Our History 

WTS stands for Women's Transportation Seminar, which was how it was named when founded in 1977 when women couldn't get subsidized for association memberships unless they were educational. But times have changed, and now joining an association is an opportunity women and men can take advantage of to work together and benefit each other in their careers.

We have kept the name WTS to serve as a reminder of the long way we have come since 1977.  We will not forget the hard work, dedication and sacrifices many women made to make us what we are today.

Our Mission

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A WTS Connecticut Chapter that provides exceptional benefits to its members in the areas of professional development, career support, mentorship, and student outreach; offers leadership, educational, and networking opportunities; advances women in the transportation industry; and strives to function in an environmentally sustainable manner, with integrity and a commitment to diversity.

In November 1991 the first Connecticut Valley Chapter Newsletter was published, including an announcement that there were 87 participants interested in helping start a WTS Connecticut Chapter. At that time the WTS Mission read:

“Women’s Transportation Seminar leads the way in the professional development of women in transportation.  Through an extensive program of meetings, lectures, and aggressive chapter development, WTS fosters, on both a personal and professional level, interaction and communication amount members of the transportation industry. WTS provides a neutral forum for the exchange of information, and a vehicle for network development.  In so doing, WTS advances the professionalism of its individual members, as well as transportation as a whole.  The organization serves the professionals at the forefront of industry change, and thus provides a conduit for membership contributions to the future of transportation.” 

The Connecticut Valley Chapter was founded in January 1992 by the following women:

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President:  Christina Olson

Vice President:  Marjorie S. Anthony

Secretary:  Diane Connolly

Treasurer:  Jeanne Chambers

 

Program Committee:  Geraldine P. Munroe

Newsletter Committee:  Pamela V. Johnson and Maria V. McEvory

Membership Committee:  Nita E. Gagne

Fundraising Committee:  Ruth Fitzgerald

Publicity Committee:  Susan Reynolds

 

On April 23, 1992, WTS Connecticut Valley Chapter held the first Annual Luncheon at the Farmington Marriott Hotel, with Guest Speaker Richard P. Rathbun, Director of Rail Operations, for the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

Fast forward to 2017, the 25th Anniversary of the WTS Connecticut Chapter, we have come a long way from where the founding members started.  The core values of the WTS Mission have remained, and this chapter has grown into a well-respected transportation and leadership organization. Many of the chapter members have been involved since its onset.  Some of the amazing accomplishments include the following:

• Job Bank
• Fantastic Programs, well respected and attended by the Transportation Community
• Annual Awards and Scholarship Banquet
• Annual Transportation Mini Series (TMS)
• Development of an Advisory Council
• Student Outreach Program
• Diversity Program
• Corporate Sponsorship Program
• Mentorship Program
• Leadership Program
• WTS International Regional Representative
• WTS CT Member Scholarships including:
  • Leadership Conference
  • International Conference
  • TMS – for Members
  • TMS – for Students

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