Mass Transit magazine features agency profiles, industry trends, management tips and new product information.
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 | MassTransitmag.com | Mass Transit | 55 Frank Dawson, associate dean for workforce and economic development at Santa Monica Community College, said he was eager to share his new knowledge with his colleagues. "Te involvement and time commit- ment from the Expo Construction Au- thority COO was very much appreciated. Te sharing of information by all levels of support staf was wonderful. I especial- ly came to appreciate the importance of the community relations staf and their impact on the project's success." Although the career opportunities are diverse, one particular skill was emphasized by every worker the group met, from every area and phase of the project: communication. For Marderosian, hearing about the importance of reading and writing in the workplace was validating, as it is some- thing he emphasizes in the classroom. "Time and time again teachers can re- peat the need for students to develop strong communication skills. But this advice will really be taken to heart when it comes from the lips of someone in industry." The chapter plans to expand the pro- gram to other transportation agencies next year. "Several of our chapter's directors at large are high ranking executives at local transportation agencies. We were fortunate to have the Expo Construction Authority step up for the pilot program this year," Bybee said. Externship participant Maria Le- on-Vazquez, a project manager at Santa Monica College and president of the San- ta Monica/Malibu School District board, said she made connections that will help in her work in both roles and in creating professional development for teachers. "I will be able to utilize the contacts with Expo and Metro and the private companies working with them," she said. "Tere are many collaboration potentials." WTS Los Angeles is the largest chapter of WTS (formerly Women's Transporta- tion Seminar), a 5,000-strong internation- al organization dedicated to building the future of transportation through the glob- al advancement of women. Erika Grotto is a freelance writer and editor based in Chicago. Emission Standards Exhausting your Budget? From Turbo to Top Stacks Grand Rock has it all, at tremendous savings. Pipes, clamps, fex components, DOC's you name it, we have it! You won't be exhausted working with Grand Rock. 395 Fountain Avenue, Painesville, OH 44077 440.639.2000 local • 800.321.3674 N. America www.grandrock.com • Email: sales@grandrock.com For more information, visit www.MassTransitmag.com/11677665 EXPOSITION METRO Line Construction Authority COO Samantha Bricker points out public art at an Exposition Light Rail Line station to participants in the WTS Los Angeles Summer Externship for Educators pilot program. Job opportunities are numerous because of the many projects in the works in Los Angeles County.