WGI Unleashed Podcast Episode 84: Coriann Salas, Corporate Program Manager
It’s that time again – Welcome back to another episode of the WGI Unleashed Podcast!
Join us for our 84th episode as we sit down with Coriann Salas, WGI’s Corporate Program Manager in Fort Lauderdale, Florida!
Coriann’s journey began in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan before relocating to Florida at the age of ten. Now, with over two decades spent in the Sunshine State, she proudly considers herself a “Native Floridian.” And having spent her formative years in the sun and sand, it’s no surprise that her academic and career journey ultimately kicked off at the University of Central Florida.
A Calling in Engineering
Stemming from a family of engineers, Coriann initially chose to study environmental sciences, hoping to carve out a different path than that of her relatives. However, her natural aptitude for mathematics alongside some impactful advice from a professor quickly guided her back to engineering. This switch, small as it may seem, not only aligned with Coriann’s strengths but also equipped her with essential life skills that she consistently incorporates into her daily work, such as problem-solving and organization.
Coriann’s professional journey began with a structural engineering internship, where she, not so excitingly, helped design water and wastewater treatment tanks. Determined to secure a better foothold in the industry, she tirelessly reached out to numerous engineering firms in the state of Florida until she landed a position as a junior bridge designer. Over 13 years, she honed her skills and deepened her understanding of the engineering landscape while creating connections and relationships that would benefit her greatly throughout her career.
Rising to New Challenges with WGI
Through relentless tenacity and effective networking over her years in the industry, Coriann was eventually offered an opportunity to grow WGI’s transportation team while leading a team of bridge designers.
However, one of Coriann’s proudest and most significant achievements with WGI was having the opportunity to open the Fort Lauderdale office location – allowing her to grow professionally while also building an office and culture that she can reflect on fondly.
A New Role with Broader Impact
After years in the industry, Coriann’s career path took a pivotal turn when she was asked to spearhead WGI’s companywide transition from a legacy internal associate and client database, Deltek Vision, to a new and improved platform, BST. Achieving the success she did throughout this initiative resulted in Coriann being promoted to the role of Corporate Program Manager.
With this new opportunity, Coriann has since spearheaded other key initiatives, including enhancing Quality Assurance/Quality Control practices and procedures across the company. Her work now involves collaborating with almost every department, from Finance and Accounting to Human Resources and everywhere in between.
Coriann’s dedication and commitment to WGI’s core value: “Be the change you seek” has cemented her as an invaluable resource for WGI. And although while her true passions lie in working behind the scenes and making significant impacts across various facets of the organization, she still appreciates her roots and finds herself occasionally jumping at the opportunity to get her hands dirty in plan sheets.
Beyond Engineering
Beyond the office, Coriann is a devoted mother of two and a fitness enthusiast who has completed the 7-mile marathon in the Florida Keys (once) as well as hiked the Everglades National Park, showcasing her adventurous spirit. And although health is a priority for Coriann, she still manages a passion for baking sweet treats, appreciating the precision and mathematical aspects it involves.
Join us in this inspiring episode of WGI Unleashed as Coriann Salas shares her journey, insights, and the values that have driven her career and successes with WGI. So, grab those headphones and crank up the volume because it’s time to get unleashed!
Plus, don’t forget to tune in next time as we unravel more captivating tales and insights on the WGI Unleashed Podcast. Until then, stay inspired and keep unleashing your potential!
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Coriann Salas
Coriann has worked in the area of structural engineering and management since 2001. She has served as engineer of record, project manager, and lead engineer for various types of projects, including urban and rural bridges, limited access bridges, and miscellaneous structures such as marine walls and rehabilitation projects for state/local governmental entities and private clients.
Her experience encompasses complete project plans and specifications preparation, RFP development, repair and rehabilitation recommendations, design-build projects, and plans reviews. Primary types of structural design/rehabilitation projects she has completed include AASHTO and FIB girder bridges, steel truss bridges, bridge widenings, noisewalls, retaining walls, box culverts, foundations, and various pedestrian facilities such as pedestrian bridges, elevated platforms, boardwalks, and other miscellaneous concrete and steel structures.