Meet Maggie Paratore – Transportation Engineer & Lifelong Creative
What drew you to Hoyle Tanner?
I first heard of Hoyle Tanner when I had the opportunity to speak to Stephen Haas and Steph Bishop at my school’s spring career fair. It was so exciting to learn about the company and speak to people who had the same passion that I had! I loved hearing about the projects they were working on and really enjoyed the idea of a smaller company, which allowed for a more personal experience. On top of all that, I really wanted to stay in the New England area and work on projects close to home.
What’s the coolest thing you are working on & why?
One of the first projects I got to work on was an engineering study for intersection improvements in my hometown of Nashua! I think it’s so rewarding to help improve the world around us, and it was even cooler to see that happen in a place I’ve driven through hundreds of times.
What’s your favorite part of the company culture?
Definitely the people, everyone I’ve met so far has been so nice! It really makes such a difference when the people you work with care for each other’s well-being.
What’s a lesson you’ve learned from a colleague?
Never be afraid to ask questions! I feel like I’m constantly learning because I ask so many questions, which is great because it allows me to expand my skills each time.
What’s one thing you wish people knew about your job?
I wish people knew that you don’t have to be some sort of super genius to be an engineer, you just have to be willing to learn and apply yourself to challenging situations.
What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?
It may sounds counterintuitive, but some of the best advice I’ve received from one of my mentors is “know when to quit.” I’m definitely the type of person to get easily excited and over commit myself, so it’s important to take a moment sometimes and reassess how I’m spending my energy. At the end of the day, balance, and knowing when to stop, is crucial in making sure everything gets the time and energy it deserves.
How do you like to unwind after a busy day at work?
I try and make time each week to do something creative, lately I’ve been really into collage and printmaking. I also love to try new mediums when I have time. Art has always been a huge part of my life, and I credit that influence to helping me really develop my creative problem solving skills. It’s so rewarding to create something not because I have to, but just because it brings me enjoyment and allows me to express myself in a fun way.
What are the top 3 emojis you use the most?
Definitely sunglasses emoji 😎, heart hands, and laughing crying 🤣
What’s the best thing that’s happened to you recently (this week, this month, this year)?
2024 was a very busy year for me, I graduated college in May and started here in June. Both have been big changes but I’m really happy with how everything is going so far.
What’s a cause or organization you’re passionate about and why?
End 68 Hours of Hunger is a great organization focused on addressing food insecurity for children who get a large percentage of their meals from schools. One in five children struggle with food insecurity in the US, and I think it’s so important to help support organizations who are working to address these issues.
What’s your go-to lunch or lunch spot?
Our office go-to is the Pressed Café down the street, but my personal favorite is the Riverwalk Café in Nashua. They have fantastic coffee, grabbing a latte and hanging out there is one of my most prized weekly rituals.
What’s your pump-up playlist or song lately?
I’m an avid CD collector, and I just got ELO’s “Out of the Blue.” I would say anything on that album is great mood booster!
What’s a hobby you have outside of work?
I absolutely love going to art museums! The Worcester Art Museum is my personal favorite and also the one I’ve been to the most, I know that place inside and out. I feel so lucky that my passion for art and art history was something that I really got to explore in college, and it’s definitely something I will continue to enjoy in the future. Some of my other hobbies include baking, reading, listening to music, and hanging out with my friends.
Words to live by? Favorite quote? Why?
I always try to remember, “Joy is cheap.” It shouldn’t be expensive or overly difficult to find small moments of joy each day. Life can feel really difficult or complicated a lot of the time, so I always try and remind myself of the many ways I can find joy in the world and also create small moments of joy for other people.
