Engineering Professional Growth and Quality and Cultivating the Next Generation

An ancient African proverb states, “It takes a village to raise a child.” The truth behind this statement is that success in nearly any endeavor requires people who care, who pitch in to help when life becomes challenging. The same concept can be applied to the role of various professions in our modern world. That is, it takes a variety of dedicated professionals working as a team and in their respective disciplines to deliver services that enhance the quality of life. Note: This article is derived from a presentation Professor Russell delivered in a May 2007 Chicago Section APWA meeting on workforce development and leadership.