What do you hope to see for women in the industry and what message would you give to those who may be interested in pursuing such career path?
My passion for this subject is palpable. “We’ve made progress, but there’s still a long road ahead, it’s up to all of us—men and women alike—to continue pushing for change. The following is a road to action proposed on my behalf.”
1. For Women in Transportation: “Seek out mentorship opportunities, never stop learning, and don’t be afraid to make your voice heard.”
2. For Industry Leaders: “Implement policies that support women’s advancement and create an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive.”
3. For Everyone: “Challenge biases, celebrate diversity, and recognize the value that women bring to the transportation industry.”
As a Senior Project Manager, how does Cordoba Corporation support your role and your passion to promote your professional development as a woman in the field and for all women in the field?
As a Senior Project Manager at Cordoba Corporation, I’ve experienced firsthand how the company goes above and beyond to support women in our field.
One of the cornerstones of Cordoba’s commitment to professional development is the Blueprint for Success Leadership program. This initiative has been instrumental in honing my leadership skills and providing a platform for women to excel in project management roles.
Furthermore, one of the most exciting aspects of my journey with Cordoba has been the way the Cordoba leadership has allowed me to participate in different industry opportunities that have been invaluable for my career growth, allowing me to network, gain insights into emerging trends and represent Cordoba at high-profile events.
I truly believe that what sets Cordoba apart is the genuine commitment to nurturing talent, regardless of gender. They’ve created an environment where women in project management can thrive, innovate, and lead.
Is there a project/program you’re particularly proud of?
At Cordoba, there’s one project that stands out as a true source of pride for me: the * San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Connector Service Request for Innovative Concept Development – Binational Blue Line Extension Concept**. This ambitious initiative represents a groundbreaking approach to modernizing mobility in the California-Baja megaregion, and I’m thrilled to have played a crucial role in its development.
Imagine a project that not only tackles the pressing issue of border congestion but also uplifts an entire region’s competitiveness and quality of life. That’s exactly what we set out to achieve with this concept. The Blue Line Extension isn’t just about transportation – it’s about transforming lives and bridging communities.
As the Deputy Project Manager, I had the incredible opportunity to lead our team towards a vision that would reshape the future of the Cali-Baja region. We faced a unique challenge: coordinating efforts across two countries to determine the fate of this binational area. It was a delicate balance of diplomacy, innovation, and determination.
This experience has reinforced my belief in the power of innovative infrastructure projects to drive positive change. It’s projects like these that remind me why I chose this career path, and why I continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in urban planning and development.
Why or what makes you proud to be a “Cordobian”?
One of the most fulfilling aspects of working at Cordoba is our commitment to social responsibility. It’s not just talk – we walk the walk, and the results are truly inspiring.
Our diversity initiative isn’t just a checkbox; it’s a fundamental part of who we are. We celebrate our differences and leverage them to drive innovation and creativity. From diverse hiring practices to inclusive team-building activities, we’re creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and heard.
I’ve never felt more comfortable being my authentic self at work. Our diversity initiative has opened up conversations and connections I never thought possible in a professional setting.
Background of the Interviewee:
Irene Olsen is a senior project manager with almost two decades of just California based transportation projects. She has experience leading and participating in multiple projects for the transit, highs-speed rail, BRT, and rail industry. She has managed large teams and budgets and has successfully provided support to senior public agency managers. She has successfully led projects for local, state, and federal clients, and is well versed in coordinating with and managing multiple stakeholders.
