Founder & President, MPERA | Trailblazing Leader Shaping the Future of Engineering & Resilience
Last night at the WTS Puget Sound Chapter mentoring meeting, we had an inspiring fireside chat with Adiam Emery, Seattle’s Deputy Mayor and incoming SDOT Director. As she shared her journey, so much of what she said resonated deeply with me. She reminded us to lead with value, be stubborn about our journeys, and never let the “no”s define our path—because there’s always a way to find the yes. Coming from a different culture and being an outlier myself, I know what it’s like to navigate unfamiliar spaces, learn by observing, and carve a path forward without a blueprint. Her words weren’t just advice; they were a reflection of experiences I know well. And that’s the beauty of mentorship—sometimes, you don’t need a single role model. You find pieces of your story in others, and in return, you help create space for the next generation. Feeling pretty lucky to have been matched with Kris Overleese, PE in this year’s mentoring program—great conversations, fresh perspectives, and a reminder that the right mentor shows up when you need them most. ?? #Leadership #Mentorship #FindingYourPath #WomenInTransportation #WTSPugetSound