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WTS-Boston Programs for Emerging Professionals and Emerging Leaders

WTS-Boston Announces Emerging Professionals and Emerging Leaders Program applications for 2027

Applications are due by November 13, 2026

WTS-Boston recognizes the importance of continuous engagement and support of transportation professionals and is opening the application period for the Emerging Professionals (EPs) and Emerging Leaders (ELs) Programs.

Each program is designed to empower and support women pursuing leadership roles within the transportation sector. Over the past years, we have seen remarkable growth, development and networking opportunities for our participants. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the programs impact on professional and personal growth.

Both programs are tailored toward women, providing annual awards to the WTS-Boston community. Eligible applicants must work in a transportation-related career and not be eligible to receive reimbursement from their employer for WTS membership expenses. 

Emerging Professionals Program applicants should have no more than five (5) years of full-time post-graduate professional experience in the transportation field.

Emerging Leaders Program aims to provide a platform for women in the transportation industry with five (5) to ten (10) years of experience.

The goal of both programs is to provide a platform for continuous development in the transportation industry where new or experienced professionals have the opportunity of enhancing leadership skills, expanding knowledge of the industry, and/or building a network of professional connections. 

*Read about the current EPs and ELs for 2026 HERE.

*Reflections on the 2025 EP/EL program can be found HERE.

Group of women smiling
From left to right: Maria Firan, WTS Mentoring Co-Chair, Anna Tayag, 2026 Emerging Leader, Georgia Klein, 2026 Emerging Professional, Francisca Heming, WTS Fundraising Committee, Courtney King, 2026 Emerging Professional, Mallory Bedford, 2026 Emerging Professional, and Cassandra Kelly, WTS Mentoring Committee, at the WTS-Boston 2026 New Years Reception. 

 

Group of women smiling in front of windows with city skyline
From left to right: Rica Ueda, WTS-Boston Mentoring Co-Chair, Maria Firan, WTS Mentoring Co-Chair, Cassandra Kelly, WTS Mentoring Committee, Courtney King, 2026 Emerging Professional, Mallory Bedford, 2026 Emerging Professional, and Snigdha Kar, 2026 Emerging Leader, at the WTS-Boston 2026 September Luncheon.
Apply to become a WTS-Boston Emerging Professional or Emerging Leader!

Selected participants of the Program for Emerging Professionals and Emerging Leaders will receive:

  • Paid membership dues from January through December 2027.
  • Opportunity to attend any WTS-Boston virtual events and paid attendance to a variety of in-person events in 2027.
  • Advisor commitment from a senior WTS-Boston board member or industry leader through December 2027.

Current and previous candidates in the Emerging Professionals Program that meet the Emerging Leaders Program requirements are eligible to apply to the Emerging Leaders Program.

Please note if choosing to apply for Emerging Leaders Program, there is a supplemental section in the application.

Apply here  

Completed applications must be submitted to [email protected] no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 13, 2026.

For questions, please contact Mentoring Committee Members: Maria Firan  [email protected]; Rica Ueda  [email protected]; or Cassandra Kelly  [email protected]