: Connecting new professionals in transportation worldwide.
About
Young Professionals in Transportation (YPT) is an international 501(c)(6) nonprofit coalition of organizations, which helps professional development, fellowship, and networking for new professionals in the transportation field.
Membership to YPT is open to all young transportation professionals around the world. We DO NOT have an age-restricted definition of “young” in YPT. Anyone is welcome to participate in our activities
To connect young professionals and cultivate the future leaders within the transportation industry
Our VISION
The world’s largest, unified young professionals network in the transportation industry
YPT PIllars
Guiding Principles
Core Values
Our Story
Founded in 2008, Young Professionals in Transportation (YPT) is the preeminent professional development organization for emerging leaders in the transportation field. YPT provides professional development guidance, educational opportunities, and fellowship for young professionals in transportation. Our members are rising leaders in the transportation field and are employed in consulting firms, local government, and national transportation agencies across the continent.
Since then, YPT has added new chapters – including multiple international chapters – and has grown to 25 chapters across North America. Our International board supports local chapters as they develop innovative programming and grow membership, as well as sustaining strong ties with national transportation agencies and organizations. YPT hosts events at international conferences such as Transportation Research Board (TRB), and partners on learning opportunities and fun events through digital engagement.
Supporting YPT shows a commitment to supporting the future of transportation. We encourage you to join Young Professionals in Transportation International and learn more about our dynamic industry. We are the future of the global transportation community.
YPT has chapters and regional districts in cities and regions across the world. Choose from the chapters below to learn about YPT in your area. If you are interested in starting a chapter in your city and or country contact us at Chapters@yptransportation.org .
For more information on starting a new YPT Chapter click here.
YPT is an international organization with a growing number of local chapters.
To support YPT’s value to members, its growth, and impact on the transportation community, a strategic initiative to create Regional Districts, with Regional Board of Directors is being explored.
We are currently accepting applications for our new YPT Regional District Board of Directors in both North America and Europe. Please complete the interest form via the link below if you are interested in supporting this strategic initiative and further leadership opportunities in the transportation community!
The International Board of Directors is based in Washington, DC and elected each November to provide guidance and leadership for the international organization as a whole.
For more information on each Board of Director role description, please click here.
YPT 2023-2024
CHRISTOPHER LAU // AECOM CONTACT // CHAIR@YPTRANSPORTATION.ORG YPT HOUSTON
Christopher Lau, P.E., M.B.A. is currently a Transit Civil Engineer with AECOM in Houston, Texas. He has experience in local roadways, interchanges, highways, and bus rapid transit design, working on numerous transportation PS&E and Schematic projects for multiple clients around Texas, including TxDOT, the City of Houston, and Houston METRO. Outside of work, Christopher has been involved with YPT since 2016, and has undertaken various leadership positions in YPT Houston, YPT International, and the ASCE Houston Branch. Christopher grew up in Houston, Texas and earned his B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin in May 2016. He also earned his MBA in 2022 from the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University. Since joining YPT, Christopher has been proactive in his goal to promote the connecting and networking of young transportation professionals globally. RESPONSIBILITIES
Serve as the Chief Executive Officer of YPT International
Day-to-day implementation of the policy and guidelines of the Board of Directors
Preside over Board meetings and create/appoint members to Committees
Develop and oversee strategic initiatives and partnerships
CHAIR
CHRISTOPHER LAU
AISULU SALIYEVA // AECOM CONTACT // DEPUTY@YPTRANSPORTATION.ORG YPT HOUSTON
Aisulu Saliyeva, P.E. is a Structural Engineer at AECOM Houston, Texas office. She specializes in design and analysis of bridges and other highway structures. She got her bachelor’s degree from University of Houston in Civil Engineering and her master’s degree from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a focus in Structures. Aisulu has numerous memberships and has been actively involved in local and international professional organizations.
