Mission Statement

Develop skills and knowledge within women in WTS Minnesota to be advocates in individual workplaces to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in the transportation industry. Increase and support diversity within WTS Minnesota membership, leadership and program participants to better reflect our changing communities.

In order to accomplish this mission, the Committee identified nine diversity and inclusion goals as focus areas for near-term activities.

These goals include:

• Race/Ethnicity
  • Increase opportunities for women of color in the transportation industry
  • Increase the participation of women of color in WTS Minnesota programs, events and leadership
• General
  • Create and foster an inclusive environment in WTS Minnesota and all related programs and events so all people feel welcome, included and valued
  • Promote self-education related diversity and inclusion topics among WTS members
• Experience
  • Increase the participation of women in leadership positions/more experienced women in WTS Minnesota programs, events and leadership
• Job Type
  • Expand WTS Minnesota membership and participation to include more people from transportation jobs other than planning and engineering
• Geography
  • Expand WTS Minnesota membership and participation to include more people outside of Minneapolis & St. Paul, and the Twin Cities in general.
• Disability
  • Ensure WTS Minnesota meetings, events and materials are accessible for individuals with disabilities
• Gender
  • Make WTS Minnesota a welcoming environment for people of all gender identities

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Best Practices

The WTS MN Diversity and Inclusion Committee developed a survey to send to member organizations to understand the various efforts, policies, and best practices surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion in the transportation industry. The goal of this effort was to understand where organizations were as it related to policies, training, and programs aimed at the promotion of employees that identify as black, indigenous, or a person of color. 

For more information about the WTS MN Diversity & Inclusion Committee, contact Jennifer Wiltgen or Emma Lucken.

We compiled responses we received into a summary of best practices:

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