The Point: Talented women are leading the way in transportation and land conservation
March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women in our society. As an agency with a staff made up of predominately women, 56% to be exact, RCTC understands the value of women in the workplace. These talented individuals working at RCTC and for engineering, planning, and outreach firms, are transforming transportation and leading important conservation efforts in Riverside County.
Women comprised of only 8% of the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) workforce in the 1970s. By 2019, that number had climbed to 27%. As more women enter the STEM fields, they can look to RCTC’s elected officials, executives, and project managers for inspiration.
Lake Elsinore Mayor Natasha Johnson is serving her third term as Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority’s Chair of the Board. As the managing agency of the RCA, RCTC is helping implement the Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) to form a habitat reserve for 146 native plant and animal species. During Chair Johnson’s tenure, she has led the acquisition of 3,436 acres of land to support the region’s species and protect open space, navigated the RCA’s transition to new management under RCTC, and increased stakeholder engagement with the Board of Directors.
As the Executive Director of RCTC, Anne Mayer leads a staff of 74 and is responsible for RCTC’s delivery of transportation projects and programs that support the quality of life and economy of Riverside County. Combining her technical expertise as a Registered Civil Engineer with a commitment to public service, Mayer has served for nearly 40 years in the Inland Empire transportation profession. She is a graduate of Michigan State University.
Nisa Hester, Bechtel’s Project Delivery Manager for RCTC, has helped advance critical infrastructure projects that support Riverside County’s rapidly growing population. She leads a 20-member team of engineers and support staff for planning, design, and construction of highway and rail projects. During her 12 years with Bechtel, Hester helped deliver the I-15 Express Lanes Project and the Metrolink 91/Perris Valley Line.
This Women’s History Month, RCTC acknowledges the efforts of these exceptional women. They are blazing a trail for a new generation of talented women.
Nisa Hester, Bechtel’s Project Delivery Manager for RCTC, has helped advance critical infrastructure projects that support Riverside County’s rapidly growing population. She leads a 20-member team of engineers and support staff for planning, design, and construction of highway and rail projects. During her 12 years with Bechtel, Hester helped deliver the I-15 Express Lanes Project and the Metrolink 91/Perris Valley Line.
This Women’s History Month, RCTC acknowledges the efforts of these exceptional women. They are blazing a trail for a new generation of talented women.