Ana Sandoval, PE

I’ve always been fascinated by the way cities work and how people move within them. My journey into transportation engineering began with a strong interest in civil engineering. After completing my bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1998 at Florida International University, I joined the consulting community and started working on various transportation projects in Miami. The complexity and impact of these projects really drew me in, and I’ve been passionate about improving transportation systems ever since.

Over the years, I’ve been involved in a wide variety of areas, including transportation planning, traffic data collection, traffic operations, and safety-related projects. One of my primary responsibilities is conducting project development and environment studies, which are crucial for assessing the potential impacts of proposed transportation projects. These studies ensure that our projects are viable and environmentally sound.

Project managers do more than just balance budgets, review timelines, and keep stakeholders aligned. I strive to be proactive in identifying and addressing potential issues. Managing multimillion-dollar projects requires meticulous planning and coordination. Clear communication and a collaborative approach are key to success. I ensure that everyone involved understands the project goals and timelines, which helps in maintaining a smooth workflow.

Additionally, leveraging technology for project tracking and management has been crucial. Tools, like project management software, allow me to monitor progress, allocate resources efficiently, and quickly address any deviations from the plan. My aim is to create a structured yet flexible environment where each team member can thrive and deliver high-quality results on time and within budget.

Innovation is essential. The transportation industry is constantly evolving, and it’s imperative to stay at the forefront of emerging trends and technologies. I actively participate in industry conferences and forums to share my insights and learn from peers. Embracing innovative solutions helps us address the growing demands of urban transportation and create more sustainable and efficient systems.

My goal is to continue contributing to the fast-paced development of a robust and efficient transportation network that meets our community’s needs. Miami is evolving rapidly and our infrastructure must keep up. I’m committed to successfully delivering projects that improve mobility and enhance safety and sustainability, ensuring our city is well-equipped for the future.

My work aligns closely with Gannett Fleming’s vision of creating a better future by developing innovative and sustainable transportation solutions. By improving traffic flow, enhancing safety, and reducing environmental impacts, we contribute to building a more efficient and resilient infrastructure that benefits the community and the environment.

Gannett Fleming is deeply committed to the professional development of its employees. They offer numerous opportunities for continuing education, mentorship programs, and professional engineering certifications. This support has been invaluable in my career, allowing me to stay at the forefront of industry trends and continuously improve my skill sets.

Balancing the technical and managerial aspects of my role requires a lot of organization and prioritization. On the technical side, I stay up-to-date with the latest industry standards and technologies to ensure our projects are cutting-edge. On the managerial side, it’s about effective communication, team coordination, and time management. It’s a dynamic balance, but it keeps the job exciting and rewarding.

Follow your passion and stay curious. Transportation engineering is a dynamic field that offers endless opportunities to make a real impact. Be proactive in seeking out learning opportunities, and don’t be afraid to tackle challenging projects. If you’re interested in a project management position, strong management skills and a collaborative mindset will serve you well.

In my free time, I enjoy playing board games with my family, building puzzles, and watching movies. I also like exploring new dining experiences with friends.

My husband and I have been married for almost 29 years and have two daughters: Alex is 25 and Veronica is 24. I was born and raised in Colombia and moved to the United States when I was 21. I taught my daughters everything I could about Colombian culture. They were always fascinated by Colombian traditions and folklore. One fun tradition we still follow is serenading our family members on their birthdays first thing in the morning. Christmas Eve is also very special for us, and we always celebrate at our house with relatives and friends.

I’m deathly afraid of lizards, and they follow me everywhere!

My favorite way to unwind after a busy day is simply enjoying dinner with my husband — talking about our day or maybe going for a walk around the neighborhood.