Bridget Wray, MUP, AICP

Without a doubt, I love the varied tasks of my day-to-day life. I often have the opportunity to balance multiple projects at a time, and it takes the monotony out of corporate life.

This is my first corporate job and my first job after graduating with my master’s. School gives you theories, but my job has given me the ability to put these into practice. I have only been with the company for a little over two years now, but I have seen a huge growth in my skills since starting. I feel more confident and capable of taking the lead on projects, anticipating problems and identifying solutions, engaging with clients, and trusting my gut when it comes to knowing the right kinds of questions to ask.

The biggest projects I am working on at the moment are the Metroplex Freight Study for TxDOT and an ongoing program management project for TxDOT’s Rail-Highway Grade Crossing Program (Section 130). Both of these projects require regular internal meetings to identify tasks and track progress. The Section 130 project also involves regular meetings with TxDOT’s Railroad Division and District Railroad Coordinators to get the current status of the 350 crossing improvements we help manage. It’s also a great opportunity to meet and connect with the client.

I work with our Texas offices quite a bit. Blanca Obregon, in Houston, leads the Section 130 project, so I’ve been exposed to the rail team often. Blanca is a great example of putting the client first and troubleshooting issues. Gary Law, out of Fort Worth, leads the Metroplex Freight Study project, and I was able to meet most of the Fort Worth office last week. They were incredibly welcoming! I also work with our Grants Team a lot, as one of my many roles is writing grants. Lisa Koch leads that team and has done an excellent job building up our program from the ground up. Huge shoutout to Will Burke and Cullen Gress, who conduct all the Benefit-Cost Analyses for grants—this team is an absolute powerhouse.

I have a regular weekly team meeting led by Deanne Winkelmann. She always finds ways to make these engaging through fun activities! Having strong mentors and a supportive team has made a big difference in my professional development.

One of my routine tasks is preparing obligation packets for our Section 130 projects. I create a cover letter and gather the signed plans or statement of work memo, cost estimates, and applicable additional forms into one packet. This packet is then sent off to TxDOT’s Railroad Division and then to FHWA for approval and funding. I’ve been working hard to automate this process, and it’s come a long way, but I am identifying other tools to help make it even more efficient. Other regular tasks include outlining and writing sections for grants or creating public engagement meeting materials.

I stop work around 5 p.m. and usually start dinner or grab a snack before getting a bike ride or a game of pickleball in. This summer, a goal of mine has been to get back into riding, and now I go out a few times a week. My favorite trail is the Rock Island Trail in Kansas City, but there’s still so much to explore. I’ve played pickleball for the last few years and really enjoy seeing the boom in popularity—it’s a great way for different generations to connect with each other. 

But my favorite activity has to be going to local parks and playing fetch with my new puppy, Fiona, and my partner, Cathy. Fiona fits perfectly into our little family, and after a few weeks of fostering her, it just made sense to keep her.