Erica Wygonik Reports on her Eno Fellowship Experience
This past week I was able to attend the Eno Leadership Development Conference as an Eno Fellow, sponsored in part by TransNow -- it was amazing. The Eno Leadership Development Conference introduces young transportation professionals to transportation policy. First, and possibly most importantly, I spent the entire week with fellow students interested in transportation from all sorts of backgrounds and academic interest areas. The students were really energizing, and I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to get to know them. I look forward to our paths crossing regularly in the future.
In addition to the time spent with the other Eno Fellows, every minute of our week was filled with an impressive array of panelists involved in transportation policy. We started with a few overviews of the legislative system, and then met with experts in different fields, lobbyists, and the staffers for the House and Senate committees in charge of the next transportation bill. That so many busy and important people would take time out of their days to meet with us was an incredible honor, and we were able to learn so much more by speaking with them.
Lastly, I was truly impressed with the level of organization the Eno Center for Transportation Leadership, and especially its Director -Lindsey Robertson, provided. The entire week ran seamlessly. On every level this experience was more than I had expected. It was enriching and challenging, it was run with military precision, and I've returned to UW with a wider network of colleagues interested in solving the challenging transportation policy issues of our time. Many thanks to TransNow and the Eno Foundation for enabling my trip!