Jignasa Ray, P.E. is NYS licensed Professional Engineer with over 10+ years of experience in engineering design, construction and project management of transit and transportation projects including communications systems and toll systems. Currently, she is employed by MTA Bridges and Tunnels as an Intelligent Transportation System Project Manager and implements the System Engineering processes for various initiatives including all-electronic tolling. She has worked in both the public and private sector and has significant experience in telecommunications and project management. Jignasa has a BS in Electronics Engineering from DeVry Institute of Technology and MS in Transportation Management from NYU Polytechnic University. She has also completed the EXEC 21 Construction Certificate program from NYU Polytechnic.

Jignasa has been an active IEEE volunteer since 2006. She is currently chair of the Region 1 Student Activities Committee (SAC), Chair of North Jersey's SAC, and Chair of the North Jersey's Women in Engineering (WIE). She also serves on the international MGA SAC Committee and IEEE-USA Communications Committee. She also Co-Chaired the 2009 Region 1 Women in Engineering Professional Development Seminar in White Plains, NY on 25-27 September 2009. In previous years, she has served as the NY Section conference coordinator, Region 1 southern area Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) coordinator and vice-chair of NY WIE and NY GOLD. She worked with the IEEE NY Section societies and affinity groups for coordination and volunteered at the 2009 IEEE-USA Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Jignasa is passionate about teaching and sharing her knowledge to encourage women in engineering careers and to help motivate the students and young professionals to prepare themselves for their careers.

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DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP SKILLS TO GAIN COMPETITIVE EDGE

Investing in yourself by developing your skills is one of the most important things you can do to enhance your professional career. Choosing the right development goals and having the right attitude is essential for your career success. This presentation will teach you about the characteristics of a good leader, the daily challenges they face, and how you can develop these skills for yourself.

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DON’T BE SCARED OF TAKING THE FUNDAMENTALS OF ENGINEERING EXAM

What is the FE Exam? Why should you consider getting your PE license? How do you overcome the fears that come with taking such an exam? Interested in being more prepared as you consider taking the first step to being licensed engineer? This will teach you more about what the Fundamental of Engineering (FE) exam is and how to effectively prepare for it. The presentation will inform you of the registration process, the studying techniques and just getting a handle on the test anxieties. It will also give insight on various resources for studying and tips that will make this exam more approachable.

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NETWORKING FOR THE CAREER YOU WANT

Research shows that first impressions not only count but they are very hard to change. Make sure you are consistently and carefully creating the image you want to be known by within your organization. This session will focus on learning how to create a more powerful and positive first impression, defining and communicating your “elevator” speech, controlling what you can in how others perceive you and tips for practicing your networking skills.

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UNDERSTANDING EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND MANAGING REACTIONS AND CONFLICT

Emotional Intelligence (EI) describes a complex ability to regulate your impulses, empathize with others, and effectively get things done in challenging times. Doubtless you’re already using EI, and doubtless it contributes to your success. During stressful times, as in the present economic climate, our brains do not function at the level we would like. Stress diminishes our ability to think clearly and rationally, causing us to respond in a less than sensible and logical manner. By managing our reactions, we can dramatically enhance our success in any situation, including intense pressure. This workshop is based on research that shows we need to practice in mock stressful situations. This is one of the few methods that build our ability to call on our intellect when solving problems. The result is productive communication and win-win solutions that leave all parties with a sense of accomplishment both personally and for the business.

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