Aisulu is originally from Almaty, Kazakhstan and speaks four languages. In her free time, she enjoys books, cinematography, architecture, and art in all its forms. She’s determined to work towards achieving YPT 2023 goals and facilitating opportunities for development of professionals in transportation. RESPONSIBILITIES
Assist the Chair in administering the international board and with any miscellaneous
needs
Set up monthly board meetings
Administer the subsequent year’s election process
Stand in for the Chair when necessary
DEPUTY CHAIR
AISULU SALIYEVA
ISABELLA STEINER // WSP CONTACT // FINANCE@YPTRANSPORTATION.ORG YPT NEW YORK CITY
Isabella Steiner, EIT, is a Site/Highway Engineer within the Transportation and Infrastructure team at WSP in Newark, NJ. Isabella is involved in the design of various civil roadway, rail, and site projects. Her tasks include geometric highway design, roadside design, preparation of contract plans and documents, & construction cost estimates for highway projects for local and state agencies. She has developed data analysis and organization software tools for the team and project members to evaluate alternative construction analysis. Isabella is a Local Lead of the WSP Developing Professionals Network (DPN).
Before joining her team, she interned at Faithful+Gould Project Management for Formula 1 in Singapore and WSP in Boston, MA. Isabella is interested in the intersection of planning, design, construction, and operation of the built environment. She is passionate about transit and moving society and transportation infrastructure towards a renewable and sustainable future.
Isabella is originally from Venezuela but moved to the States to obtain a B.S. in Civil Engineering with a minor in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University in Boston. During her time in college, Isabella was closely involved with her school’s ASCE student chapter and helped organize volunteering activities. Outside of work, Isabella enjoys scuba diving, skiing, playing volleyball, and hiking. She loves hosting dinners, traveling, and exploring new neighborhoods in her free time. RESPONSIBILITIES
Collect individual dues payments and redistribute to chapters
Record and maintain accurate financial records
Pay organization bills in a timely fashion
Manage organization payment systems
Seek opportunities to best utilize existing financial resources and expand revenue streams
Develop annual budget and provide monthly updates to the international board
FINANCE
ISABELLA STEINER
CHRIS FRALINGER // GANNETT FLEMING
CONTACT // FINANCE@YPTRANSPORTATION.ORG YPT PHILADELPHIA
Chris Fralinger is a Tolling Specialist within the Roadway Group at Gannett Fleming Inc. After graduating from Villanova University in 2017 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Chris joined his firm as a Transportation Operations Specialist. In 2021, he switched into his current role as a Tolling Specialist. Based out of the Philadelphia, PA Office, Chris is responsible for the planning and the designing of electronic tolling projects and intelligent transportation systems (ITS). His duties involve assisting in the consulting services to deliver a toll collection system that meets the requirements and satisfaction of the client. Additional responsibilities include the technology research, plan preparation, and cost estimation to prepare and develop project deliverables. Outside of work Chris enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, exercising, and trying new restaurants.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Collect individual dues payments and redistribute to chapters
Record and maintain accurate financial records
Pay organization bills in a timely fashion
Manage organization payment systems
Seek opportunities to best utilize existing financial resources and expand revenue streams
Develop annual budget and provide monthly updates to the international board
FINANCE
CHRISTOPHER FRALINGER
ERIC MAGAZU // FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION >
CONTACT // ADMIN@YPTRANSPORTATION.ORG RESPONSIBILITIES
Record minutes for all monthly board meetings
Keep accurate records of the organization
Manage the organization’s Teams channels and Zoom account for virtual meetings
Oversee international awards and other major activities
Keep accurate records of the organization
Collect and monitor metrics for all activities, events, and programming
Manage the organization’s Teams channels and Zoom account for virtual meetings
Oversee international awards and other major activities
Keep accurate records of the organization
Collect and monitor metrics for all activities, events, and programming
ADMINISTRATION
BYRON FLORES
THOMAS DAVIDENKO // AMTRAK CONTACT // PROGRAMS@YPTRANSPORTATION.ORG YPT WASHINGTON DC
Thomas is a Government Affairs Specialist at Amtrak, where he strives to communicate Amtrak’s projects, priorities, and history to federal lawmakers, external groups, and the public. In addition to coming up with unique ways to talk about Amtrak’s major fleet, infrastructure, and workforce investments, he also manages Amtrak’s involvement in YPT International.
Prior to his current role, Thomas was a Policy Analyst for Cardinal Infrastructure, where he helped clients advance major transit projects as well as initiatives related to workforce development, no-emission equipment, and transit-oriented development. Additionally, he has interned at Amtrak, in the House of Representatives, and Philadelphia’s City Council.
