I’m originally from Seattle, Washington, and have lived here my whole life. I went to school for Business Management at WGU while working full-time at HDR, Inc. on one of the region’s largest transit projects, the East Link Light Rail Extension.

Not many people know that I’m passionate about traveling and exploring new places—it’s my way of experiencing continuous learning beyond my professional career. I was recently hired as a project control manager at Community Transit in Snohomish County, where I contributed to large-scale initiatives like expanding transit networks and improving services.

What I love most about my job is the ability to collaborate with teams and impact the community by helping deliver crucial public transportation projects. One of my favorite projects was at my previous place of employment, the East Link Light Rail Extension Project, where I had the opportunity to learn about each part of project controls in a large-scale construction project.

Looking ahead, I aim to continue advancing in the field of project controls, focusing on larger, more complex projects that push me to grow both technically and strategically. I’m passionate about refining processes, improving efficiency, and driving better project outcomes by leveraging data, analytics, and best cost management and scheduling practices. I’ve been inspired by professionals who excel at balancing project controls’ technical and collaborative aspects. I aspire to lead teams that streamline project delivery while focusing on quality and accountability.

One of my biggest challenges was earning my degree later in my career while working full-time in the field. Balancing the demands of my job with pursuing education was tough, but it gave me a deeper appreciation for the work I was already doing. It felt incredibly rewarding to achieve that goal, knowing it would further strengthen my expertise. A memorable moment for me was the opening of the East Link Extension, seeing the project come to life after years of hard work and collaboration. Knowing that it would enhance connectivity and benefit countless commuters was truly fulfilling.

I joined AACE because I wanted to connect with like-minded professionals and gain access to resources that would sharpen my skills in cost engineering and project controls. Being a member has expanded my network and exposed me to new methodologies and best practices that I apply in my day-to-day work.

For anyone entering the field, I’d say stay curious, always ask questions, and be open to learning from both successes and setbacks. Project controls is a dynamic field, and those who embrace its challenges will find it incredibly rewarding.