For its third year, the Women’s Leadership Initiative presents “Inside the Urbanist’s Studio”, a lively discussion between two industry leaders sharing stories and insights on issues facing land use development. This year join us for an intimate conversation with Leslie S. Richards, Secretary of the PennDOT and Liz Smith, Director of Strategic Planning and Analysis at SEPTA, to hear about the future of our transportation systems and the challenges facing our region.
Multi-modal connections between Philadelphia and regional economic hubs are vital to attracting talent and businesses to our region. Both women draw on a wealth of experience in stakeholder engagement, capital projects and strategic planning; spearheading projects that enable effective passenger and commercial transportation. Their strong rapport and storied experiences promise to deliver an insightful conversation.
Reserve your seat to learn from two women with unique insight on policies and projects directly affecting the market and quality of life in this region. Cocktails and appetizers will be served in Cira Center, 16th Floor.
More about the speakers:
As the first woman and planner to serve as Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Leslie S. Richards oversees one of the largest and most innovative transportation agencies in the U.S., with an annual budget of more than $10 billion and 11,500 employees. Richards has been recognized for her leadership in the industry and her commitment to public service. One of the many policies that Ms. Richards is implementing is PennDOT Connects, a transformative approach that focuses on improved collaboration among local stakeholders for the planning and delivery of capital and maintenance projects.
Liz Smith is the Director of Strategic Planning and Analysis at the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). In that role she is responsible for oversight of both strategic as well as long range planning activities, including expansion projects, internal and external planning studies, as well as leading the planning relationships with various stakeholders throughout the region.