Thomas holds a BS in Business, Language, & Culture Studies with a Russian specialization and studied at the International University in Moscow for a semester. He is based in Philadelphia but can be found working up and down the Northeast Corridor. His experience as an everyday transit-user in high school and college, motivated him to pursue a career in transportation with the goal of improving access to low-emission mass transportation for all communities. When he’s not on a train, he enjoys exploring new cities, trivia, and playing guitar. RESPONSIBILITIES
Plan/oversee events in conjunction with major conferences
Support chapter programming, especially when major conferences are held near chapters
Coordinate events with the Director of Finance and the Director of Membership
PROGRAMS THOMAS DAVIDENKO
ALINA GAVRILOV // CITY OF COLUMBUS CONTACT // MEMBERSHIP@YPTRANSPORTATION.ORG YPT INTERNATIONAL
Alina Gavrilov (she/her) is a bridge engineer and project manager for the City of Columbus, OH Department of Public Service and the Professional Advancement Instructor for Station1, a nonprofit higher education institution focused on socially-directed science and technology. She received her bachelor’s degree in humanitarian engineering and mathematics from Baylor University, when she moved to Columbus, OH for her current job with the City. She has since been exploring the vibrant local foodie scene and diving into opportunities to explore her professional interests in resilient infrastructure, equitable engineering design, public policy, and transportation planning. Alina is a 2023 NLC Institute Fellow in the Columbus chapter of New Leaders Council, a nonprofit building an ecosystem of cross-sectional progressive leaders, and she is involved in multiple professional engineering societies. Alina enjoys mentoring high school students through the college admissions process, and you can find her attending a local poetry night, avidly listening to podcasts, running, thrifting, and having a long talk with a friend. She is excited to contribute to building a vibrant network of YPT members who can help each other advance in their fields and pave the way for incoming transportation professionals who are underrepresented in the industry. RESPONSIBILITIES
Monitor YPT membership numbers
Grant administrative access to the Contact Relationship Management System (CivicCRM)
Setup new chapters in database
Remove duplicate membership from the membership database
Assist chapters in using CiviCRM
MEMBERSHIP ALINA GAVRILOV
KELVIN RUSSELL // PORT AUTHORITY OF NY/NJ CONTACT // CHAPTERS@YPTRANSPORTATION.ORG YPT NEW YORK CITY
Kelvin M. Russell is a Leadership Fellow at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, a two-year rotational program where he rotates between various departments gaining valuable leadership skills, agency knowledge, and builds relationships with fellow colleagues and agency professionals. His first rotation was in the PATH Director’s Office, assisting the Chief of Staff. He is now rotating in the Port Department where he will be working on ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and cargo movement throughout through the Port of NY & NJ. Prior to his role as a Fellow, Kelvin was an intern in the Aviation Department at the Port Authority for two years and also interned at JetBlue Airways.
As a native of New Jersey and holding a passion for transportation since an infant, Kelvin is proud to live his dream of making a difference in the transportation industry and pursue a lifelong career in transportation. Kelvin has a Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Business Administration from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning from the Bloustein School at Rutgers University. While pursuing his Master’s degree he was also founder and President of BEAT or Bloustein Enthusiasts and Advocates for Transportation, a new student organization advocating for transportation policy. In his free time, when he’s not reading up on the latest transportation news or building his library of transport history books he can be found traveling and learning about different cities
. RESPONSIBILITIES
Foster growth and operations in Regional Boards
Support local chapter leadership
Work with prospective new local chapters
Making processes easier for local chapters
Serve as a liaison between chapter leadership and International Directors
CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT KELVIN RUSSELL
CARTER MCCOY // CARDINAL INFRASTRUCTURE CONTACT // SPONSORSHIP@YPTRANSPORTATION.ORG YPT DC
