Ines Aviles-Spadoni, who serves as the research coordinator for the UFTI’s U.S. DOT grant-funded University Transportation Center (STRIDE), completed a 9-month program for emerging leaders at the University of Florida. The program is designed to teach the competitively selected participants about the university culture, learn about its organizational structure, and engage with key UF leaders such as the UF president and vice presidents.

Ms. Aviles-Spadoni was one of 13 competitively selected participants comprised of faculty and staff at UF. A highlight of the program was the one-day trip to Tallahassee, Fla., to meet with various legislators.  Self-development was also part of the program that included various assigned readings, job shadowing, and a “Leadership Foundations” workshop. The program culminated in a graduation ceremony at University House, which was the former residence of UF presidents since 1953. .All graduates received a quaint plaque from Tricia Bachus, who directs the program. During the ceremony, Ms. Bachus said about Ms. Aviles-Spadoni, “She never seems to do anything half-way, and that includes personal and professional development, constantly pushing herself out of her comfort zone.”