Panel Discussion
Thursday, November 21, 2024
6:00-7:00
Introduction by Joe Eckert
Ph.D. Program Manager, Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering
Panel Discussion Moderated by Sarah Elwood
Professor and Interim Chair, Department of Geography
Audience Questions Facilitated by Gretchen Sneegas
Assistant Teaching Professor, Department of Geography
7:00-7:30
Small Group Discussions
Meet Our Panelists
Rachel Kirschner | Engineering Technician in Construction Inspection, City of Redwood City
Currently serving as an Engineering Technician in Construction Inspection for the City of Redwood City, Rachel plays a critical role in assisting permit staff with the review and coordination of engineering and utility permits. Her responsibilities include inspecting construction and improvement projects within public right-of-way, where she identifies and resolves issues to contribute to the overall success and safety of projects. Prior to her current role, Rachel worked as an Outside Plant Engineer at Verizon, which involved designing, maintaining, and modifying GIS applications to enhance field efficiency and accuracy. Her role also involved training construction managers and inspectors on proprietary software, which significantly improved project execution. Her initial experience as a GIS Technician at Apple involved editing spatial data and updating geographic databases to improve data accuracy and reliability.
In addition to her professional experience, Rachel was the business owner of the 3GIS Mobile application and has been recognized as a participant in the 2021 Women of the World leadership program. Her education was further complemented by a course in Design Communication from UC Berkeley Extension and two certifications from the Maintenance Superintendents association. Most of her free time is spent with her high-energy Border Collie! She also has a deep passion for cooking, baking and film photography.
Rebecca Kuhn | Administrative Specialist III, City of Seattle
Becca Kuhn (she/her) graduated with a B.A. in Geography from the University of Washington (UW) in 2018. During her time at UW, she was a member of the UW Spirit Cheer & Dance program and participated in Departmental Honors. Following her graduation, she traveled to Minca, Colombia to serve as a Communications Intern with Misión Gaia through the Omprakash Social Impact Internships.
After returning back home to Seattle, she began her career in social service nonprofit work with the YMCA of Greater Seattle. During her time at the Y, she served in a variety of community engagement roles focused on capacity and relationship building, development and volunteerism, and administrative support. In 2020, when the country was faced with a global health pandemic and a public reckoning of racial injustice, she returned to school to complete her Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) understanding that policy and governance, while flawed, remain a powerful vehicle to enact change. After two years of juggling graduate school and full-time work, Becca graduated with her MPA from Seattle University in December 2022.
After obtaining her graduate degree, she sought out a new opportunity to work on a local campaign. She had, and still has, a deep interest in practicing community engagement and outreach to organize communities, namely those which have been historically, and are presently, disenfranchised. After joining Seattle City Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth’s campaign as her Campaign Manager, it didn’t take long to see firsthand the importance of community connection in fostering authentic engagement and the power of collaboration in advancing shared goals.
Becca started working at the City of Seattle in the Human Services Department on the Legislative and External Affairs team in an Administrative role in January 2024.
Catherine Wendland | GIS Communications Lead, City of Seattle
Catherine Wendland is a key member of the City of Seattle’s centralized GIS Team in the IT department. She helps develop and enforce standards for the City’s GIS platform, creating a knowledge base for thousands of users. Catherine specializes in documentation and communication, making complex technical concepts clear and accessible.
Catherine graduated from the University of Washington with a B.A. in Geography in 2012. During her time at UW, she interned at the City of Seattle on the GIS Team, where she documented workflows that became essential training resources. This initiative helped secure her a full-time position post-graduation.
Over the years, Catherine’s exceptional communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills have propelled her into her current role. She continues to leverage these strengths to make a significant impact in her field.
Outside of her GIS endeavors, Catherine plays a vital role in supporting her partner’s small business ventures—a restaurant group comprising four cafes and restaurants in South and Central Seattle. Balancing her career and family life, Catherine and her partner are also the proud parents of two toddlers who keep them joyfully busy.