I am a 2019 graduate of the University of Minnesota. With a degree in political science (what does that even mean these days), I bounced around several jobs ranging from the corporate affairs office of a privately-held travel company to the constituent services department of the Minnesota State House of Representatives. Passionate about transportation and urban development with a background in commerce and energy policy at the state level, I joined Cardinal Infrastructure as an Associate in February 2022. At Cardinal, I work with congressional staff and other federal stakeholders to advocate for sensible policies that improve the country’s transportation network. My favorite part of the job is representing local transit agencies and seeing the impacts made on their local communities when a project is completed. The highlight thus far is a BRT route in Spokane, Washington that began service in July 2023. I do not have a 5 or 10 year plan, but my goal is to stay in the transportation field and continue working with decision-makers to ensure that multimodal programs are adequately funded and regulations are properly administered. I am excited to work with everyone at YPT to bring awareness to the many opportunities for people of all skills, ages, and interests to engage with the transportation sector. Cheers to less studies and more construction in the coming years. In my time away from work, I enjoy playing basketball, golf, and lacrosse, hiking and sailing (really anything to spend time outside), cooking for my friends, having fires on the patio, doing crossword puzzles, and dreaming of building a sauna in my future backyard
RESPONSIBILITIES
Solicit and maintain international sponsors
Administer and keep up-to-date sponsorship levels
Provide accurate sponsorship information to the Director of Finance for budget
planning
SPONSORSHIP CARTER MCCOY
AMANDA MINUTELLO // AECOM CONTACT // INFO@YPTRANSPORTATION.ORG YPTPHOENIX
Amanda Minutello is a Traffic Engineer in the Phoenix, Arizona office with 3 years of experience. She was born and raised on Long Island, New York, but found her new home in Phoenix after attending Arizona State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Civil Engineering. At AECOM, her work focuses on traffic analysis and modeling, ranging from projects with light rail, traffic impact reports, safety studies, and corridor optimization. Amanda is the Phoenix office Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) Champion, and is involved with GP2W. In her free time, you can find her going to early-morning CrossFit classes, baking a new recipe, or relaxing on the couch with some popcorn and reality tv! . RESPONSIBILITIES
Development and distribution of YPT International communications and newsletters
Website design, management and coordination for all international chapters
Social media updates and management
Graphic Design and Video Editing
Development of Annual Report
COMMUNICATIONS AMANDA MINUTELLO
JD HUMPHREY // AECOM CONTACT // INFO@YPTRANSPORTATION.ORG YPT WASHINGTON DC
JD Humphrey is a Business Analyst at Amtrak. In his current role he works with key Amtrak functional areas and state partners to create strategies for sustainable growth of intercity passenger rail across the country. Prior to Amtrak he worked in Boston Consulting Group’s Technology, Media & Telecommunications vertical, and as a page at NBCUniversal.
He holds a B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and grew up in the Raleigh, North Carolina area before moving to Washington, D.C. In his free time he enjoys going for long runs along the Potomac, watching UNC basketball, and traveling to new places. RESPONSIBILITIES
Development and distribution of YPT International communications and newsletters
Website design, management and coordination for all international chapters
Social media updates and management
Graphic Design and Video Editing
Development of Annual Report
COMMUNICATIONS JD HUMPHREY
Board of Advisors 2023-2025
YPT’s Board of Advisors are preeminent public and private sector leaders in transportation with a wide range of exemplary experience in the field. We are grateful for their participation and willingness to assist the development of a new generation of transportation professionals.
YPT’s diversity of programming, events, publications and other opportunities is made possible through support from our annual Sponsors – firms and organizations within the transportation industry making a financial commitment to the development of the next generation of transportation professionals through their support. To learn more about becoming a Sponsor, please contact Sponsorship@yptransportation.org.
Becoming a YPT Sponsor
YPT’s vision is to become the preeminent professional development organization for emerging leaders in the transportation sector. Our members are the future of the global transportation community. Your generous support of our organization will ensure that you and your business will play a critical role in shaping a better transportation world for generations to come. YPT offers a number of exciting opportunities for you and your employees!
To view our Sponsorship Package, please click here.
If you would like to discuss benefits of Sponsorship, and how your company would like to get involved with YPT, please contact the Director of Sponsorship at Sponsorship@yptransportation.org.
2023 – 2024 Sponsors
As a federally-recognized 501(c)(6) non-profit entity, contributions or gifts to YPT are not tax deductible as charitable contributions. However, they may be tax deductible as ordinary and necessary business expenses.
Calendar
For information on how to post events within our social media channels or calendar please contact (Programs@yptransportation.org).
To show events for only select cities or chapters, use the arrow in the upper right corner of the calendar to adjust the visible events.
