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Cecilia LaVariega Salvans
Cecilia LaVariega Salvans
01:23

Cecilia LaVariega Salvans

AECOM

Allen, TX USA

"No matter where your career goes, always remember where you came from."

Career Roadmap

Cecilia's work combines: Design, Engineering, and Working with Others

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Day In The Life

Senior Urban Planner

I manage community development projects for clients.

03:03

Day In The Life Of A Senior Urban Planner

My Day to Day

My days involve project calls, analytical reports, conducting progressing reports, outlining project timelines and actions times for the week, and delegating to team members.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Communications

    University of California, San Diego

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Urban Studies and Planning

    University of California, San Diego

  • Certification

    Geographic Information Systems Technician

    San Diego Mesa College

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life has been direct

  • 1.

    I was born and raised in Palm Springs, California.

  • 2.

    I attended the University of California, San Diego, and double majored in communications and urban studies and planning.

  • 3.

    I gained experience in city planning during an internship for the City of Coachella but ultimately decided that I wanted to go out and make a name for myself rather than stay in the Coachella Valley.

  • 4.

    I went back to San Diego and earned a certificate in geographic information systems, which helped me get an internship with URS Corporation, an AECOM company.

  • 5.

    I stayed with URS, gained more experience, and worked my way up to leading projects.

  • 6.

    After five years, my husband and I decided to move to Dallas, Texas—fortunately, I was able to transfer with my company.

  • 7.

    I’ve been with AECOM for almost 13 years now and currently work as a senior urban planner.

Defining Moments

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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  • I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I just had to take it one day at a time—giving up wasn't a choice. Fortunately, I caught it early enough that my chances of survival were high. I now use my story to help other people.