What I Learned From Annual Leadership Program in Reno, NV

Reno

Maria Paz Fernandez relocated to Reno from Peru in 1998. She is a civil engineer and project manager for The Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County as well as a participant in the Reno + Sparks Chamber’s 2021 Annual Leadership Program. Read ahead to learn more about her experience. 

What was it like participating in the Annual Leadership Program? 

It was a great program because I made a lot of connections. It was great for networking. I developed some good friendships. The program provided insights into what is happening in our community. Those insights came from local leaders, like the mayor of Reno, the mayor of Sparks, the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority, the Commission on Tourism and major health systems, so it made us aware of what challenges we are facing in our region. 

What type of topics did you cover in the program? 

The program covered a long-term vision of what so many businesses, institutions and local governments are doing and what’s happening in our region, because sometimes, the information doesn’t make it to the newspapers. 

How has participating in the Annual Leadership Program positively impacted your career? 

From the first day I walked in to the last day when I graduated, I noticed my growth as a professional. I’ve created meaningful connections with leaders in my community. The program helps improve communication and networking. That resulted in more successful projects that I was able to deliver. 

Since completing the program, how have you applied what you’ve learned? 

I work on special projects for The Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County. Before the program, I couldn’t see the bigger picture from a project perspective. After the program, I could see the big picture from my agency’s point of view and how so many other agencies are involved. For example, I could see how my transportation road projects impacted the economy. When we do construction, we affect small businesses, so I am able to connect with the small businesses and explain to them what we are doing. 

What do you love about the Reno-Sparks region? 

What brought me here and got me to stay is that we’re small enough to go from one side of town to the other within 15 to 20 minutes. But we’re a big city in the sense that we have all the facilities and amenities of a bigger city. You get the best of both worlds. You get the feeling of a small town, and you get to know many people. It’s a little niche. But you also get the amenities of a larger community without having to drive two hours from one side to the other. 

What are other great perks that readers should know about the Reno-Sparks region? 

We have a university that I attended, and I was able to balance work, family and college. I don’t think that would have been possible in a bigger city because of distance and time. But here, you’re able to get around quickly and easily. You even have time to go to the gym. If you like to work out, there are a lot of gyms in Reno and Sparks, and some of them are 24/7 since we’re a 24/7 town because of our casino operations. Also, the casinos bring great shows and entertainment. There are lots of lounges, bars and coffee shops to hang out with friends. There are a lot of small businesses booming here. We also have great hiking trails and easy access to Lake Tahoe, skiing and other outdoor activities.