GBA Celebrates Embark Class Graduation
On March 12, 2026, GBA proudly graduated 24 early-career professionals from Embark (formerly the Early Professional Class)—Level 1 of GBA’s Geoprofessional Career Ascent Program (GCAP) within the GBA Career Continuum.
Delivered as a series of live virtual sessions, Embark helps early professionals build the consulting fundamentals that accelerate growth beyond technical work alone—strengthening communication, ethics, proposals, contracts, risk awareness, and project management.
During the graduation presentations, participants shared what changed for them—and what they’ll carry forward.
GBA Board member Carrie Rodriguez, P.E., G.E. (BSK Associates), grounded the celebration in the deeper purpose of the geoprofessions, reminding graduates: “You are the foundation of a civil society and you’re responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Knowing that helps me stay inspired to do what I do.”
“This program really encouraged us to look beyond our day-to-day technical roles and have a better understanding of the geoprofessional business,” said graduate Priya Patel (Geo-Technology Associates). Priya described a post-class mindset shift toward stronger presence and understanding in conversations: “You can’t learn while you’re talking.”
Charlotte Green, E.I.T., (D.W. Kozera) emphasized the difference between competence and impact: “Our technical expertise gets us a seat at the table. It’s our other skills that make us successful.”
Congratulations to the March 2026 Embark graduates:
• Erin Binkley (Froehling & Roberston)
• Adam Blazejowski (UES)
• Abby Brandstatter (NTH Consultants)
• Josh Budean (Blackburn Consulting)
• Abi Carr, P.E. (S&ME)
• Rocio Carrillo, P.E. (Earth Systems)
• William Cook (Bunnell-Lammons Engineering)
• David Corry (S&ME)
• Ethan DeMaio (CTL|Thompson)
• Charlotte Green, E.I.T. (D.W. Kozera)
• Colin Gross (G2 Consulting Group)
• Miranda Hemenway (Structure Groups)
• Chris James (UES)
• Isaac Koroma (Geotechnical Consultants, Inc.)
• Jack Lawton, P.E., E.I.T. (G2 Consulting Group)
• Alex Lulias, P.E. (Sanborn, Head, & Associates)
• Collin Metz (UES)
• Priya Patel (Geo-Technology Associates)
• Lucas Powell (Froehling & Roberston)
• Anna Regnier (WSP)
• Liza Romanyuk (Blackburn Consulting)
• Daniel Rykowski (Strata)
• Tanner Whitesell, E.I.T (Bunnell-Lammons Engineering)
• Kelsey Woodburn (GFT)
Speaking to the graduates and their sponsors/nominators, class subject matter experts, GCAP Task Force members, and GBA leaders at the graduation, GBA Executive Director Joel Carson reflected that, “This is a really high potential group of leaders who are passionate about the geoprofessions.”
Nominations Now Open: Embark and Ascend
GBA is currently accepting nominations for future cohorts of Embark (early professionals) and Ascend (emerging managers). Learn more about GCAP and submit nominations HERE.