with WTS in January 2023 and currently serve as the President of the WTS-FAU Student Chapter. I joined to be part of a community that empowers women in transportation and provides professional growth and networking opportunities.

What benefit(s) have you experienced from your WTS membership?

WTS has given me the chance to lead, organize impactful events, and work alongside inspiring transportation professionals. It’s also helped me connect with students and professionals, contribute to community outreach, and strengthen my commitment to advancing women in this industry.

What's something about you (a fun fact) that few people know?

Despite working with complex traffic simulation tools, I enjoy unwinding by baking traditional Persian pastries—a skill I learned from my grandmother.

Hobbies

Photography, biking, baking, and mentoring students.

Community involvement

President of WTS-FAU Student Chapter; Vice President and former Graduate Representative of FAU ITE Student Chapter; organizer of outreach events in partnership with the Freight Mobility Research Institute to encourage student engagement in transportation.

Favorite quote(s):

"Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life." – Omar Khayyam.

“I wish I could show you when you are lonely or in darkness the astonishing light of your own being.” -Daniel Ladinsky.

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: WTS SCHOLARSHIPS

WTS South Florida is a leader in attracting, mentoring, and advancing the next generation of transportation professionals in South Florida. Our chapter was established on May 26, 1981. Since then, we have been delivering impactful and relevant programs that foster professional growth while contributing to the enhancement of our region's transportation industry. We also have awarded scholarships to deserving women entering the transportation field. This year, we aim to award at least $10,000 in scholarships to high school, community college/trade school, undergraduate and graduate students focused on transportation.

Our annual scholarship program provides significant financial support to high-achieving women seeking assistance to cover rising education costs. Help WTS South Florida raise and award over $10,000 this year in scholarships for high school, community college/trade school, undergraduate, and graduate students!

How Can I Participate?

We have three levels of sponsorship that all include recognition and various benefits. Private firms, public sector agencies, and individuals can contribute in the following impactful ways:

➡️ Sponsor a Named Scholarship (Level 1 - $2,500): Dedicated scholarship in your name (corporate, agency, or individual) presented by you at the 2025 Scholarships and Awards Gala.

➡️ 2025 Scholarship Fund (Level 2 - $1,500): Your name included on a scholarship (Depending on the number of scholarship applicants, this level may be bundled with more than one sponsor.)

➡️ Level 3: Any Amount 

For payment, please send a check to: 

WTS South Florida Chapter

Attention: Martha Porto

5200 Waterford District Drive, Suite 900

Miami, FL 33126

Please make checks payable to: WTS South Florida Chapter. Payments can be made by check or electronically. For more information contact our Sponsorship Chair Mayren Franco at mfranco@hntb.com.

WELCOME TO OUR NEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Kat Regnier

Mentor Protégé Committee Chair &

Transportation YOU Committee Co-Chair

Nathalia Amaral

Membership Committee Chair

Irene Velez

University Liaison Committee Chair

Francisca Kasubi

University Liaison Committee Co-Chair

Maria Scudella

Communications Committee Co-Chair

Rachel Ruiz

Scholarship Committee Co-Chair

Stephanie Garcia

Events & Programs Committee Co-Chair

JOIN THE WTS SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER

AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE

The WTS South Florida Chapter focuses on promoting and advancing the WTS International mission in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. Through our events and programs, members and sponsors have forged new relationships and expanded networks, provided mentorship and training to help advance women in leadership, and have helped financially support up and coming female students (through scholarships) and deserving women professionals (through conference attendance).

Benefits of Membership:

• Advance Your Career
• Strengthen and Refine Your Leadership Skills
• Impact the Transportation Industry... Now and Into the Future

2025 Membership Levels:

• Student Membership: Available at no cost for full-time students for up to four years. Additional membership years are available for Ph.D. candidates.
• Professional Membership: Designed for members across all modes, sectors, and professions. Includes various price points such as Emerging Leader, Public Sector, Small Business/DBE, and Private Sector.
• Executive Membership: Intended for individuals in leadership positions within their organizations, typically at the Vice President level or above.
• Lifetime Membership: Granted to retired individuals who meet eligibility criteria.

Joining this organization locally provides invaluable connections to the industry throughout the region, but also at the National level given the high profile of WTS and its mission Internationally. We are always looking for more people who want to get involved! For more information regarding membership, contact Nathalia Amaral at namarals@outlook.com.

For more information regarding our events, contact our Chapter Events & Program Chair, Juliana Ortiz at juliana.ortiz@hdrinc.com. To learn more about Chapter events, click here.

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

The WTS South Florida Chapter could not have achieved our mission without the support of our sponsors. To become a sponsor today, please contact the South Florida WTS Sponsorship Committee representative Mayren Franco at mfranco@HNTB.com.