At a recent session, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: The Women Leading Massachusetts’ Transportation Transformation, at the 2026 Women’s Transportation Seminar Northeast Regional Conference, VHB Senior Vice President and New England Regional Manager Meredith Avery (pictured left) moderated a panel of leaders from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport), and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). The discussion highlighted the progress, collaboration, and modernization efforts of these talented women who are reshaping mobility across highways, rail, transit, and aviation in Massachusetts.
Panelists included Erika Mazza - MBTA, Luciana Burdi - Massport, Meredith Slesinger - MassDOT, and Carrie Lavallee - MassDOT (pictured from middle left above).
“There’s something truly special about moderating a panel of women trailblazers who are delivering real transformation for communities across our state,” said Meredith. “What I love about this group is that they don’t just talk about change—they are out there making it happen, one project, one innovative approach and one mentorship moment at a time. And every time we challenge an assumption or lift each other up, we’re not just building better transportation; we’re building a future where no girl has to wonder if she belongs here."
Panelists shared insights on future focused technologies, infrastructure upgrades, and the leadership approaches needed to build resilient teams. Their stories underscored the power of innovation, mentorship, and cross-agency partnership in shaping a more connected, sustainable, and equitable future for Massachusetts.
Learn how VHB is helping advance transportation transformation.
